Here are the most entertaining 1990s British sitcoms, ranked from incredibly awesome to still pretty awesome according to user opinions. The sitcoms from the 90s in Britain were a wild mix of hilarious antics and brainy humor. Some of these laugh-out-loud shows even became super popular in the US or gained a dedicated following across the pond.
One outstanding comedy from the 90s is I’m Alan Partridge, which burst onto the scene in 1997. Steve Coogan’s portrayal of the main character was so brilliant that the show won two BAFTA Awards. Another gem from that era is Father Ted, which had folks glued to their TV screens in the UK.
If you’re craving some seriously funny female-led comedy, you absolutely cannot miss Absolutely Fabulous, starring the fabulous duo of Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley. This series is an absolute riot. Other amazing shows on this list of top 1990s British comedies include Men Behaving Badly, Keeping Up Appearances, and The Royle Family.
Do you have any favorite British comedy TV shows from the 90s? Take a peek at this list and let us know which ones tickle your funny bone the most. Together, let’s celebrate these side-splitting classics!
1. Only Fools and Horses
Hey, have you ever heard of Only Fools and Horses? It’s this wicked British sitcom that ran from 1981 to 2003 and it’s still super popular with fans today. The show is set in Peckham, South London and it’s all about these two brothers, Del Boy (played by David Jason) and Rodney (played by Nicholas Lyndhurst). These guys are always coming up with these crazy schemes to get rich quick and it’s absolutely hilarious. I mean, they’re just three-wheeled van drivers selling knock-off stuff, but somehow they managed to become iconic characters in British TV history.
Premiered: September 8, 1981
David Jason, Nicholas Lyndhurst, Buster Merryfield
2. Red Dwarf
Let’s talk about Red Dwarf, that sci-fi comedy that really got people hooked. It’s all about this guy named Dave Lister, played by Craig Charles, who happens to be the last human alive. He’s just floating around in space with his pals, Cat (Danny John-Jules), Rimmer (Chris Barrie), and Kryten (Robert Llewellyn).
What made this show so special was how it mixed hilarious jokes with some seriously strange and offbeat storylines. It quickly gained a devoted fan base and became a beloved staple of 90s British TV.
Premiered: February 15, 1988
Actors: Craig Charles, Danny John-Jules, Chris Barrie
3. One Foot in the Grave
One Foot in the Grave was a TV show that followed the life of Victor Meldrew, a grumpy old man played by Richard Wilson, as he tackled the challenges of retirement alongside his patient wife, Margaret, portrayed by Annette Crosbie. This sitcom became quite famous for its memorable catchphrase, ‘I don’t believe it!’, and it skillfully depicted the everyday frustrations and ridiculousness that people encounter. It left a strong impact on both viewers and critics, who appreciated its ability to capture the essence of ordinary life.
Premiered: January 4, 1990
Actors: Richard Wilson, Annette Crosbie, Angus Deayton
4. Father Ted
Father Ted is an incredibly funny sitcom that focuses on the hilarious mishaps of three Irish Catholic priests who reside on a secluded island. The cast is absolutely unforgettable, with Dermot Morgan portraying the hilarious Father Ted, Ardal O’Hanlon as the lovable Father Dougal, and Frank Kelly as the outrageous Father Jack. This show fearlessly tackles religious and social issues with a clever blend of humor and wit. It effortlessly combines physical comedy, sharp dialogue, and absurd scenarios, making it a true classic in the genre.
Premiered: April 21, 1995
Actors: Dermot Morgan, Ardal O’Hanlon, Frank Kelly
5. Keeping Up Appearances
Keeping Up Appearances” is a show that tells the amusing story of Hyacinth Bucket, brilliantly portrayed by Patricia Routledge, who is hilariously snobbish. She constantly tries to impress her neighbors by pretending to be of high social status. Her husband, Richard, played by Clive Swift, patiently supports her as they find themselves in numerous awkward situations. This show promises plenty of laughter for the audience as we follow Hyacinth’s escapades
Premiered: October 29, 1990
Actors: Clive Swift, Josephine Tewson, Judy Cornwell
6. Absolutely Fabulous
Absolutely Fabulous was a show that really captured the wild and crazy lifestyle of Edina, played by Jennifer Saunders, and Patsy, played by Joanna Lumley. These two best friends were all about living it up, partying hard, and not taking life too seriously. This sitcom was edgy and full of outrageous humor, giving us a taste of 90s British culture. It became an icon with its unforgettable catchphrases and clever satire.
Premiered: July 24, 1994
Actors: Jennifer Saunders, Joanna Lumley, Julia Sawalha
7. The Vicar of Dibley
The Vicar of Dibley was such a heartwarming sitcom! It had Dawn French playing the role of Geraldine Granger, the first female vicar in a small Oxfordshire village. The show was all about colorful characters, clever banter, and perfectly timed physical comedy. It took a playful jab at the Anglican Church, but at the same time, it celebrated its unique quirks and lovable qualities.
Premiered: March 22, 2002
Actors: Dawn French, Gary Waldhorn, James Fleet
8. Bottom
Bottom was a seriously funny sitcom that had Rik Mayall and Adrian Edmondson playing Richie and Eddie, a pair of socially awkward roommates. These two guys spent their time coming up with crazy plans and causing all sorts of mayhem. The show’s slapstick humor and the incredible chemistry between Rik and Adrian made it a hit with the British audience. It definitely left a lasting impression.
Premiered: September 17, 1991
Actors: Adrian Edmondson, Rik Mayall
9. Men Behaving Badly
Men Behaving Badly was a classic comedy from the 1990s that really captured the essence of the era. The show followed the lives of two flatmates, Gary (played by Martin Clunes) and Tony (played by Neil Morrissey), who were both pretty immature. These guys perfectly embodied the ‘lad culture’ that was so prevalent back then. And let’s not forget about their partners, Dorothy (played by Caroline Quentin) and Deborah (played by Leslie Ash), who added an extra layer of hilarity to the mix.
The sitcom didn’t shy away from using crude humor, sexual innuendos, and slapstick comedy to highlight the amusing flaws of British masculinity. It was all about finding the humor in the everyday lives of these guys and their relationships. The show really pushed the boundaries and wasn’t afraid to tackle topics that were considered taboo at the time.
Overall, Men Behaving Badly was a defining comedy of its time. It made audiences laugh with its unique blend of humor and relatable characters. It was a show that perfectly captured the spirit of the 90s and remains a beloved classic to this day.
Premiered: February 18, 1992
Actors: Martin Clunes, Neil Morrissey, Leslie Ash
10. Allo ‘Allo!
Allo ‘Allo! was a hilarious sitcom that took place during World War II. It revolved around the crew at Café René, a French café managed by the flamboyant René Artois, portrayed by Gorden Kaye. The show’s mix of exaggerated comedy, alluring characters, and unforgettable catchphrases made it a cherished and distinctively British approach to a typically somber era.
Premiered: December 30, 1982
Actors: Gorden Kaye, Carmen Silvera, Rose Hill
11. The Royle Family
The Royle Family was an awesome sitcom that centered around the everyday lives of a working-class family in Manchester. The show had some incredible performances by Ricky Tomlinson, Sue Johnston, Caroline Aherne, and Ralf Little. The dialogue was sharp and clever, the emotions were real, and the portrayal of family life was so relatable. It’s no wonder that this show has stood the test of time in the British television landscape.
Premiered: 1998
Actors: Ricky Tomlinson, Sue Johnston, Caroline Aherne
