British humor has long been known for its shamelessness, absurdity, razor-sharp satire, and the pushing of societal boundaries. Actors and comedians like Rowan Atkinson, Simon Pegg, Hugh Grant, John Cleese, and Ricky Gervais have brought laughter into people’s homes worldwide on more than one occasion, on the big and small screens, as well as live on stage. And when it comes to sketch comedy, the Brits have come up with some of the biggest comedy shows in television history.
In this article, we look at ten of the funniest and most beloved sketch comedy shows to have come out of the Queen’s homeland, including classics like Monty Python’s Flying Circus, Little Britain, The Benny Hill Show, and more.
10 The Day Today (1994)
The Day Today is a satirical sketch show that premiered on British TV in 1994. Created by Armando Iannucci and written by Steve Coogan, Chris Morris, and Rebecca Front, the show is a fearless parody of news programs and the media industry as a whole.
Set in a fictional newsroom, it takes a satirical look at the absurdity and sensationalism often found in the modern news media. The show features various eccentric and over-the-top characters, including the pompous anchor Alan Partridge (Steve Coogan). Some of the signature elements in The Day Today were its use of fast editing, graphics, and mockumentary-style segments, which were ahead of its time back in the Day.
9 The Keith & Paddy Picture Show (2017 – 2018)
The Keith & Paddy Picture Show (2017 – 2018) is the brainchild of the comedic minds of Keith Lemon (the alter ego of Leigh Francis) and Paddy McGuinness. Each episode revolved around a different film classic. Lemon and McGuinness, along with a star-filled cast, recreated iconic movie moments, adding their own indispensable touch of humor.
The show stepped across various genres, from high-octane action and chilling horror to epic adventures and far-out sci-fi. Memorable parodies included the likes of Jaws, Ghostbusters, Star Wars, and Rocky, among others. Guest star appearances featured Robbie Williams, Emma Willis, Stephen Tompkinson, and many more.
8 The Fast Show (1994 – 2014)
The Fast Show (1994 – 1997), which ran with several comeback specials extending its life until 2014, is a sketch show known for its rapid-fire humor and memorable catchphrases. Created by Paul Whitehouse and Charlie Higson, it presented a series of short, self-contained sketches, each lasting just a few seconds to a couple of minutes.
The Fast Show quickly became a cultural phenomenon in the UK with characters like Swiss Toni, Ted and Ralph, and the Jazz Club host Louis Balfour. Catchphrases such as “Suit you, sir!” and “This week, I have been mostly…” became part of everyday vernacular. This show wasn’t just funny but also innovative in its rapid pacing and format, which is why it is still celebrated for its comedic brilliance by fans of British comedy. In fact, the show had become so popular that it even had Hollywood star Johnny Depp make a guest appearance, which he listed as “one of my proudest achievements. No question. It was one of my favourite things, to have been on the last Fast Show,” he added, as per The Mirror.
7 Big Train (1998 – 2002)
Graham Linehan’s and Arthur Mathews’ Big Train (1998 – 2002) was a British sketch show that featured established comedians, including the great Simon Pegg, Mark Heap, Kevin Eldon, and Julia Davis. One of the defining characteristics of Big Train was its subversion of traditional sketch comedy. Rather than relying on recurring characters or catchphrases, the show offered a series of disconnected sketches, often with a dark or surreal twist. They covered various topics, including bizarre office meetings and unconventional train announcements, all delivered with flawless comedic timing and a hefty dose of surprise.
Nearly every sketch within Big Train stands the test of time, offering humor that remains as funny upon subsequent viewings as it did at first watch. Picking standout moments proves challenging, given the consistently high comedic quality throughout the show. Famous pieces like the Tom Henderson sketch exemplify the cast’s comedic genius to perfection, leaving a lasting impression on audiences worldwide.
6 A Bit of Fry & Laurie (1987 – 1995)
Starring the brilliant comedic duo of Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie, who later found massive success with his TV series House, M.D. (2004 – 2012), A Bit of Fry & Laurie (1987 – 1995) was a show renowned for its use of intelligent humor and the remarkable chemistry between the two legends.
Fry and Laurie portrayed many memorable characters, from idiotic politicians to lovelorn poets and mad professors. The sketches often tackled contemporary issues and societal norms. Some of the most prominent ones include Barman, Cigarette case/sick/escape, Mr Nippl-e, Play It Again, Sam, and Psychiatrist.
5 Horrible Histories (2009 – 2023)
Horrible Histories (2009 – 2023) was a hilarious educational comedy program aimed primarily at a younger audience but enjoyed by audiences of all ages. Adapted from the popular book series by Terry Deary, the show’s main goal was to make history fun, engaging, and memorable.
Each episode featured a joyful mix of sketches, songs, and parodies that explored various historical periods, figures, and events. The show covered many topics, from the gruesome details of the Tudor era to the misadventures of ancient Romans and the antics of famous historical figures like William Shakespeare and Queen Victoria. It starred Mathew Baynton, Simon Farnaby, Martha Howe-Douglas, Jim Howick, Laurence Rickard, Ben Willbond, and others. Beyond its television run, the Horrible Histories legacy continued with live tours, books, and spin-off series.
4 The Nine O’Clock News (1979 – 1982)
John Lloyd’s and Sean Hardie’s Not The Nine O’Clock News (1979 – 1982) was a groundbreaking British sketch show that rocked a star-filled cast, including the great Rowan Atkinson, Mel Smith, Pamela Stephenson, and Griff Rhys Jones.
The series fearlessly tackled topics like politics, gender, race, and class, challenging conventions and pushing boundaries. Not The Nine O’Clock News introduced the world to memorable characters like Atkinson’s Gerald the Gorilla and Smith’s Not The Parrot, while also delivering witty musical parodies, including the classic Gob On You spoofing punk rock.
3 Little Britain (2003 – 2006)
In 2003, comedians Matt Lucas and David Williams joined comedic forces to create one of the most controversial yet extremely hilarious British sketch shows of all time – Little Britain. The show, which ran for three seasons until 2006, was set in a fictional Britain, and showcased Lucas and Walliams’ incredible versatility as they introduced an eclectic mix of outrageous personalities. Characters like Vicky Pollard, Andy Pipkin, and Marjorie Dawes became iconic, each representing exaggerated stereotypes and societal idiocies.
The show also didn’t shy away from themes like mental health, disability, and social inequities, raising questions about the fine line between comedy and offense. One of Little Britain‘s standout features was its catchphrases, which became part of popular culture. Phrases like “Yeah, but no, but yeah,” and “I want that one” are still recognized today. In 2008, the show received a one-season spinoff titled Little Britain USA, which starred Matt Lucas, David Williams, Lorna Scott, and others.
2 Monty Python’s Flying Circus (1969 – 1974)
The legendary Monty Python’s Flying Circus ran from 1969 to1974. This sketch show revolutionized British comedy and even became a global cultural phenomenon. Created by the amazing Monty Python comedy troupe, including Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin, the show featured a healthy dose of absurdity, surrealism, and sharp social satire.
The series was not just for its unorthodox take on humor but also for its opening animation by Terry Gilliam, featuring bizarre and surreal images, setting the tone for the unpredictable and unapologetic comedy that followed. The sketches had recurring characters like the Ministry of Silly Walks, the Spanish Inquisition, and the famous Dead Parrot sketch, which contributed significantly to the UK’s success in comedy. It was a show undeniably ahead of its time.
1 The Benny Hill Show (1969 – 1989)
The Benny Hill Show (1969 – 1989) was a sketch show starring comedian and performer Benny Hill. The show featured Hill himself in comic chase sequences set to the tune of the legendary Yakety Sax theme by Boots Randolph and James Rich. These chases, which became a hallmark of the show, involved Hill being pursued by various recurring characters and authorities in absurd and hilarious scenarios. Some of the most recognizable faces included Henry McGee, Jackie Wright, Bob Todd, and The Hills Angels – a troupe of attractive women in provocative attire who added to the show’s comedic appeal.
While Hill’s comedy was criticized for its sometimes risky and politically incorrect content, it enjoyed immense popularity and a dedicated fan base spanning every corner of the world. Its appeal lay in its simple, timeless humor and universal comedic elements transcending language and cultural barriers. It isn’t a stretch to say that The Benny Hill Show‘s iconic theme and the unforgettable image of Benny Hill racing in fast-motion will remain among the most cherished pieces of British and world comedy TV history.
This story originally appeared on Movieweb
