What is the greatest modern British TV comedy? Vote in Radio Times’ poll

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TopMob is running a special poll to find out which British TV comedies people think will be considered classics by future generations – and you can vote now!

British humour is famous around the world and is still very much alive, despite what some people believe. However, it’s becoming harder to create funny TV shows, as budgets get smaller and viewers are spread across more channels, making it difficult to secure the necessary funding.

However, that doesn’t mean good sitcoms and comedy shows have disappeared from traditional television. In recent years, new shows have become popular and are now considered classics, joining the ranks of beloved programs like Fawlty Towers, The Office, and Only Fools and Horses.

RT wants to highlight the best new comedies and the comedians creating them. We’re asking for your help to choose the funniest and most noteworthy comedy series of recent years.

Everyone has a different idea of what counts as ‘modern,’ but for this survey, we’re considering anything from the beginning of the 2010s onward. It’s interesting to note that only one show from that decade—Detectorists—made our list in our 2019 comedy poll, where Fawlty Towers was named the greatest sitcom of all time.

It’s been seven years since that first amazing vote, and this isn’t about replacing it at all – it’s about building on it! Seeing our winning shows alongside those comedy legends feels incredible, like a perfect picture of where British comedy has been and, honestly, where it’s going. It’s really exciting to think our shows could be part of shaping its future.

We’ve compiled a list of 25 recent comedies, drawing recommendations from over a dozen professionals in the industry. This includes experts like Jon Petrie, the BBC’s director of comedy, Laurence Rickard, co-creator of ‘Ghosts,’ comedian Phil Wang, and actress Emma Sidi (you can find the complete list of contributors below the poll).

Ultimately, it’s your decision: which of these shows do you think is the best modern comedy? Read more about each finalist below, including insights from the people who made them, and then cast your vote!

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Thank you to the participants of our expert panel, who curated the shortlist.

  • Alex Moody (Sky Studios, head of comedy commissioning)
  • Asim Chaudhry (People Just Do Nothing co-creator)
  • Charlie Perkins (Channel 4, head of comedy)
  • Daniel Lawrence Taylor (Boarders creator)
  • Emma Sidi (Starstruck)
  • Holly Walsh (Motherland co-creator)
  • Jack Rooke (Big Boys creator)
  • Jon Mountague (Netflix, scripted comedy content creative)
  • Jon Petrie (BBC, director of comedy)
  • Laurence Rickard (Ghosts co-creator)
  • Mawaan Rizwan (Juice creator)
  • Nana Hughes (ITV, head of scripted comedy)
  • Phil Wang (Stand-up comedian)

We spoke with the people behind the nominated shows – the creative teams and actors – to learn what sets them apart. Read on to discover more about each one!

After Life

2019–2022, Netflix

Ricky Gervais touched viewers with his portrayal of Tony Johnson, a grieving widower who expresses his pain through blunt honesty. Gervais explained, “People rarely discuss grief openly, but they do want to see relatable experiences on television—even difficult ones they’ve kept private.”

Available on Netflix

Alma’s Not Normal

2020–2024, BBC Two

Sophie Willan was captivating in this series, which drew heavily from her own life, portraying a working-class woman striving for stardom. Her co-star, Lorraine Ashbourne, who played Joan, remains impressed by Willan’s honesty. “It took a lot of courage for Sophie to be so open and vulnerable while making the show,” Ashbourne told RT.

Available on iPlayer

Big Boys

2022–2025, Channel 4

A surprising friendship blossoms in a messy student house. While the premise might seem familiar, Jack Rooke’s writing offers unexpected twists. He describes his inspiration as coming from the TV show The Royle Family, aiming for a similar balance of heartfelt drama and lighthearted humor.

Available on Channel 4 streaming

Brassic

2019–2025, Sky Max

Sky’s popular comedy, Brassic, starring Joe Gilgun and Michelle Keegan, follows a group of small-time criminals. According to co-creator Danny Brocklehurst, the show’s success comes from combining funny, lighthearted moments with very colorful language. He explains they tackled important issues, but always within a silly and playful setting.

Available on NOW

Catastrophe

2015–2019, Channel 4

A surprise pregnancy brought together two people who barely knew each other, portrayed by the show’s creators, Rob Delaney and Sharon Horgan. Delaney remembers they focused on being true to their vision. “We really stayed honest with what we wanted to create,” he says, “and I think that’s why it worked.”

Available on Netflix

Changing Ends

2023–present, ITVX

In this coming-of-age story set in the 1980s, comedian Alan Carr draws on embarrassing moments from his own childhood. He explains, “I really wanted to challenge myself and write jokes that didn’t rely on swearing. I aimed for classic, relatable humor that would connect with audiences.”

Available on ITVX

Chewing Gum

2015–2017, E4

I was absolutely blown away by Michaela Coel’s performance in this. She plays Tracey Gordon, a woman navigating her desires and sexuality while grappling with a strict religious upbringing – it’s a really compelling conflict. The show feels incredibly authentic; as executive producer Nana Hughes put it, Michaela really showed life on a London council estate in a completely fresh and insightful way. It’s a truly standout role and solidifies her as a major talent.

Available on Channel 4 streaming

Derry Girls

2018–2022, Channel 4

I absolutely loved this show! It features a fantastic cast playing a group of Northern Irish high schoolers – and honestly, their everyday teen struggles feel like the real drama, much more than any historical conflict. It’s just brilliant. The creator, Lisa McGee, has said how much it means to her to finally represent her community on screen, and you can really feel that joy coming through.

Available on Channel 4 streaming

Detectorists

2014–2022, BBC Four

Mackenzie Crook admits that the idea for Detectorists was a bit unusual, but the gentle show about metal detecting unexpectedly became a source of comfort for many viewers. He initially resisted that description, but now agrees it fits. He believes a show can still be funny even if it’s understated and kind.

Available on iPlayer

Dreaming Whilst Black

2021–present, BBC Three

Kwabena, a screenwriter trying to make it in the industry, created a show that mixes comedy, romance, and observations about society. According to creator Adjani Salmon, they didn’t feel bound by typical sitcom rules, giving them the freedom to surprise viewers whenever they wanted.

Available on iPlayer

Fleabag

2016–2019, BBC Three

Phoebe Waller-Bridge became famous thanks to the television adaptation of her stage show. According to Shane Allen, a commissioner involved in the project, it quickly became a massive cultural hit. He credits Waller-Bridge’s unique personality and innovative writing for the show’s captivating charm and success.

Available on iPlayer

Friday Night Dinner

2011–2020, C4

Family gatherings can be chaotic, and the Goodmans were a particularly memorable – and hilariously dysfunctional – family on screen. The show, inspired by the creator Robert Popper’s own family, resonated with viewers. Popper himself enjoys the discomfort, explaining, “I love the feeling when things are about to go terribly wrong – that ‘Oh no, what happens next?’ anticipation.”

Available on Channel 4 streaming

Ghosts

2019–2023, BBC One

The show became a hit with viewers of all ages, blending spooky paranormal investigations with a fun, lighthearted atmosphere. According to star Martha Howe-Douglas, “Creating Ghosts” exceeded all expectations. “It was a dream come true, and we were just a group of friends having the time of our lives while making it,” she explains.

Available on iPlayer

Inside No. 9

2014–2024, BBC Two

Though not a typical BBC comedy, this unsettling collection of stories managed to deliver plenty of laughs over nine series, earning its place as a standout show. Steve Pemberton, who created the series with Reece Shearsmith, believes it’s unlikely anything quite like it will be made again, especially considering only two writers were responsible.

Available on iPlayer

Man Like Mobeen

2017–2025, BBC Three

Mobeen (Guz Khan) is a former drug dealer now raising his teenage sister, and this sitcom doesn’t avoid tough topics. The show prioritizes being realistic and genuine. Khan describes it as a story about friendship and humor, highlighting that it’s rare to see working-class men on British television portrayed with such kindness and care.

Available on iPlayer

Mid Morning Matters

2010–2016, Sky Atlantic

Neil and Rob Gibbons brought Alan Partridge (Steve Coogan) back to life with this look at his local radio show in North Norfolk. According to Neil, the show isn’t about large, elaborate scenes like earlier versions. Instead, it’s packed with lots of different kinds of jokes – a pure, concentrated dose of Alan Partridge.

Available on NOW

Motherland

2016–2022, BBC Two

This series follows the relatable struggles of parents in the suburbs – including one dad who stays at home with the kids. It’s best known for introducing us to Amanda, a hilariously snobbish character played by Lucy Punch. According to co-creator Holly Walsh, the show’s appeal lies in showing that even those who seem to have it all aren’t always happy, which is something everyone can connect with.

Available on iPlayer

Mum

2016–2019, BBC Two

Lesley Manville is just fantastic as Cathy, this widow who’s cautiously starting to connect with her friend Michael, played by Peter Mullan. Honestly, the show is a real slow burn – and as someone who watches a lot of TV, I can tell you that’s hard to pull off. The creator, Stefan Golaszewski, says even he didn’t know where the story would end up, which is pretty cool to hear.

Available on iPlayer

People Just Do Nothing

2014–2018, BBC Three

This funny and awkward comedy series followed the team behind an illegal pirate radio station. Asim Chaudhry, who wrote and starred in the show, remembers that the BBC was understandably worried about them – they weren’t professional actors or writers. Although the BBC did eventually support the show and the crew learned a lot, it wasn’t always a smooth process.

Available on iPlayer

Peter Kay’s Car Share

2015—2018, BBC One

Peter Kay and Sian Gibson found great success with their funny series about everyday car journeys, which resonated with audiences thanks to its relatable humor and subtle romantic connection. “We just naturally knew how to make each other laugh,” explains Gibson. “That genuine fun we had while filming really shines through in the show.”

Stath Lets Flats

2018–2021, Channel 4

It’s rare for a comedy character to feel so complete right from the start, but that’s exactly what happened with Stath Charalambos (played by Jamie Demetriou), the hilariously inept estate agent. The show quickly gained a devoted audience, even if the properties Stath tried to sell didn’t! “I’m always grateful people enjoyed the show,” says Demetriou.

Available on Channel 4 streaming

Such Brave Girls

2023–present, BBC Three

This cleverly twisted sitcom, created by Kat Sadler, follows a mother and her grown daughters as they playfully argue and tease each other. According to executive producer Jack Bayles, the show is full of funny characters and moments, but also honestly explores difficult topics like past trauma and mental health.

Available on iPlayer

This Country

2017–2020, BBC Three

Charlie and Daisy May Cooper brilliantly capture the realities of country life in what many consider one of the best mockumentary-style shows ever made. Shane Allen, a BBC comedy commissioner, calls them “comedy geniuses” and believes the show is a modern classic that people will enjoy for years to come.

Available on iPlayer

Toast of London

2012–2020, Channel 4

Matt Berry created the strange and humorous world of the character Steven Toast. He explained to RT that he and co-creator Arthur Mathews simply wrote what they found funny, and Channel 4 surprisingly gave them complete creative freedom. “They let us do anything we wanted,” Berry said.

Available on NOW

W1A

2014–2017, BBC Two

The BBC comedy series follows Ian Fletcher (played by Hugh Bonneville) as he navigates the challenges of his job, dealing with both internal office dynamics and public attention. According to creator John Morton, who also developed the character for the show Twenty Twelve, the series is essentially about the struggles of organizing something significant while getting bogged down in minor issues.

Available on iPlayer

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Authors

David CraigSenior Drama Writer

David Craig writes about TV dramas and comedies for TopMob, focusing on the newest and most popular shows on television and streaming platforms. Before TopMob, he worked at Starburst Magazine and hosted The Winter King Podcast for ITVX. He’s a journalism graduate from the University of Sheffield.

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2026-02-09 20:10