British Sitcom History Podcast

Film, TV & Pop Culture

About

Looking back at the wonderful world of British sitcoms. @britcompod

Episodes

  • I'm Sorry, Prime Minister (theatre review)

    This episode reviews 'I'm Sorry, Prime Minister', a stage show based on 'Yes, Minister'. The play is written by Jonathan Lynn and stars Griff Rhys Jones and Clive Francis.

  • Ghosts Christmas Special

    This episode of the British Sitcom History Podcast reviews the Ghosts Christmas Special. It covers Julian’s journey to learning to love again and Mike’s family visit to Button House.

  • Are You Being Served? 2016 Reboot

    This episode of the British Sitcom History Podcast reviews the 2016 reboot of "Are You Being Served?". The discussion covers the attempt to recreate the magic of the original series.

  • Blackadder II Historical Context

    This episode of the British Sitcom History Podcast examines the historical context of Blackadder II, exploring its accuracy in detail. The discussion reviews how historically precise the series is.

  • Grace & Favour (plus Beane's of Boston)

    This episode of the British Sitcom History Podcast explores "Grace & Favour," a spin-off from "Are You Being Served." It also delves into the unaired American pilot "Beane's of Boston" and an Australian remake.

  • Are You Being Served? Film Spinoff

    This episode discusses the film spinoff of the British sitcom "Are You Being Served?", released in 1977. It explores whether the film remains true to the spirit of the television series.

  • Trollied (Part 2)

    This episode of the British Sitcom History Podcast reviews "Trollied (Part 2)". It discusses actors Carl Rice and Beverly Rudd, and the show's shift from sketch-like to soap-like in later series.

  • Trollied Part 1

    This episode reviews Trollied, a Sky sitcom set in a Warrington supermarket. The discussion covers its run in the 2010s and its quality.

  • The Marriage Lines (Part 2)

    This episode, part two of a look into The Marriage Lines, explores the career of Prunella Scales. The hosts also discuss 1960s nostalgia.

  • The Marriage Lines (Part 1)

    This episode of the British Sitcom History Podcast examines the early domestic sitcom The Marriage Lines. It highlights the show as a hit for Richard Briers and Prunella Scales, noting that only two of its five series are still on record.

  • Hippies (Part 2)

    This episode is the second part of a discussion about the show "Hippies." It includes commentary on actors Julian Rhind-Tutt and Darren Boyd, and details about Simon Pegg's childhood based on his autobiography.

  • Hippies (Part 1)

    This episode of the British Sitcom History Podcast examines the show Hippies. It discusses the talent involved and analyzes why the series ultimately did not click.

  • Blackadder II (Part 2)

    This episode is the second part of a look at the second series of Blackadder, with a focus on Stephen Fry and Miranda Richardson. It also includes a discussion about Rik Mayall.

  • Blackadder II (Part 1)

    This episode discusses the evolution of Blackadder II with Ben Elton, transforming it into an iconic British sitcom, and the development of its characters. It covers how the show reinvented itself after the first series.

  • No Job for a Lady (Part 2)

    This episode is the second part of a discussion about the show 'No Job for a Lady'. It explores the political references within the show and draws comparisons to 'Yes, Minister'.

  • No Job for a Lady (Part 1)

    This episode explores "No Job for a Lady," a British sitcom offering a perspective on early nineties British politics. The discussion includes insights from actor George Baker and questions about Penelope Keith.

  • Are You Being Served? (Part 2)

    This episode is the second part of a discussion about the British sitcom Are You Being Served? It also explores the life of writer Jeremy Lloyd.

  • Are You Being Served? (Part 1)

    This episode of the British Sitcom History Podcast discusses "Are You Being Served?", a classic British sitcom by David Croft. The hosts analyze the show's characters and its run.

  • Bonus Episode - Ghosts Timeline

    This bonus episode delves into the timeline of the Ghosts and provides historical context for their respective time periods. It offers a deeper discussion after the initial watch of the show.

  • Bonus Episode - Live Comedy Events 2024

    This bonus episode features Allen discussing his experiences at live comedy events, including shows such as "Su Pollard: Fully Charged" and "An Afternoon with Gloria." He also talks about Hambledon Productions' take on "Hancock's Half Hour…

  • Till Death Us Do Part (Christmas special)

    This episode of the British Sitcom History Podcast reviews the 1966 "Till Death Us Do Part" Christmas special. It discusses the Garnett family upholding Christmas traditions.

  • Ghosts (Part 2)

    This episode is the second part of a discussion about the sitcom Ghosts. It covers actors such as Simon Farnaby and the show's ending. This marks the end of the regular series, with a Christmas special to follow.

  • Ghosts (Part 1)

    This episode reviews the sitcom "Ghosts," which recently concluded with a Christmas special in 2023. The discussion focuses on its reputation as one of the best mainstream sitcoms of the past two decades.

  • The Other One (Part 2)

    This episode, part 2, examines the second series of "The Other One" and the comedy career of Michael Gambon.

  • The Other One (Part 1)

    This episode covers The Other One, a seventies sitcom starring Richard Briers and Michael Gambon, written by Esmonde and Larbey. The show features an odd couple who meet on a Spanish package holiday and has a distinctive second series.

  • Phoenix Nights (Part 2)

    This episode is the second part of a breakdown of Phoenix Nights, continuing the discussion of the show. It also looks at the careers of writers Dave Spikey and Neil Fitzmaurice, and discusses Peter Kay.

  • Phoenix Nights (Part 1)

    This episode is the first part of a discussion about the sitcom Phoenix Nights. It includes a speculative analysis of Peter Kay's psychology.

  • Desmond's (Part 2)

    This episode is the second part of a discussion about the sitcom Desmond's. It includes an interview with writer and creator Trix Worrell and an examination of the spin-off series, Porkpie.

  • Desmond's (Part 1)

    Desmond's (Part 1) discusses the British sitcom Desmond's, focusing on its role in cultural and racial TV representation. It highlights the performances of Norman Beaton, Carmen Munroe, and Ram John Holder.

  • Whoops Apocalypse (Part 2)

    This episode, part 2, explores "Whoops Apocalypse," covering its depiction of the White House and Kremlin, as well as its film counterpart. The hosts also delve into the career of Richard Griffiths.

  • Whoops Apocalypse (Part 1)

    This episode examines "Whoops Apocalypse," an 80s Cold War comedy. It discusses its role in bridging 60s satire with 80s alternative comedy.

  • Keeping Up Appearances (Part 2)

    This episode is the second part of a discussion about the British sitcom Keeping Up Appearances. The hosts aim to avoid being too negative.

  • Keeping Up Appearances (Part 1)

    The British Sitcom History Podcast reviews "Keeping Up Appearances (Part 1)" to determine if it's a timeless classic and analyzes the character of Hyacinth Bucket. They consider how the show holds up today.

  • Fawlty Towers - The Play (a review)

    Allen reviews "Fawlty Towers - The Play" for the British Sitcom History Podcast. He discusses whether the play lives up to the original sitcom or if it is a "lazy cash grab."

  • Red Dwarf USA

    This episode of the British Sitcom History Podcast examines the American attempts at creating a Red Dwarf TV series, focusing on the two pilot attempts and leaked footage. The discussion delves into the efforts to adapt the British show fo…

  • Yes Minister (Guesting on Modern British History Podcast)

    In this bonus episode of the British Sitcom History Podcast, Gareth is a guest on The Modern British History Podcast. He joins host Harry White to discuss the 1980s sitcom Yes Minister and its caricature of the civil service.

  • Rising Damp - Christmas Special

    This episode of the British Sitcom History Podcast examines the 1975 Rising Damp Christmas Special. It discusses Rigsby's typical miserable demeanor and its impact, and compares the special to personal Christmas experiences.

  • Please Sir! (film)

    This episode of the British Sitcom History Podcast discusses the 1971 film spin-off of the TV sitcom Please Sir!, evaluating its big screen transition despite cast changes. Sol Harris of Diminishing Returns Podcast joins the hosts.

  • Fleabag - Live Show

    This episode discusses Phoebe Waller-Bridge's one-person show, Fleabag, and compares it to the TV series. The live show was performed as part of the National Theatre Live project.

  • Fleabag (Part 2)

    This episode is the second part of a discussion about the series Fleabag and Phoebe Waller-Bridge's career. It is from the British Sitcom History Podcast.

  • Fleabag (Part 1)

    This episode of the British Sitcom History Podcast covers "Fleabag (Part 1)," a modern series from 2016. The hosts discuss Phoebe Waller-Bridge's portrayal of a woman dealing with grief and loneliness.

  • Red Dwarf - The Peak Years (Part 2)

    This episode is part 2 of a look at the peak years of Red Dwarf. It examines 'The Inquisitor' and other work by the cast from the 90s.

  • Red Dwarf - The Peak Years (Part 1)

    This episode of the British Sitcom History Podcast discusses the changes that transformed Red Dwarf into a sci-fi cult classic. It covers the computer and android character changes in the show.

  • Chance in a Million (Part 2)

    This episode, "Chance in a Million (Part 2)," reviews the sitcom, examines an episode, and delves into Brenda Blethyn's sitcom history. It also explores the writers' creative process for their ideas.

  • Chance in a Million (Part 1)

    This episode of British Sitcom History Podcast discusses Chance in a Million, an early Channel 4 sitcom. It examines whether the 1980s show, remembered for Simon Callow's performance, is worth revisiting.

  • Game On (Part 2)

    This episode is the second part of an analysis of the British sitcom Game On. It examines how the show evolved over its three series and includes a discussion of Hat Trick Productions.

  • Game On (Part 1)

    This episode of the British Sitcom History Podcast examines the 1990s sitcom Game On. The hosts discuss the show's cult success, its portrayal of 90s lad culture, and how it aligns with their personal experiences from the era.

  • Please Sir! (Part 2)

    This episode is the second part of a discussion about the sitcom "Please Sir!". It covers the show's legacy, its spin-off series, and the subsequent careers of the cast members.

  • Please Sir! (Part 1)

    This episode explores the 1969 LWT sitcom "Please Sir!" The discussion centers on the show's setting in a London comprehensive school and its contemporary relevance.

  • Hi-de-Hi! (Part 2)

    This episode, part two of a Hi-de-Hi! review, discusses supporting actors and changes in later series of the show. The hosts also consider the experience of re-watching multiple episodes.