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Looking for some hilarious British comedies to stream? Your "favourite" Anglophile has compiled all the best British comedies you need to watch.
Disclosure: some of the links below are affiliate links. If you purchase a linked item, I will make a commission, at no extra charge to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Best British Comedies: Peep Show
I have to start off my list of the best British comedies with the great London comedy that started it all for me, Peep Show.
The story of Mark and Jez put David Mitchell and Robert Webb on the map, not to mention being the starting point for now-Oscar-winner Olivia Colman. But this is certainly not The Crown! Mark and Jez, friends from college, navigate life in turn of the (21st) century London, with personalities as different as they could be. Jez's "bandmate" Super Hans (Matt King) is never far from the action. And if you happen to be a fan of the Royal Family, Jez's inexplicably posh girlfriend, Big Suze, may look familiar (Lady Frederick Windsor/Sophie Winkleman). For fans of Mitchell and Webb, check out their sketch show That Mitchell & Webb Look. Stream all 9 seasons of Peep Show with AmazonPrime Best British Comedies: Ghosts
From my first British comedy love, to my most recent find!
Ghosts is the story of a young, married couple who unexpectedly inherit a sprawling English country estate. Planning to turn it into a luxury restaurant, Alison (Charlotte Ritchie) suffers a near-death experience, which allows her to see the many generations of Brits who also inhabit the home. From the pantless 90's politician who died in the house in a "sex romp" (Simon Farnaby) to the accused-witch who gives off the faint smell of burned toast (Katy Wix), this group will keep you laughing through the seasons. Stream both seasons of Ghosts on HBOMax Best British Comedies: Detectorists
Detectorists is genuinely one of the shows that got us through the pandemic. A light, gentle comedy focusing on the friendship and community of two metal detectorists (NOT metal "detectors" - that's the device), it's a relaxing, and surprisingly funny, glimpse into a quaint corner of England.
Created by Mackenzie Crook (Gareth, the British version of Dwight in the original version of The Office), it also stars the fairly ubiquitous Toby Jones (you know him from every cozy murder mystery show, and likely as Doby). Stream Detectorists on Amazon or AcornTV Best British Comedies: Back
Mitchell and Webb fans: rejoice! Your favorite duo is back, for two seasons (and hopefully more), of the lovely Back. Featuring David Mitchell as a failed lawyer who returns to his hometown to run his father's pub, The John Barleycorn. Things get interesting when one of the family's many foster children, Robert Webb, returns to reenter the family, thwarting Stephen (Mitchell)'s plans at every turn.
Stream Back on Amazon Best British Comedies: Upstart Crow
Shakespeare fans...and Peep Show fans, will enjoy Upstart Crow, staring David Mitchell, telling the historically dubious, comedic story of the bard.
Stream Upstart Crow on Amazon/BritBox Best British Comedies: The Inbetweeners
The Inbetweeners is a classic coming-of-age comedy, very much in the vein of Peep Show. Though a number of reunion shows have failed to inspire, the original series is witty, nostalgic, and charming...if a bit crude.
Stream The Inbetweeners on AmazonPrime Best British Comedies: The Windsors
The Windsors became the go-to show of this Royal Watcher many years ago. A satirical take on the House of Windsor, all members of The Royal Family come in for a ribbing, except for The Queen and Prince Philip, who only show up via letter. Expect Princesses Beatrice and Eugene taking Justin Trudeau out for a night on the town, Kate Middleton having an affair with The Archbishop of Canterbury, and The Duchess of Cornwall (Camilla) downing an impressive number of gin and tonics. If it errs on the side of slapstick, it's worth a watch. Season 3 didn't disappoint.
Stream all seasons of The Windsors on Netflix Best British Comedies: Fleabag
Fleabag follows the titular character, created by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, as she inexpertly navigates her personal life, from her father's relationship with Olivia Colman (Peep Show) to the death of her best friend and business partner. Expect to laugh out loud and cringe, in equal measure.
Stream both seasons of Fleabag on Amazon Best British Comedies: Rev
Watch a new favourite of mine, which The former Archbishop of Canterbury called "rather good." Rev, staring Peep Show's Olivia Colman and Tom Hollander, pokes gentle fun at The Church of England, but don't worry, you don't need to be a Biblical scholar to understand Rev. Smallbone's trials and tribulations.
Stream Rev on Amazon/BritBox Bonus Best British Comedies: Ted Lasso
I couldn't be more excited for Season 2 of Ted Lasso (premiering July 23, 2021). I swear the 'lads' from AFC Richmond got me through the pandemic - and they're back again, with, of course, their American football coach, to cheer us up again this year. Staring Jason Sudeikis as an American football coach recruited by the ex-wife of a British pro-soccer team to run it into the ground as revenge against her former husband, Ted Lasso arrives across the pond with a cheery attitude that can defrost even the chilliest British fans. I dare you to watch Ted Lasso and not feel inspired.
Stream Ted Lasso on Apple TV+ Thanks for stopping by!
I hope you enjoy streaming these addictive British comedies! Don't forget to check out my other British TV recommendations, and subscribe to the blog, below!
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