10 Shows and Movies Like Benidorm (2007)

Description: Porridge, like Benidorm, is a classic British sitcom that finds humor in confined environments - a prison versus a holiday resort. Both shows feature quick-witted dialogue and a mix of sympathetic and eccentric characters trying to make the best of their situations. The shows also share a similar balance of humor and pathos.

Fact: Ronnie Barker co-wrote many episodes under the pseudonym Gerald Wiley. The show was so popular that a feature film was made in

Description: Blackadder shares with Benidorm a distinctly British sense of humor, though it's more historical and satirical. Both shows feature quick-witted dialogue and characters who often find themselves in ridiculous situations. The shows also share a similar structure of recurring jokes and catchphrases.

Fact: Each series is set in a different historical period. Rowan Atkinson originally played Blackadder as stupid in the first series before the character became cunning. The final episode of Blackadder Goes Forth is often cited as one of the greatest TV episodes ever made.

Description: While Red Dwarf is a sci-fi comedy, it shares with Benidorm a focus on the dynamics between a group of mismatched characters in a confined environment. Both shows feature working-class British humor and characters who often find themselves in absurd situations, though Red Dwarf's are more fantastical.

Fact: The show was originally going to be called 'Dave Hollins: Space Cadet'. It holds the Guinness World Record for the longest-running sci-fi comedy. The show was nearly canceled after its first series due to low ratings.

Description: Keeping Up Appearances shares with Benidorm a focus on British class consciousness and social climbing, though through the lens of one eccentric character (Hyacinth Bucket) rather than an ensemble. Both shows find humor in characters' pretensions and the gap between their aspirations and reality.

Fact: The show has been broadcast in over 60 countries. Patricia Routledge (Hyacinth) was offered an OBE but turned it down. The character's name is pronounced 'Bouquet' though spelled 'Bucket' - a running joke in the series.

Description: Absolutely Fabulous and Benidorm both feature outrageous characters and over-the-top humor, though AbFab focuses more on satire of middle-class lifestyles. Both shows have become cultural touchstones in British comedy, known for their quotable dialogue and memorable characters. The shows also share a similar energy and irreverent tone.

Fact: The character of Patsy was originally written as a man. The show was inspired by French and Saunders sketches. A feature film adaptation was released in

Description: The Royle Family and Benidorm both excel in observational humor about British family life, though The Royle Family is more grounded in reality. Both shows feature working-class characters and find humor in their everyday interactions. The Royle Family's fly-on-the-wall style contrasts with Benidorm's more exaggerated comedy, but both capture the essence of British humor.

Fact: The show was largely improvised by the cast. It was one of the first British sitcoms to be filmed without a live studio audience. The Christmas special 'The Queen of Sheba' is often cited as one of the greatest British TV episodes of all time.

Description: Like Benidorm, The Inbetweeners is a British comedy that thrives on awkward social situations and the misadventures of its characters. Both shows feature a group of friends navigating through life's absurdities, often with cringe-worthy humor. The Inbetweeners, however, focuses on teenage life, whereas Benidorm centers around holidaymakers.

Fact: The show was initially rejected by the BBC before being picked up by EThe cast members were relatively unknown before the show's success. The Inbetweeners Movie (201became the most successful British comedy film of all time at the UK box office upon its release.

Description: As the longest-running sitcom in the world, Last of the Summer Wine shares with Benidorm a focus on British eccentricity and the humor found in everyday situations. Both shows feature recurring characters who get into comedic predicaments, though Last of the Summer Wine has a more gentle, nostalgic tone compared to Benidorm's bawdier humor.

Fact: The show ran for 31 series from 1973 to

Description: Gavin & Stacey shares with Benidorm a light-hearted, feel-good tone and a focus on British humor. Both shows celebrate the quirks of British culture and feature ensemble casts with memorable, larger-than-life characters. The shows also share a similar blend of comedy and heartwarming moments.

Fact: The show was co-written by James Corden and Ruth Jones, who also star in it. The character of Nessa was originally written as a man. The show's Christmas special in 2019 was watched by over 11 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched comedy episodes in the UK.

Description: Friday Night Dinner shares with Benidorm a focus on family dynamics and British humor, though in a more domestic setting. Both shows feature recurring comedic situations and eccentric characters who regularly find themselves in absurd scenarios. The shows also share a similar balance of crude humor and heartfelt moments.

Fact: The show was inspired by creator Robert Popper's own family Friday night dinners. The character of Jim was originally written as a one-off appearance but became a series regular due to popular demand. The show's theme song is performed by the band Madness.