10 Shows Like A Bit of Fry & Laurie

Description: A political satire that excels in sharp, dialogue-heavy comedy, poking fun at bureaucracy and government inefficiency. The humor is sophisticated, relying on irony and understatement.

Fact: The show was so accurate in its portrayal of politics that it was reportedly admired by real-life politicians, including Margaret Thatcher.

Description: An anarchic sitcom that mixes slapstick, surrealism, and satire, often breaking conventional storytelling rules. The humor is chaotic and rebellious, appealing to a counterculture audience.

Fact: The show was one of the first British sitcoms to feature punk and alternative music. It was also one of the first to use a live studio audience for some scenes.

Description: A British historical sitcom known for its sharp wit, clever wordplay, and satirical take on historical events, much like the reference title. The humor is often absurd yet intelligent, with a focus on character-driven comedy.

Fact: The series starred Rowan Atkinson, who later became famous for Mr. Bean. Each season is set in a different historical period, from the Middle Ages to World War I.

Description: A sci-fi comedy that combines clever writing with absurd situations, often parodying genre tropes. The humor is a mix of wit, sarcasm, and surrealism, delivered by a dysfunctional crew.

Fact: The show was originally intended to be a straight sci-fi drama before comedy was added. It holds the Guinness World Record for the longest-running sci-fi comedy.

Description: A slapstick-heavy comedy with exaggerated violence and crude humor, centered around two dysfunctional flatmates. The show's over-the-top antics and physical comedy make it a cult favorite.

Fact: The live stage shows based on the series were notorious for their chaotic performances. The show was originally pitched as 'The Dangerous Brothers.'

Description: A satirical take on fashion and celebrity culture, filled with over-the-top characters and chaotic humor. The show's fast-paced, irreverent style makes it a classic of British comedy.

Fact: The character Patsy was inspired by real-life fashion publicists. The show was initially conceived as a one-off sketch.

Description: A police sitcom that blends dry humor with absurd situations, featuring a mix of slapstick and clever dialogue. The show's comedic style relies on exaggerated characters and bureaucratic satire.

Fact: Created by Ben Elton, who also worked on 'Blackadder.' The show was criticized for its portrayal of police work but praised for its humor.

Description: A cringe-comedy series that uses a unique first-person perspective to deliver painfully relatable humor. The show's dark, awkward comedy and flawed protagonists make it a cult favorite.

Fact: The entire series is shot from the characters' points of view, a technique rarely used in sitcoms. It holds the record for the longest-running Channel 4 sitcom.

Description: A surreal comedy that blends bizarre storytelling, musical numbers, and fantastical elements. The humor is whimsical yet clever, often breaking the fourth wall.

Fact: The show started as a stage act before being adapted for TV. Many of the characters are based on the performers' earlier stand-up routines.

Description: A workplace comedy with eccentric characters and surreal humor, often highlighting the absurdity of office life. The show's witty writing and offbeat jokes make it a standout in British comedy.

Fact: The iconic 'Have you tried turning it off and on again?' line became a cultural catchphrase. The show was initially rejected by Channel 4 before becoming a hit.