British Sitcoms of the 80s: Laughter in Living Rooms
During the 1980s, British television brought laughter into homes across the nation through a wave of unforgettable sitcoms that continue to resonate with audiences today.
From Del Boy’s dodgy deals in Only Fools and Horses to the antics of Blackadder, 80s sitcoms defined an era of British comedy. These shows provided not just entertainment but also a reflection of society—capturing working-class struggles, absurd office politics, and historical satire with sharp wit.
Top 10 British Sitcoms from the 1980s
Only Fools and Horses
Follow the misadventures of Del Boy and Rodney Trotter, two market traders in Peckham trying to get rich quick. Hugely popular for its heart and humour.
Blackadder II, III & Goes Forth
Rowan Atkinson stars in this satirical historical comedy series, with each season set in a different time period. Known for its sharp wit and bleakly funny take on British history.
The Young Ones
Anarchic and surreal, this cult favourite followed four mismatched university students in a crumbling house. It broke sitcom conventions and injected punk energy into prime time.
Yes Minister / Yes, Prime Minister
A political comedy that cleverly satirised government bureaucracy, featuring the constant battle between a well-meaning minister and his scheming civil servant.
Hi-de-Hi!
Set in a 1950s holiday camp, this nostalgic sitcom followed the lives of the staff and their often chaotic interactions with guests and management.
‘Allo ‘Allo!
A farcical World War II comedy set in occupied France, featuring café owner René caught between the Gestapo, the Resistance, and a series of secret affairs.
Ever Decreasing Circles
A suburban sitcom about a compulsively tidy man and his rivalry with a laid-back neighbour, capturing the quiet frustrations of middle-class life.
Bread
A working-class family in Liverpool finds creative ways to survive under Thatcher-era economics. A gritty, heartfelt comedy with a loyal fan base.
Duty Free
A romantic farce about two British couples on holiday in Spain, exploring class divides and holiday mischief with a light-hearted tone.
Just Good Friends
A romantic comedy chronicling the on-again, off-again relationship of Vince and Penny. It mixed gentle humour with real emotional beats.
Series like The Young Ones, Hi-de-Hi!, and ‘Allo ‘Allo! became cultural touchstones, with catchphrases and characters becoming household staples. Their influence stretches far beyond their original broadcast dates, cementing the 80s as a golden age for British comedy that still draws laughs—and nostalgia—today.