The 90s were a golden era for British comedy, bringing us hilarious sitcoms that would go on to become national treasures, like ‘Absolutely Fabulous’ and ‘Men Behaving Badly.’ However, there were a handful of gems that slipped under the radar and didn’t receive the plaudits they deserved. So buckle up as we bring you the top five 90s British comedies that are criminally underrated and well worth your binge-watching time!
- “Game On” (1995-1998)
With its quirky characters and unconventional setting, ‘Game On’ is a sitcom waiting to be discovered by a new generation. It focuses on three flatmates living in south London, each with their own peculiarities. Matthew, the agoraphobic bank clerk; Martin, a womanising would-be musician, and Mandy, the blonde bombshell with terrible taste in men. Its outrageous humour is a real treat, a testament to the comedic genius of the era.
- “Drop the Dead Donkey” (1990-1998)
This satirical sitcom is set in the offices of GlobeLink News, a fictional TV news company. Filled with sardonic wit and sharp political satire, the series had an innovative way of incorporating current events into their plots. The result? A hilarious, incisive critique of the media world that remains as relevant today as it was back then.
- “Father Ted” (1995-1998)
Irish comedy ‘Father Ted’ is an offbeat gem that might just be one of the most laugh-out-loud funny shows you’ve never seen. Following the exploits of three dysfunctional priests and their hapless housekeeper on the remote fictional Craggy Island, this sitcom is a celebration of the absurd and the irreverent. It’s a timeless classic that proves religion can be a laughing matter.
- “The Thin Blue Line” (1995-1996)
Brought to life by comedy kingpin Ben Elton, ‘The Thin Blue Line’ is a police station sitcom that’s a riotous bundle of laughs. Starring Rowan Atkinson as the pompous Inspector Fowler, it is a rare blend of slapstick, wordplay and character comedy that somehow didn’t receive the recognition it deserved. One episode in, and you’ll be questioning why it isn’t more celebrated.
- “Brittas Empire” (1991-1997)
An eccentric comedy about a well-meaning but disaster-prone leisure centre manager, ‘Brittas Empire’ is a comic tour de force that somehow slipped through the cracks. With its blend of farce, physical comedy and razor-sharp one-liners, it’s a series that is screaming out for a revisit.
Each of these series is a testament to the comedic richness of the 90s. So, if you’re looking for a dash of nostalgia or want to discover a hidden gem from the British comedy vaults, give these underrated classics a whirl. You won’t be disappointed!