Watch BBC Landmark Sitcoms

BBC Landmark Sitcoms is a documentary television series that explores the history and impact of iconic British sitcoms. The show premiered on BBC Four in 2019 and ran for six episodes, each focused on a different landmark sitcom. The first episode delves into the world of Hancock's Half Hour, a groundbreaking series that aired on the BBC from 1954 to 1961. Featuring Tony Hancock as the titular character, the show was known for its daring satire and bleak comedy, paving the way for the "dysfunctional man" sitcoms that would come later. Through interviews with cast and crew, as well as fans and experts, the episode explores the show's origins, its impact on British culture, and its enduring legacy.

The second episode shines a spotlight on Steptoe and Son, another pioneering sitcom from the 1960s. It tells the story of Harold and Albert Steptoe, a father-son duo running a rag-and-bone business in a run-down part of London. The show challenged social norms by portraying working-class characters as the protagonists, and highlighted the generational divide between Harold and Albert. The episode examines how the show broke boundaries and transformed the traditional sitcom formula.

The third episode of BBC Landmark Sitcoms uncovers the secrets behind Are You Being Served?, a sitcom that ran from 1972 to 1985, set in the fictional Grace Brothers department store. The show was famous for its colorful characters, innuendos, and catchy theme tune. The episode uncovers the show's impact on British culture, its popularity around the globe, and the controversies it sparked.

The fourth episode explores the world of Yes Minister, a political satire that aired from 1980 to 1984. The show starred Paul Eddington as Jim Hacker, a government minister, and relied heavily on witty dialogue and intricate plots. The episode explains the challenges of creating a sitcom that tackled sensitive political issues, and how the show's success led to a sequel, Yes, Prime Minister.

The fifth episode is dedicated to Only Fools and Horses, a beloved sitcom that aired from the 1980s to the early 2000s, and still has a huge following today. Set in Peckham, London, the show followed the misadventures of two brothers, Rodney and Derek Trotter, as they chased their dreams of becoming millionaires. The episode takes a nostalgic trip down memory lane, exploring the significance of the characters, memorable routines, and classic quotes that made the show such a hit.

The final episode of BBC Landmark Sitcoms examines Blackadder, a series that spanned four different eras of British history and starred Rowan Atkinson as the cunning and conniving Edmund Blackadder. The show's clever writing, clever parodies, and outstanding performances made it an instant classic. The episode reveals how the show evolved over time, the highs and lows of each season, and the cultural impact it had.

BBC Landmark Sitcoms is a must-watch for anyone interested in comedy, television history, or British culture. The series offers fascinating insights into some of the most iconic sitcoms in British television history, and showcases the creativity, innovation, and talent that went into making them. The interviews with cast and crew members provide unique perspectives, anecdotes, and behind-the-scenes stories that add depth and context to these landmark shows. The series is both informative and entertaining, blending humor, nostalgia, and analysis in a way that will appeal to both casual viewers and hardcore sitcom enthusiasts.