The Brits are undoubtedly predominant stakeholders in the comedy industry as they have, over the years, produced mind-blowing shows that will leave you trying to catch your breath from unending laughter. There was, however, fear that the industry would decline after the renowned “golden era” ended with Monty Python in 1974 and then the Fawlty Towers in 1979.

This only proved to be a motivation for other rising stars who went on to produce popular shows such as The Day Today (1994), Father Ted (1995-1998), Spaced (1999-2001), Keeping Up Appearances (1990-1995), Outnumbered (2007-2016) and Peep Show (2003-2015). Just like movies, how the audience receives the shows greatly determines their popularity. Some attract record-breaking audiences, while others end up below the radar. And though there are many hilarious British comedies, here are 6 of the funniest of all time.

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6 Mr. Bean (1990-1995)

     Tiger Aspect Productions

Mr. Bean has, over the years, created long-lasting childhood memories for many individuals. The comedy is so funny that you can watch it multiple times without getting bored. It is a sitcom crafted by Richard Curtis and Rowan Atkinson. Atkinson plays the main character as Mr. Bean – a Master’s degree student at Oxford University. According to Atkinson, Mr. Bean is “a child in a grown man’s body” who tries to resolve problems and ends up causing disruptions.

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In the series, the Trouble with Mr. Bean episode garnered an incredible 18.74 million viewers and received several international awards. The fact that the show sold in over 245 territories around the globe goes a long way to show that it was a fan favorite. After the series, Atkinson also featured in two theatrical Mr. Bean films and an animated spin-off.

RELATED:The Best British Television of the 2000s

5 Only Fools and Horses (1981-2003)

     BBC

Only Fools and Horses by John Sullivan (creator and writer) is an iconic sitcom that many people regard as one of the best in the industry. The fact that production spanned over three decades, thus entertaining several generations, proves that it was well-appreciated. The lead actors are Derek “Del Boy” Trotter (David Jason) and Rodney Trotter (Nicholas Lyndhurst) – his younger brother, complemented by an incredible supporting cast. The theme revolves around the brothers’ highs and lows as they attempt to make ends meet. The Time on Our Hands episode (1996) attracted a record-breaking 24.3 million viewers, further cementing the show’s legendary status.

4 Gavin & Stacey (2007-2019)

     Baby Cow Productions

Gavin & Stacey is famous because it perfectly integrates English and Welsh culture. The show’s stars are Stacey (Joanna Page) and Gavin (Matthew Horne), who try to make their relationship work. The comedy authors Ruth Jones and James Corden integrate two families in different locations – Barry (South Wales) and Billericay (Essex). The show has undoubtedly enjoyed success as it went on to win several awards, including Audience and Best TV Comedy awards in 2008. In 2019, the co-authors wrote a Christmas Day special that attracted an incredible 18.49 million viewers on BBC One. It became the most-viewed comedy in 17 years and the most-watched non-sporting event in the UK in a decade.

3 The Office (2001-2003)

     BBC Two

The Office – a British situational comedy, first hit UK’s BBC Two screens in July 2001. The show’s plot was written, created, and directed by Stephen Merchant and Ricky Gervais. It primarily focuses on the daily routine of Wernham Hogg paper company (fictional) employees working in the Slough branch. The lead character is David Brent (Gervais). If you love hilarious drama, this is the perfect fit for you. Enjoy themes of self-importance, fame, social clumsiness, and frustration. Since its release, the three-year series ranked high on the comedy charts and ultimately became a prosperous British comedy export.

RELATED:These Are Some of the Best British Comedy Shows, Ranked

2 The Inbetweeners (2008-2010)

     Bwark Productions

The sitcom Inbetweeners first aired on E4. The show’s concept was co-created and written by Iain Morris and Damon Beesley. It revolves around Will McKenzie (Simon Bird) and his buddies Neil Sutherland (Blake Harrison), Jay Cartwright (James Buckley), and Simon Cooper (Joe Thomas) as they face unending catastrophes. Over the years, the show enjoyed broadcasting success because it honestly depicts the life of adolescents at a British school in a hilarious way. It went on to win the 2010 Audience Award and the Outstanding Contribution to British Comedy accolade in 2011. The incredible achievement ultimately led to the production of two feature films, The Inbetweeners Movie and The Inbetweeners 2, in 2011 and 2014, respectively.

1 Are You Being Served? (1972-1985)

It is rare to find a sitcom with consistent laughs and innuendos, but “Are You Being Served?” delivers exceptionally. It revolves around Grace Brothers department store workers who put up a fight to face all the challenges coming from the bosses, customers, and other concessions. It is an entertaining satire aimed at the British class, making it a top-notch show that rigidly cements the role of comedy. It will definitely last forever.