Top 10 British Comedies

"The Inbetweeners" is a British coming-of-age sitcom that aired on Channel 4 from 2008 to 2010.

Created and written by Damon Beesley and Iain Morris, the show follows the lives and misadventures of four socially awkward friends – Will, Simon, Jay, and Neil – as they navigate the challenges of adolescence, school, and relationships.

Plot

The series is known for its humour, often centred around the awkward and cringe-worthy situations that the main characters find themselves in. It humorously explores themes such as teenage sexuality, friendship, family dynamics, and the trials and tribulations of growing up.

"The Inbetweeners" was praised for its realistic portrayal of teenage life and its ability to capture the humour and discomfort of that period. It spawned three series and two follow-up movies: "The Inbetweeners Movie" in 2011 and "The Inbetweeners 2" in 2014.

The show and the movies were generally well-received by audiences and critics alike, making it a popular and enduring piece of British comedy.

Best lines

"Friend: 'Why are you carrying a briefcase?' Will: 'It's where I keep my things.'"

"Jay: 'Completed it, mate.'" (Jay's catchphrase after a supposed accomplishment)

"Jay: 'Clunge in a barrel! Whoo-hoo!'" (Jay's enthusiastic and inappropriate expression for female attention)

"Will: 'Feisty one, you are.'" (Will's sarcastic remark when someone expresses disagreement)

"Neil: 'It's a fix for one of you lot to win, isn't it? It's fixed!' Jay: 'Neil, this is a practice round!' Neil: 'Still fixed.'"

"Simon: 'I can't believe you're walking around dressed like that!' Neil: 'What? I'm wearing clothes. I've got shoes on my feet, pants on my legs, a shirt on my body, and a hat on my head. What more do you want?'"

"Jay: 'Bus wankers!'" (Jay's favourite insult for people who take the bus)

"Will: 'Well, if you like her so much, why don't you just ask her out?' Simon: 'Because she's out of my league!' Jay: 'Well, just find a girl in your league. You're a quitter, mate.'"

Best episodes

1. "Caravan Club" (Series 1, Episode 4): The boys embark on a camping trip with Simon's parents, leading to a series of mishaps involving a rude neighbour, a lost dog, and a broken-down car.
2. "Will Gets a Girlfriend" (Series 1, Episode 5): Will starts dating a girl from a neighbouring school, leading to his friends' attempts to give him relationship advice – with predictably disastrous results.
3. "Bunk Off" (Series 2, Episode 2): The boys decide to skip school and spend a day at the local amusement park, leading to hilarious escapades and confrontations with their headmaster.
4. "Will Is Home Alone" (Series 3, Episode 4): Will's mom goes away for the weekend, leaving him home alone. The boys decide to throw a house party, resulting in chaos and unexpected outcomes.

"The Office" is a British comedy television series created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant.

It premiered in the UK in 2001 and is widely regarded as a landmark in the mockumentary-style sitcom genre. It ran for two seasons, and two Christmas specials, with 14 episodes being made in all.

The show is set in the offices of the Wernham Hogg paper company in Slough and focuses on the everyday lives of its employees.

Plot

The British version of "The Office" follows a documentary crew as they film the daily activities of the office employees, capturing their interactions, conflicts, and personal quirks. The show's humor often arises from the awkward and mundane aspects of office life, as well as the idiosyncrasies of the characters.

Characters

Ricky Gervais stars in the show as David Brent, the bumbling and self-absorbed office manager who constantly seeks attention and approval from his employees. The show also features other notable characters, including Tim (played by Martin Freeman) and Gareth (played by Mackenzie Crook), whose interactions and dynamics contribute to the show's comedic elements.

Best lines

Here are some of David Brent's best lines:

"There's good news and bad news. The bad news is that Neil will be taking over both branches, and some of you will lose your jobs. Those of you who are kept on will have to relocate to Swindon, if you wanna stay. I know, gutting. On a lighter note, the good news is, I've been promoted, so... every cloud.

"I suppose I've created an atmosphere where I'm a friend first and a boss second. Probably an entertainer third."

"I'm not saying I'm Jesus, but I have the same initials."

"What is the single most important thing for a company? Is it the building? Is it the stock? Is it the turnover? It's the people, investment in people. My proudest moment here wasn't when I increased profits by 17%, or cut expenditure without losing a single member of staff. No, no, no. It was a young Greek guy, first job in the country, hardly spoke a word of English, but he came to me and he went, 'Mr. Brent, will you be the Godfather to my child?'"

Praise

"The Office" (UK) was praised for its realistic and relatable portrayal of office culture, as well as its unique comedic style. It received critical acclaim and won several awards, including Golden Globe Awards and BAFTA Awards. The show had a significant impact on comedy television and influenced the development of similar mockumentary-style sitcoms.

In addition to the British version, the concept of "The Office" was adapted into an American version, which also gained widespread popularity and became a cultural phenomenon in its own right - extending to 201 episodes over nine series. Both versions have left a lasting legacy in the world of television comedy.

"I'm Alan Partridge" is a British comedy television series created by and starring Steve Coogan as the titular character, Alan Partridge.

The show originally aired in the late 1990s and has gained a cult following for its unique brand of humour and character-driven comedy. It ran for two six-episode series.

Alan Partridge is a fictional character portrayed as a somewhat clueless and self-absorbed radio DJ and TV presenter. The series focuses on his misadventures and attempts to maintain his career in the media industry after a professional downfall. The character often exhibits cringeworthy behaviour, awkward interactions, and a lack of self-awareness, making for uncomfortable yet hilarious situations.

The character of Alan Partridge has become a comedic icon in British pop culture. The show has inspired spin-offs, books, and various appearances of the character in different contexts over the years.

Best episodes

"Bravealan" (Season 1, Episode 5): Alan pitches ridiculous show ideas to BBC executives, including "inner city sumo," "youth hosteling with Chris Eubank," and the famous "monkey tennis." The meal ends abruptly when Alan picks up a wheel of Stilton and shoves it into the face of the BBC's chief commissioning editor - he runs out of the restaurant shouting "I've got cheese".

"Never Say Alan Again" (Season 2, Episode 6): The final episode of the series sees Alan involved in a hostage situation during a book signing event.

Best lines

Here are some of Alan's best lines:

“‘Sunday Bloody Sunday’. What a great song. It really encapsulates the frustration of a Sunday, doesn’t it? You wake up in the morning, you’ve got to read all the Sunday papers, the kids are running round, you’ve got to mow the lawn, wash the car, and you just think ‘Sunday, bloody Sunday!'”

“Let me tell you something about the Titanic: people forget that on the Titanic’s maiden voyage there were over 1000 miles of uneventful, very pleasurable cruising before it hit the iceberg.”

“This chemical toilet is a Saniflow 33, now this little babe can cope with anything, and I mean anything. Earlier on I put in a pound of mashed up Dundee cake, let’s take a look… not a trace! Peace of mind I’m sure, especially if you have elderly relatives on board.”

“Lynn, get rid of her. She’s a drunk racist. I’ll tolerate one, but not both.”

“Jet from Gladiators to host a millennium barn dance at Yeovil aerodrome. Properly policed. It must not, I repeat not, turn into an all-night rave.”

"The Vicar of Dibley" originally aired from 1994 to 2007, with 20 thirty episodes spread over three series and a number of specials.

Created by Richard Curtis and Paul Mayhew-Archer, the show follows the life of a female vicar named Geraldine Granger, portrayed by Dawn French, in the fictional village of Dibley. The series is known for its quirky humour, lovable characters, and warm-hearted depiction of rural English life.

Plot

Geraldine Granger is an unconventional and modern-minded vicar who challenges the traditional norms of the village. The show explores her interactions with the eccentric residents of Dibley, including the quirky members of the Parish Council, who often find themselves caught in humorous situations. The show is known for its witty dialogue, relatable characters, and messages of community, tolerance, and acceptance.

Characters

Aside from Geraldine, the show's main characters are as follows:

David Horton (Gary Waldhorn): David is the pompous and often self-important chairman of the Dibley Parish Council. He initially struggles to accept Geraldine as the new vicar due to her gender.

Hugo Horton (James Fleet): Hugo is David's bumbling and sweet-natured but somewhat dimwitted son. He eventually becomes romantically involved with Alice Tinker.

Alice Tinker (Emma Chambers): Alice is the ditzy and well-meaning verger of the church. She often misunderstands words and phrases and is known for her quirky personality. She later marries Hugo.

Jim Trott (Trevor Peacock): Jim is an elderly and slightly senile member of the Parish Council. He is known for his repetitive catchphrase "No, no, no, no, no ... yes."

Owen Newitt (Roger Lloyd-Pack): Owen is a local farmer who frequently discusses his digestive issues. He is one of the members of the Parish Council.

Frank Pickle (John Bluthal): Frank is another member of the Parish Council, known for his dry and sarcastic sense of humor.

Letitia Cropley (Liz Smith): Letitia is an elderly parishioner known for her eccentric cooking experiments, which often involve strange and unappetizing ingredients.

Best lines

Geraldine Granger: "Chocolate is God's way of making up for Mondays."

Alice Tinker: "The Bible... that's the book with the pictures, right?"

Geraldine Granger: "I was once voted one of the 50 most eligible women in the country. It was in Farmers Weekly."

Jim Trott: "No, no, no, no, no, yes!"

Alice Tinker: "I can't believe Jesus was born on Christmas Day. I thought that was Father Christmas."

Owen Newitt: "I am a great supporter of sex before marriage. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have had sex at all."

Hugo Horton: “It’s probably the worst idea since Hitler’s dad said to Hitler’s mum ‘come up stairs Brunhilda-I’m feeling saucy tonight!'”

David Horton: "The other day she [Alice Tinker] wanted to know why Parliament needed a Foreign Secretary when so many English girls could take shorthand."

Impact

"The Vicar of Dibley" gained a significant following during its original run and has continued to be popular through reruns and streaming platforms. It is considered a classic British sitcom and has left a lasting impact on television comedy.

"Allo 'Allo!" is a British sitcom that originally aired on the BBC from 1982 to 1992. Created by David Croft and Jeremy Lloyd, the series is a parody of the events during World War II and is set in the small fictional French town of Nouvion, occupied by German forces.

The show follows the misadventures of René Artois (Gordon Kaye), a café owner who gets caught up in various comical situations involving the German military, the French Resistance, and other eccentric characters. The humour often revolves around misunderstandings, double entendres, and farcical situations.

The nine series comprise 82 episodes, with two Christmas specials and two one-off episodes also being filmed.

Key characters

Key characters in the series include René's wife, Edith Artois (Carmen Silvera), who sings poorly but believes she is a talented singer; Michelle Dubois (Kirsten Cooke), the leader of the French Resistance; Yvette (Vicky Michelle) and Maria (Francesca Gonshaw), waitresses at the café; the bumbling German officer Lieutenant Gruber (Guy Siner); and Colonel Kurt von Strohm (Richard Marner) and Captain Hans Geering (Sam Kelly), the German officers stationed in Nouvion.

Best lines

"Listen very carefully, I shall say this only once" - Yvette

"You stupid woman!" - René Artois (referring to his wife, Edith)

"Good moaning! I was pissing by the door, and I thought I would drop in." - Officer Crabtree (a British undercover agent with a comical French accent).

"The fallen Madonna with the big boobies." - Various characters (A comical reference to a valuable artwork that becomes a central plot element.)

Place in TV history

"Allo 'Allo!" is known for its playful use of accents and cultural stereotypes, along with its witty wordplay and slapstick humor. Despite its controversial subject matter, the show became popular and gained a dedicated fanbase. It was praised for its talented cast and the ability to find humor in such a sensitive historical setting.

However, in recent times, some aspects of the show have been criticized for potentially perpetuating stereotypes and making light of the war's serious consequences. As with any comedy that touches on historical events, it's essential to consider the context in which it was created and its impact on modern sensibilities.

Blackadder is a British historical comedy series created by Richard Curtis and Rowan Atkinson.

The show originally aired on the BBC from 1983 to 1989 and consists of four series of six episodes, each set in a different historical period, plus four special episodes.

The lineup

The main character, Edmund Blackadder, is portrayed by Rowan Atkinson. He is a cunning and often amoral character who appears in each series as a different incarnation of the Blackadder lineage. The series uses a combination of satire, clever wordplay, and historical references to entertain its audience.

The main supporting actor is Blackadder's intellectually challenged* servant Baldrick (Tony Robinson), with a string of big-name comedians completing the line up - Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, Tim McInnery, Miranda Richardson and Rick Myall are the best known.

The four Blackadder series

The four series are:

• The Black Adder (1983): Set in the late 15th century during the fictional reign of Richard IV, the first series follows Prince Edmund, the Duke of Edinburgh, as he struggles to prove himself worthy of the throne.
• Blackadder II (1986): Set in the 16th century during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, Edmund Blackadder is a cunning courtier who aims to gain power and favor, often getting involved in humorous misadventures.
• Blackadder the Third (1987): This series is set in the 18th century and follows Edmund Blackadder, now serving as the butler to the foppish and clueless Prince George, the Prince Regent.
• Blackadder Goes Forth (1989): The final series is set during World War I, with Captain Edmund Blackadder serving in the trenches along with his motley crew, trying to survive the absurdity and horrors of war.

Best gags

The "Blackadder" series is well-known for its sharp wit, memorable characters, and historical setting, and it remains a beloved classic of British television comedy. Some of the best lines are:

"I have a plan so cunning you could put a tail on it and call it a weasel." - Blackadder II

“Your brain is so minute Baldrick, that if a hungry cannibal cracked your head open, there wouldn’t be enough to cover a small water biscuit.” - Blackadder Goes Forth

“There hasn’t been a war run this badly since Olaf the hairy, King of all the Vikings, ordered 80,000 battle helmets with the horns on the inside.” - Blackadder Goes Forth

And this is a particular favourite:

General Melchett: “Field Marshal Haig has formulated a brilliant new tactical plan to ensure final victory in the field.”
Blackadder: “Ah. Would this brilliant plan involve us climbing out of our trenches and walking very slowly towards the enemy?”
Captain Darling: “How could you possibly know that, Blackadder?! It’s classified information!”

* Baldrick is actually smarter than Blackadder in Series 1.

"Yes Minister" is a British television sitcom that originally aired from 1980 to 1984.

Created by Antony Jay and Jonathan Lynn, the show is known for its satirical and humorous take on the workings of the British government and the civil service. It ran for three series, with a total of 21 episodes and two specials.

The plot

The series revolves around the interactions and challenges faced by the fictional Minister of Administrative Affairs, Jim Hacker, as he navigates the complexities of government bureaucracy with the help (and often hindrance) of his permanent secretary, Sir Humphrey Appleby.

The show is renowned for its witty and clever dialogue, as well as its insightful commentary on political manoeuvring, power struggles, and the inherent tensions between elected officials and the civil servants who serve them. The humour often arises from the contrast between Jim Hacker's idealistic intentions and his struggles against the crafty and often self-serving manoeuvres of Sir Humphrey, who is a master of bureaucratic obfuscation and manipulation.

The cast

There are three central cast members: Paul Eddington as Hacker, Nigel Hawthorne as Sir Humphrey and Derek Fowlds as Bernard Woolley (the Principal Private Secretary to Hacker - often caught between the conflicting demands of his loyalty to the Minister and his deference to Sir Humphrey's authority).

Here's a lovely exchange between Sir Humphrey and Woolley:

Bernard Woolley : It makes me feel rather downcast. If it's our job to implement Government Policies, shouldn't we believe in them?

Sir Humphrey Appleby : What an extraordinary thing to say.

Bernard Woolley : Why?

Sir Humphrey Appleby : Bernard, I have served 11 Governments in the last 30 years, if I believed in all their policies, I would have been passionately commited to keeping out of the Common Market and passionately committed to going into it, I would've been utterly convinced of the rightness of Nationalising Steel, and of denationalising it, and renationalising it. On Capital Punishment I would have been a fervent retentionist and an ardent Abolitionist, I would have been a Keynesian and a Friedmanite, a Grammar School Destroyer and Preserver, a Nationalisation Freak and a Privatisation Maniac, but above all, I would have been a stark, staring, raving Schizophrenic!

Best lines

Here are some of the other best lines:

Sir Humphrey Appleby: "To suggest that [the politicians] are mere puppets is to miss the lightness of the string."

Jim Hacker: "The Opposition aren't the real enemy. The real enemy are the voters."

Jim Hacker: "I'm not against the European ideal. I just want to save it from the Europeans."

Sir Humphrey Appleby: "In government, if you want anything said, ask a man. If you want anything done, ask a woman."

Yes, Prime Minister

"Yes Minister" was followed by a sequel series, "Yes, Prime Minister," which aired from 1986 to 1988 and in a revival in 2013 (19 episodes in all). In this sequel, Jim Hacker has become the Prime Minister, and the show continues to explore the comedic challenges of governing and the political landscape.

The series is celebrated for its intelligent humor and its ability to shed light on the inner workings of government institutions in a way that's both entertaining and thought-provoking. It remains a classic example of political satire in television history.

'Only Fools and Horses' was created by John Sullivan and originally aired on the BBC from 1981 to 1991, with sporadic Christmas specials up until 2003.

The show is set in Peckham, a district in South London, and follows the lives of the Trotter family, particularly the brothers Derek "Del Boy" Trotter (played by David Jason) and Rodney Trotter (Nicholas Lyndhurst).

'Only Fools and Horses' aired for 64 episodes across seven series, garnered a huge following, and has received numerous awards, including several BAFTAs. Its humour and memorable catchphrases have become part of British pop culture.

Plot

Del Boy is a self-proclaimed "entrepreneur" and a market trader known for his fast-talking, wheeler-dealer nature, always trying to make a quick buck through various schemes and deals, most of which end in hilarious misadventures. Rodney, his younger brother, is more sensitive and less street-smart, often getting caught up as an unwitting participant in Del's elaborate schemes.

The show is known for its clever writing, sharp wit, and endearing characters. It provides a humorous insight into the lives of the Trotter family as they navigate the ups and downs of their working-class existence, striving for wealth and success while often falling short. One of the show's recurring themes is the iconic Del Boy's Reliant Robin, a three-wheeled van that becomes a symbol of the Trotters' aspirations and struggles.

Key characters

Aside from Del Boy and Rodney, the key characters are:

Uncle Albert (played by Buster Merryfield): a veteran of the British Navy who served during World War II, Uncle Albert is introduced to the show in the fourth series when he moves in with Del Boy and Rodney after the passing of their beloved Grandad. He likes to tell long and unbelievable stories, which usually start with the line "During the war ...".

Trigger (played by Roger Lloyd-Pack): Trigger is one of Del Boy's friends and associates. He is a dim-witted road sweeper with a heart of gold and is known for his frequent name confusion and odd anecdotes.

Boycie (played by John Challis): A snobbish used-car dealer and one of Del Boy's rivals, Boycie is often involved in business deals and shady activities. Despite being a rival, he is sometimes involved in Del's escapades.

Best lines

"This time next year, we'll be millionaires!" - Del Boy's famous catchphrase as he dreams of striking it rich with one of his schemes.

"He who dares, wins!" - Del Boy's motto, reflecting his adventurous and risk-taking nature.

"You plonker!" - Del Boy's playful insult to Rodney, often used when Rodney does something clumsy or foolish. A similar put-down is "you dozy little twonk, Rodney!"

"Lovely jubbly!" - Del Boy's expression of delight when something goes his way.

"You know it makes sense" Del Boy's go-to line after persuading Rodney to do something stupid.

"They’re yuppies. They don’t speak proper English like what we do." A classic Del-Boy line, delivered without hint of irony.

"Rodney, everything between you and I is split straight down the middle: 60-40." Here we have a little bit of Del-Boy creative accountancy.

"During the war..." - Grandad's way of starting his stories, which are often amusingly exaggerated or fabricated.

"Alright, Dave" - the intellectually-challenged Trigger's greeting to Rodney. This gag was taken one step further with the line: "If it's a girl they're calling her Sigourney, after the actress, and if it's a boy they're gonna name him Rodney, after Dave." (from the 1991 episode Three Men, A Woman And a Baby)

"Mange Tout, Mange Tout" - Dell Boy often resorts to French for emphasis, but always gets it wrong. Thus 'Mange Tout' is an expression of delight (it means 'eat all'), 'bain marie' (heated water bath) means 'no problem', and 'bonnet de douche' (shower cap) means 'excellent'.

"As Macbeth said to Hamlet in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, ‘We’ve been done up like a couple of kippers.’" Perhaps avoid the Del-Boy school of English literature ....

"Fawlty Towers" is a British television sitcom that originally aired on the BBC from 1975 to 1979.

Created by and starring John Cleese and Connie Booth, the show is set in a fictional hotel named Fawlty Towers, located in the seaside town of Torquay, England. It ran for two seasons, of a mere six episodes each, but has left a lasting impression on British comedy.

The main characters

The show primarily revolves around the comedic interactions and misadventures of the hotel's eccentric and inept owner, Basil Fawlty (played by John Cleese), his overbearing wife Sybil (Prunella Scales), their diligent but dimwitted Spanish waiter Manuel (Andrew Sachs), and the efficient chambermaid Polly (Connie Booth).

The best episodes

All 12 of the Fawlty Towers episodes are crackers, but here are three that we particularly recommend.

"The Germans" - This episode is one of the most famous and controversial due to its humour involving World War II and cultural misunderstandings. It features Basil's attempts to avoid mentioning the war to German guests, leading to a series of increasingly absurd situations. Here's one of the most famous exchanges:

German guest: “Will you stop talking about the war?”

Basil: “Me? You started it!”

German guest: “We did not start it!”

Basil: “Yes you did, you invaded Poland.”

"Communication Problems" - In this episode, the communication barriers between the staff and guests result in chaos and hilarious misunderstandings. Manuel's language struggles and Basil's attempts to communicate make for a side-splitting episode. Here's a classic line:

Manuel: “See, I know nothing!”

Basil: “I'm gonna sell you to a vivisectionist!”

"Gourmet Night" - The hotel's attempt to host a gourmet evening goes awry as Basil deals with a series of mishaps, from a chef who's drunk to a rat running loose in the hotel. The episode is a masterclass in farcical comedy.

Best lines

"Well, may I just ask what you expected to see out of a Torquay hotel bedroom window? Sydney Opera House, perhaps? The Hanging Gardens of Babylon? Herds of wildebeest sweeping majestically...?" - Basil Fawlty

"I could run this hotel perfectly well if it weren't for all the guests." - Basil Fawlty

“So that’s two eggs mayonnaise, a prawn Goebbels, a Hermann Goering and four Colditz salads ... no, wait a moment, I got a bit confused there, sorry ... I got a bit confused because everyone keeps mentioning the war, so could you…” - Basil Fawlty

"This is typical. Absolutely typical... of the kind of... arse I have to put up with from you people. You ponce in here, expecting to be hand-fed, well I'm trying to run a hotel here! Have you any idea of how much there is to do? Do you ever think of that? Of course not, you're all too busy sticking your noses into every corner, poking around for things to complain about, aren't you? Well, let me tell you something – this is exactly how Nazi Germany started!" - Basil Fawlty

"I know nothing!" - Manuel

"Dad's Army" was created by Jimmy Perry and David Croft and aired from 1968 to 1977. It ran for 80 thirty-minute episodes over 9 seasons.

The show is a comedy set during World War II and focuses on the activities of a fictional Home Guard platoon in the small coastal town of Walmington-on-Sea in England. (The Home Guard was a volunteer-based defence force in the United Kingdom made up of men who were ineligible or too old for regular military service.)

The show humorously portrays their training exercises, interactions, and misadventures as they try to contribute to the war effort despite their limitations and quirks.

"Dad's Army" is known for its clever writing, memorable catchphrases, and endearing characters. It remains a popular and beloved sitcom in British television history, and its episodes continue to be enjoyed by audiences even decades after its original airing.

Main characters

The main characters in "Dad's Army" are a group of eccentric and often bumbling individuals who are tasked with defending their town and country from potential invasion by the Germans. They include:

• Captain George Mainwaring (played by Arthur Lowe): Captain Mainwaring is the pompous and self-important leader of the Walmington-on-Sea Home Guard platoon. He is often referred to as "Captain" by the other members and takes his role very seriously, even though his leadership skills are questionable.
• Sergeant Arthur Wilson (played by John Le Mesurier): Sergeant Wilson is the second-in-command of the platoon is more laid-back and has a more refined background. He often provides a calming influence and a voice of reason amidst the chaos.
• Lance Corporal Jack Jones (played by Clive Dunn): Also known as "Jonesy," he is the oldest member of the platoon. Jones is the local butcher and often regales the group with stories of his time in various colonial conflicts, which are often humorous exaggerations.
• Private James Frazer (played by John Laurie): Frazer is a dour Scottish undertaker. He frequently predicts doom and gloom scenarios and is known for his pessimistic outlook on life.
• Private Charles Godfrey (played by Arnold Ridley): Godfrey is a gentle and elderly medic of the group. He often has to deal with his overprotective sisters and their interference in his life.
• Private Frank Pike (played by Ian Lavender): Pike is the youngest member of the platoon and is often referred to as "stupid boy" by Captain Mainwaring. He is somewhat naive and is often the target of friendly banter.

Best episodes

It is difficult to choose the very best of Dad's Army's 80 episodes. But here are three we particularly recommend:

"The Deadly Attachment" (Season 1, Episode 5): In this episode, the platoon is assigned to guard a captured German U-boat crew. The tension and humour arise from the clash of cultures and the misunderstandings between the British and German soldiers.

"The Godiva Affair" (Season 3, Episode 5): here, the platoon organises a parade to boost wartime morale, and Mainwaring convinces a young woman to dress as Lady Godiva for the event. The hilarity ensues when a German plane drops a smoke bomb near the parade, leading to unexpected outcomes.

"Mum's Army" (Season 3, Episode 9): here, the women of Walmington-on-Sea form their own auxiliary unit, the "Mums' Army," due to frustrations with the platoon's lack of action.

Best lines

"We're doomed!" - Private Frazer Frazer's pessimistic outlook is summed up in this simple but memorable catchphrase.

"Permission to speak, sir?" - Private Walker Walker frequently requests permission to speak, even when it's not necessary, showcasing his diffident and slightly cheeky attitude.

"Stupid boy!" - Captain Mainwaring Captain Mainwaring's exasperated way of addressing Pike became one of the most recognisable phrases on the show.

"They don't like it up 'em!" - Lance Corporal Jones Jones' enthusiastic declaration about the German soldiers' discomfort when confronted is a classic moment.