Christmas season means it’s time to cozy up with families in front of the fire, grab some eggnog, and enjoy some laughs. No one loves a Christmas special more than the Brits, so why not add a few classic U.K. comedies into your holiday binge-watching lineup? Bobby Caldwell of Erie, PA dives into the uproarious world of British sitcoms with timeless classics that will make a delightful addition to your holiday entertainment lineup.
“The Vicar of Dibley”
This hilarious British sitcom has a touch of the religious (or sacrilegious!) to fit well with any Christmas celebration. The series follows a woman vicar who shocks the conservative parish community of Dibley when she is assigned to replace her elderly male predecessor. Vivacious, lusty, and opinionated, she takes the town by storm. The series has several Christmas specials, including one where the Vicar is forced to eat four Christmas dinners in one day out of sheer British politeness.
“Are You Being Served?”
This slapstick series full of visual gags and sexual innuendo is a send-up of the rigid British class system, following the exploits of London department store employees. Characters rarely call each other by their actual names, and full of hilarious stereotypes. Like all the best UK shows, there are several Christmas specials, most of which revolve around the holiday spirit taking over the department store.
“Only Fools and Horses”
One of the most popular British comedies of all time, this edgy series follows a set of brothers and their misfit friends on various get-rich-quick adventures – trying to sell anything to anyone who will buy it. The show had a whopping 18 holiday specials, most of which revolved around the characters’ yuletide business schemes.
“Blackadder”
Before he was Mr. Bean, Rowan Atkinson was Blackadder – playing various members of the Blackadder family across eras of European history with sharp wit and silliness abound. Particularly uproarious is “Blackadder’s Christmas Carol,” in which kind Ebeneezer Blackadder gets a look at his horrific ancestors. It’s a star-studded spectacular with guest stars Hugh Laurie, Miranda Richardson, Stephen Fry, Robbie Coltraine, Miriam Margoyles, Jim Broadbent, and more!
“Father Ted”
This series is another religious entry, following three misfit priests and their nosy housekeeper living on a remote island off the coast of Ireland. Much conflict comes from the clash of personalities – with a young naïve priest, a raging alcoholic, and a gambler in tow. The special “A Christmassy Ted” features the usual madcap adventures with a festiva twist.
“The Royle Family”
This working-class British family comedy follows the Royle family of Manchester and ran for three series in 1998-2000. Like so many American sitcom families, much fo the comedy ensues while they sit at home watching telly, smoking, drinking, and bickering. “Christmas with the Royle Family” involves a typical family Christmas celebration gone awry, with in-fighting, parlor games, party invitations, and even a brand-new baby.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to bring warm laughs to your family Christmas gathering, look no further than classic British comedies for your dose of holiday cheer.
