Is Only Fools & Horses the greatest British sitcom?

During the war...

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I wouldn't say greatest EVER, but it was VERY GOOD and I can't think of any other sitcom that had that level of massive popularity with the British public and I also found genuinely funny - I guess maybe Fawlty Towers and One Foot in the Grave were similarly popular, both of which I would rank higher than OFAH.

As far as other sitcoms I like more, as well as the two I've mentioned I would also say:
  • Absolutely Fabulous (the first three series, anyway)
  • Father Ted (if it counts as a British show)
  • I'm Alan Partridge
  • The League of Gentlemen (if you class it as a sitcom - I know some people don't, but I do so here it is)
 
It’s not the best in my view (i’m not sure what is though, there’s such a choice) but it was very good and never really lost its shine considering the length of its run.

I would agree that One Foot In The Grave is better because it observed life better than any other British sitcom.

I would also rate personal favourites like Ab Fav, Dinnerladies and Keeping Up Appearances above Fools and Horses.
 
Biggest yes, best no - I’d probably go with Fawlty Towers, given its legacy and success and all round Britishness. And it’s incredibly written. Even if parts of it are now PROBLEMATIC…
 
I mean. Since Brexit and the New Blue Wall, it's hard to think about these white, working-class male-centric British shows with affection. You just imagine who they would all have voted for.
 
I find it easy watching and go through phases with it . I guess it was just part of my childhood growing up. But for me it’s not the best. Again that goes to “One Foot In The Grave” I mean you can’t imagine an episode of OF ending with a suicide by hanging during a game of Happy Families .
 
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Are You Being Served?
Fawlty Towers
The Young Ones
The League Of Gentlemen (first two series only - the third doesn't really fit the description)
Father Ted (it really was seismic at the time but I can't even look at it now :( )
One Foot In The Grave (lost it a bit at the end but the first few series were magnificently written and performed at the perfect pitch, especially by Wilson and Crosbie)
 
I would argue that The Goodies was a sitcom. Some disagree, saying the premise was too flimsy to count.
 
There's also a reading of Vic Reeves Big Night Out that it was a sitcom about a light-entertainer, losing control of his show and his public image due to corrupt finances and nasty working practices. It only applies to the 2nd series but if you watch it with that in mind, it does work although I think there's a difference between a sitcom and having a narrative arc running through a series.
 
Also, remember how popular Coupling and Game On were? And, if we're talking things that have aged badly, how about Men Behaving Badly?
 
Do animations count? The Simpsons, Family Guy, Futurama, South Park, Rick & Morty...all had some classic seasons before falling off the cliff...
 
I have almost no memory of One Foot In The Grave other than catchphrases and a few famous moments (episode in traffic, head in the plant pot, picking up dog as a phone). Same for Keeping Up Appearances which really was the same plot in most episodes.
 
Father Ted is my all-time favourite, if it counts as British like COB said. The Young Ones, as Octy said. And Blackadder, especially Series 2.
 
octophone said:
Do animations count? The Simpsons, Family Guy, Futurama, South Park, Rick & Morty...all had some classic seasons before falling off the cliff...
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Not British though. We haven't had much of a go at adult animation have we. There was the short-lived and much underrated Stressed Eric...
 
I don’t mind it but it wouldn’t go down as a CLASSIC for me. I would say that The Royle Family is probably my absolute favourite.
 
Big shout out to SCOTTISH SITCOMS 2 Doors Down, Still Game and Chewin’ the Fat.
 
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I love it but later episodes did tarnish it somewhat. In its prime it was fantastic though.
 
Kate said:
Not British though. We haven't had much of a go at adult animation have we. There was the short-lived and much underrated Stressed Eric...
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Oh! Of course. There is that! :D

I can't believe I forgot Blackadder. The 2nd and 4th seasons are immaculate.
 
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While stuff like Father Ted, Blackadder, The Young Ones, Fawlty Towers are great, they have a benefit of being extremely short. To be considered “greatest ever” surely it should be something that lasted more than 4 series.
 
Ellie said:
While stuff like Father Ted, Blackadder, The Young Ones, Fawlty Towers are great, they have a benefit of being extremely short. To be considered “greatest ever” surely it should be something that lasted more than 4 series.
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Oh I wholly disagree! Quitting while you're ahead is an artform in itself. (Though with Father Ted they had no choice of course :()
 
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