Blast from the past: an incomplete list of period sitcoms
by Ahdar | created - 27 Jun 2013 | updated - 31 Jul 2013 | PublicOh that most elusive of television comedic ventures, the period sitcom! Whether set in the darkest of the Dark Ages or smack dab in the middle of World War II, period sitcoms are few and far between in comparison to their more serious cousin the period drama. But never fear, if one does desire to watch some good old historical hilarity there are options available for even the most couchiest of couch potatoes.
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1. M*A*S*H (1972–1983)
TV-PG | 25 min | Comedy, Drama, War
The staff of an Army hospital in the Korean War find that laughter is the best way to deal with their situation.
Stars: Alan Alda, Wayne Rogers, Loretta Swit, Jamie Farr
Votes: 63,705
Probably the most successful period sitcom, MASH lasted for 11 series and endures as an American television classic.
2. Blackadder (1982–1983)
TV-PG | 195 min | Comedy
In the Middle Ages, Prince Edmund the Black Adder constantly schemes and endeavors to seize the crown from his father and brother.
Stars: Rowan Atkinson, Brian Blessed, Elspet Gray, Tim McInnerny
Votes: 41,038
The alternative history sitcom The Black Adder starred Rowan Atkinson as the sniveling (and fictional) Prince Emund Blackadder. While the dimwitted prince's plans always fail, his character was reworked in later seasons and became both intelligent and unscrupulous.
3. Blackadder II (1986)
TV-PG | 176 min | Comedy
In the Tudor court of Elizabeth I, Lord Edmund Blackadder strives to win Her Majesty's favour while attempting to avoid a grisly fate should he offend her.
Stars: Rowan Atkinson, Tony Robinson, Tim McInnerny, Miranda Richardson
Votes: 49,826
The second Black Adder series sees Prince Edmund's conniving descendent scheme his way into the heart of Queen Elizabeth I. He is joined by his dimwitted friends Baldrick and Percy.
4. Blackadder the Third (1987)
TV-PG | 180 min | Comedy
In the Regency era, Mr E. Blackadder serves as butler to the foppish numskull Prince George amidst the fads and crazes of the time.
Stars: Rowan Atkinson, Tony Robinson, Hugh Laurie, Helen Atkinson Wood
Votes: 47,041
The Blackadder family has come down in the world during Regency-era England. Blackadder works as butler to the moronic Prince of Wales in the third series of the popular sitcom.
5. Blackadder: The Cavalier Years (1988 TV Short)
15 min | Short, Comedy, History
Sir Edmund Blackadder must protect, and later rescue, King Charles I from the Roundheads.
Director: Mandie Fletcher | Stars: Rowan Atkinson, Tony Robinson, Stephen Fry, Warren Clarke
Votes: 6,022
Set during the Civil War, this Blackadder special sees the erstwhile schemer attempting to keep King Charles I on the throne.
6. Blackadder's Christmas Carol (1988 TV Movie)
43 min | Comedy, History
After a genial spirit shows the benevolent Ebenezer Blackadder visions of his unscrupulous ancestors, he resolves to mend his generous ways.
Director: Richard Boden | Stars: Rowan Atkinson, Tony Robinson, Miranda Richardson, Stephen Fry
Votes: 13,958
Blackadder's Victorian-era incarnation is renowned for his good works. However, when the Spirit of Christmas visits him, he decided to throw caution to the wind and behave as badly as his nefarious ancestors.
7. Blackadder Goes Forth (1989)
TV-PG | 175 min | Comedy, War
Stuck in the middle of World War I, Captain Edmund Blackadder does his best to escape the banality of the war.
Stars: Rowan Atkinson, Tony Robinson, Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie
Votes: 56,794
Captain Blackadder tries to avoid certain death in the midst of World War I.
8. Blackadder Back & Forth (1999)
33 min | Short, Comedy, History
At a New Millennium Eve party, Blackadder and Baldrick test their new time machine and ping pong through history encountering famous characters and changing events rather alarmingly.
Director: Paul Weiland | Stars: Rowan Atkinson, Tony Robinson, Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie
Votes: 15,789
Blackadder time travels to prehistory, the Battle of Waterloo, Elizabethan England and Roman era Britain in this final installment of the series.
9. Happy Days (1974–1984)
TV-G | 30 min | Comedy, Family, Music
The Cunningham family live through the 1950s with help and guidance from lovable and almost superhuman greaser Fonzie.
Stars: Ron Howard, Henry Winkler, Marion Ross, Tom Bosley
Votes: 21,055
A nostalgic look back at the 1950s, Happy Days spawned the saying "jumping the shark" as well as numerous spinoffs.
10. Laverne & Shirley (1976–1983)
TV-G | 30 min | Comedy, Family
The misadventures of two single women in the 1950s and '60s.
Stars: Penny Marshall, Cindy Williams, David L. Lander, Eddie Mekka
Votes: 8,793
Documented the life of two working girls in Milwaukee in the 1950s and 60s.
11. Joanie Loves Chachi (1982–1983)
30 min | Comedy, Romance, Music
The romantic adventures of Joanie Cunningham and Chachi Arcola as they pursue music careers in Chicago.
Stars: Scott Baio, Erin Moran, Al Molinaro, Derrel Maury
Votes: 677
Another spinoff of Happy Days, Joanie Loves Chachi was set in the 60s.
12. Best of the West (1981–1982)
30 min | Comedy, Western
The Wild West misadventures of a mild-mannered store owner turned town Marshal.
Stars: Joel Higgins, Carlene Watkins, Meeno Peluce, Valri Bromfield
Votes: 277
Sort-lived sitcom set in the Wild West.
13. That '70s Show (1998–2006)
TV-14 | 22 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance
A comedy revolving around a group of teenage friends, their mishaps, and their coming of age, set in 1970s Wisconsin.
Stars: Topher Grace, Laura Prepon, Mila Kunis, Danny Masterson
Votes: 189,174
Ashton Kutcher's launching pad to fame was this sitcom set in 1970s America (obviously).
14. That '80s Show (2002)
TV-PG | 30 min | Comedy
That '80s Show is a half-hour ensemble comedy focusing on a group of twenty-somethings finding their way through the '80s in San Diego.
Stars: Glenn Howerton, Tinsley Grimes, Chyler Leigh, Eddie Shin
Votes: 2,446
Unlike its more successful 70s counterpart, That 80s Show only lasted a few months.
15. Up the Women (2013–2015)
TV-PG | 174 min | Comedy, History
A group of Suffragists band together to spread the word--but they need to learn their own lessons first.
Stars: Jessica Hynes, Vicki Pepperdine, Emma Pierson, Judy Parfitt
Votes: 425
The comic misadventures of some very unmilitant suffragettes in Edwardian England.
16. Jeeves and Wooster (1990–1993)
TV-PG | 55 min | Comedy
Bertram Wooster, a well-intentioned, wealthy layabout, has a habit of getting himself into trouble and it's up to his brilliant valet, Jeeves, to get him out.
Stars: Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, Richard Dixon, Robert Daws
Votes: 13,141
The amusing adventures of the plucky Bertie Wooster (Hugh Laurie) and his capable butler Jeeves (the very lovely Stephen Fry). Set gloriously in the 1930s with all of the decade's lovely slang courtesy of PG Wodehouse.
17. Maid Marian and Her Merry Men (1989–1994)
25 min | Adventure, Comedy, Family
Robin was a cowardly tailor from Kensington, and Marian was the brains behind the Merry Men. With her ruthless band of freedom fighters, Marian seeks to save the villagers of Worksop from the tyrany of King John and his cunning henchman.
Stars: Kate Lonergan, Adam Morris, Danny John-Jules, Howard Lew Lewis
Votes: 1,605
In Middle Age-era Britain, the Merry Men follow Maid Marian rather than Robin Hood.
18. Hippies (1999)
30 min | Comedy
In 1969 London, the editor of an underground magazine and his friends get into wacky situations.
Stars: Simon Pegg, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Sally Phillips, Darren Boyd
Votes: 450
Simon Pegg starred as the editor of an underground magazine in this period sitcom set in London in 1969.
19. Dad's Army (1968–1977)
30 min | Comedy, War
A ragtag group of Home Guard volunteers prepare for an imminent German invasion during World War II.
Stars: Arthur Lowe, John Le Mesurier, Clive Dunn, John Laurie
Votes: 7,218
Local townspeople defend Britain from the Nazis (albeit bumblingly) as part of the Home Guard in World War II. Famously, the series lasted longer than the war actually did.
20. Hi-de-Hi! (1980–1988)
60 min | Comedy
Comic goings-on in this series. Ted's the camp comic but is always on the lookout for a way to make money. Gladys has her eye on the boss, and Peggy wants to swap her mop and cleaner's outfit for a 'yellow coat.'
Stars: Paul Shane, Ruth Madoc, Jeffrey Holland, Felix Bowness
Votes: 1,870
A period Brticom set from 1959 to 1960 in a holiday camp in Essex.
21. You Rang, M'Lord? (1988–1993)
50 min | Comedy
Adventures and misadventures of Lord Meldrum, his family and their servants in the 1920s.
Stars: Paul Shane, Jeffrey Holland, Su Pollard, Donald Hewlett
Votes: 3,603
After the close of WWI, two former soldiers use their influence to secure positions as butler and footman in a wealthy London household.
22. High & Dry (1985–1987)
30 min | Comedy
A shady character buys a decrepit seaside pier with a view to refurbishing it.
Stars: Richard Wilson, Vivienne Martin, Bernard Cribbins, Angus Barnett
Votes: 10
Period sitcom set after World War II in an English seaside town (strangely a popular setting for period Britcoms).
23. Goodnight Sweetheart (1993–2016)
Not Rated | 30 min | Comedy, Drama, Fantasy
British sitcom in which an unhappily married man discovers he can time travel back to 1940s war-torn London where he masquerades as an MI5 agent and part-time songwriter whilst courting the local barmaid.
Stars: Nicholas Lyndhurst, Victor McGuire, Christopher Ettridge, Elizabeth Carling
Votes: 3,330
A time traveling TV repairman spices up his life by alternating between the present day and wartorn 1940s London.
24. Oh Doctor Beeching! (1995–1997)
29 min | Comedy
The trials and tribulations of the staff at Hatley railway station, who are all wondering if Dr Beeching will close them down.
Stars: Paul Shane, Su Pollard, Jeffrey Holland, Barbara New
Votes: 525
Set in a 1960s railway station.
25. Up Pompeii! (1969–1970)
30 min | Comedy, History
Lurcio is a much-put-upon slave in the ancient Roman town of Pompeii. More often than not, Lurcio finds himself keeping his owner's family members apart, in order to keep them together.
Stars: Frankie Howerd, Elizabeth Larner, Kerry Gardner, Jeanne Mockford
Votes: 372
BBC comedy set in Pompeii circa 70 AD.
26. 'Allo 'Allo! (1982–1992)
45 min | Comedy, History, War
In France during World War II, René Artois runs a small café where Resistance fighters, Gestapo men, German Army officers and escaped Allied POWs interact daily, ignorant of one another's true identity or presence, exasperating René.
Stars: Gorden Kaye, Carmen Silvera, Vicki Michelle, Richard Marner
Votes: 27,026
The long running series is set in World War II France.
27. Brass (1983–1990)
30 min | Comedy
This spoof of soap-operas was set around two feuding families, the wealthy Hardacres headed by the ruthless capitalist Bradley Hardacre and the poor, working-class Fairchilds headed by the stern socialist Jack Fairchild.
Stars: Timothy West, Caroline Blakiston, James Saxon, Gail Harrison
Votes: 185
28. It Ain't Half Hot Mum (1974–1981)
30 min | Comedy, War
The comic adventures of a group of misfits who form an extremely bad concert party touring the hot and steamy jungles of Burma entertaining the troops during World War II.
Stars: Windsor Davies, Melvyn Hayes, Donald Hewlett, Don Estelle
Votes: 1,785
29. Get Some In! (1975–1978)
30 min | Comedy
1955 called up into R.A.F. a group of young men find it hard to cope,especially with a corporal who is unhappy and takes it out on them.
Stars: Tony Selby, Gerard Ryder, David Janson, Brian Pettifer
Votes: 257
30. The New Adventures of Lucky Jim (1982)
30 min | Comedy
Fresh off the Harwich Ferry from the continent, unemployed medieval historian Jim Dixon goes to Swinging London in search of a life and a job. He encounters mini skirts, models, pop stars, artists, aristocracy, starlets and film-makers.
Stars: Enn Reitel, Glynis Barber, David Simeon, Barbara Flynn
Votes: 20
31. Paris (1994– )
30 min | Comedy
Follows the escapades of French artist Alain Degout living in 1920s Paris, who wants to be famous, but his work gets him nowhere
Stars: Alexei Sayle, Neil Morrissey, Allan Corduner, James Dreyfus
Votes: 33
32. Ripping Yarns (1976–1979)
TV-PG | 30 min | Adventure, Comedy
This show is a collection of tales that make for "ripping good" television. Sir Michael Palin played a different lead character in each yarn.
Stars: Michael Palin, Charles McKeown, Barbara New, David Griffin
Votes: 1,700
33. Chelmsford 123 (1988–1990)
30 min | Comedy
Sitcom set in the town of Chelmsford, but in the year AD 123. The show mainly revolves around the power struggle between the newly appointed Roman Governor of Britain, Aulus Paulinus, and the scheming local British chieftain Badvoc.
Stars: Jimmy Mulville, Rory McGrath, Philip Pope, Howard Lew Lewis
Votes: 326
34. Let Them Eat Cake (1999)
30 min | Comedy, History
It's 1782 and welcome to the fabulous Palace of Versailles, France. Outside the gates, the peasants are on the verge of revolting , whilst inside lives one of the most hated women in all of France -Columbine, the Comtesse De Vache.
Stars: Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders, Adrian Scarborough, Lucy Punch
Votes: 744
35. The Legend of Dick and Dom (2009–2011)
30 min | Comedy, Drama, Family
Two brothers embark on a very silly journey to find a cure to the disease that is infecting Bottomworld.
Stars: Terry Jones, Richard McCourt, Dominic Wood, Steve Furst
Votes: 232
36. The Last Salute (1998– )
30 min | Comedy
British sitcom following the adventures of AA patrolmen.
Stars: Paul Bown, Philip Jackson, Jo Unwin, Claire Cox
Votes: 12
37. Just William (2010)
TV-PG | 28 min | Comedy, Family
The classic stories of a trouble making little boy.
Stars: Rebecca Front, Daniel Ryan, Daniel Roche, Lily James
Votes: 235
38. Haggard (1990–1992)
30 min | Comedy
Squire Haggard, the womanising, destitute former friend of the Prince of Wales, optimistically searches for rich men "willing" to part with their money, and rich, beautiful women willing to... See full summary »
Stars: Keith Barron, Reece Dinsdale, Sam Kelly, William Simons
Votes: 66
39. Dark Ages (1999)
TV-14 | 30 min | Comedy
People in England are worried about the coming millennium. The year is A.D. 999.
Stars: Phill Jupitus, Alistair McGowan, Pauline McLynn, Dave Lamb
Votes: 53
40. Andy Capp (1988– )
30 min | Comedy
Andy is an out-of-work layabout who only wants to have a drink and read the racing news. This leaves his long-suffering wife Flo as the sole breadwinner.
Stars: James Bolam, Paula Tilbrook, Susan Brown, Keith Marsh
Votes: 61
41. Clarence (1988)
30 min | Comedy
Clarence is a myopic delivery man who retires to the countryside, and goes from one mishap to another due to his short-sightedness
Stars: Ronnie Barker, Josephine Tewson, Phyllida Law, Richard Caldicot
Votes: 221
42. Backs to the Land (1977–1978)
30 min | Comedy, War
Stars: Philippa Howell, Terese Stevens, John Stratton, Charles Lamb
Votes: 17
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