Comedy box sets to binge on streaming platforms

Virgin Radio

24 Feb 2023, 13:41

Credit: Channel 4 / BBC / Netflix / IMDB

If you’ve seen all of the latest comedies and are struggling to find something to watch, then there's a wealth of classic sitcoms to dive back into on streaming platforms.

Whether you’ve watched them over and over again (hello, Friends and Gavin & Stacey), or have somehow missed them, there’s always plenty of comforting comedy box sets to binge on the various streaming platforms.

Here are just a few to start with, and be sure to keep an eye on virginradio.co.uk for regular comedy box set suggestions, as well as drama and documentaries box sets to binge, and all of the new stuff that is landing on streaming platforms each month.

Peep Show (9 seasons)

From the brains of Sam Bain and Succession creator Jesse Armstrong, this sharply-written sitcom tells the tale of two flatmates Jez and Mark, played by Robert Webb and David Mitchell.

Shot entirely from point of view angles, the narrative show follows the two friends - who could hardly be more different - as they navigate their way through “relentless” life and all it throws at them.

The sitcom also features Oscar-winner Olivia Colman.

Watch Peep Show on Netflix.

Seinfeld (9 seasons)

Another sitcom that is worth repeated viewing. Over 180 episodes, the show follows comedian Jerry Seinfeld playing a fictionalised version of himself, as he hangs out with his best mates George Costanza (Jason Alexander), Elaine Benes (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) and Kramer (Michael Richards).

The show is a stone-cold classic, with so many iconic episodes to enjoy over and over again, so why not start at the beginning and work your way through all the magic?

Watch Seinfeld on Netflix.

Veep (7 seasons)

Talking of Julia Louis-Dreyfus, here’s another cracker starring the comedy icon.

Created by legendary comedy writer Armando Iannucci, Veep came about as an adaptation of sitcom The Thick of It.

The narrative sees Senator Selina Meyer serving as the Vice President of the United States, navigating her way through a series of political minefields.

Watch Veep on Sky/NOW.

Stath Lets Flats (3 seasons)

In the competitive world of London's property market, Stath (played by writer and creator Jamie Demetriou) tries to prove himself as the perfect heir to his father's flat-letting business.

However, the problem is that Stathy is pretty terrible at his job.

This show features an excellent cast, including comedian Katy Wix, and Jamie’s sister Tash and Al Roberts, whose characters provide an unlikely, and very sweet, love story.

Watch Stath Lets Flats on All 4.

Everybody Loves Raymond (9 seasons)

This long-running classic follows Ray Barone (played by Ray Romano), who seemingly has it all. He’s got a wonderful wife, a beautiful family, a great job and a nice house on Long Island.

However, his obnoxious parents (who live across the street) and his jealous brother are always getting in the way.

The show’s creator, Phil Rosenthal, recently joined the Chris Evans Breakfast Show with cinch. Check out his interview.

Watch Everybody Loves Raymond on Prime Video

Desmond’s (6 seasons)

Desmond's was a hugely popular sitcom when it aired on Channel 4 back in the 1980’s.

Set in a barber’s in Peckham, London, it is a gathering place for an assortment of local characters, and gives an insight into black family life.

In the series, barber shop proprietor Desmond Ambrose often speaks about retiring and returning to his native Guyana, but his affection for his customers and the community prevents him from doing so.

Watch Desmond’s on All 4

The US Office (9 seasons)

The debate has always raged on about which is better, Ricky Gervais’ original, or the American version which followed, but the simple truth is that both can quite happily co-exist as their own entities.

And while there are obvious similarities to the UK version in the early episodes of the US Office, it soon moves off in its own direction.

Steve Carrell is great as the David Brent-esque Michael Scott, while Rainn Wilson turns the Gareth-like Dwight Schrute into his own very unique character.

Watch The US Office on Prime Video or Netflix.

The New Statesman (4 seasons)

We still miss Rik Mayall. When the comedy actor died in 2014, he left a legacy of brilliant television.

The Young Ones, Bottom, Blackadder... he has played some legendary characters, and in 1987, he debuted the megalomaniac Conservative MP, Alan B'Stard.

Quite the antihero, B'Stard does whatever it takes to further his career, stopping at nothing to fulfil his ambitions.

Watch The New Statesman on ITV X.

Will & Grace (11 seasons)

Will, a gay lawyer, allows his best friend Grace, an interior designer, to stay in his house for a temporary period after her marriage falls apart. But she ends up being his permanent roommate.

Meanwhile, Karen and her buddy Jack offer comedy gold over and over again.

Watch Will & Grace on Sky/NOW

Ted Lasso (2 seasons)

There have only been a couple of seasons of funny footy show Ted Lasso, but there’s a 12-part third outing coming next month. So, if you’re not up to speed, you need to catch up sharpish.

The series sees Jason Sudeikis play an American coach, hired to oversee AFC Richmond. At first, things go pretty terribly, but he soon wins over his squad and the fans with his positive outlook on life.

This seriously feel-good sitcom boasts several wonderful characters, including sweary Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein), Coach Beard (Brendan Hunt), big boss Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham) and kind-hearted Keeley (Juno Temple).

Watch Ted Lasso on Apple TV+.

This Country (3 seasons)

Creators Daisy May Cooper and Charlie Cooper star in this mockumentary series about living as a young person in rural Britain.

Fuelled by boredom and frustration, cousins Kerry and Lee `Kurtan' Mucklowe get up to fun and mischief, often to the exasperation of the local vicar, played by Paul Chahidi.

Watch This Country on BBC iPlayer.

Absolutely Fabulous

An undeniable classic, with some of the most memorable characters of any sitcom.

There’s the wild and irresponsible Eddie, (Jennifer Saunders), her straight-laced daughter Saffron (Julia Sawalha), and the booze/drug-addled Patsy, played magnificently by Patsy Kensit.

Pass the bolli darling!