The BBC has released a trailer for their landmark sitcom season to mark 60 years since Galton and Simpson’s Hancock’s Half Hour started on BBC Television. The season of programming across BBC One, BBC Two and BBC Four will celebrate the heritage and legacy of BBC comedy by revisiting some of Britain’s iconic sitcoms alongside launching brand new comedy shows.
Introduction to the season from Shane Allen, Controller, Comedy Commissioning.
"Our forthcoming Landmark Sitcom Season marks 60 years since the terrifically misanthropic Hancock hit the small screen, which has given us the chance to shine a light on a genre that evokes great passion and reflects a deep part of our national identity.
When a sitcom reaches that hallowed ‘classic’ status it is enjoyed over and over by new generations as the characters and settings become timeless. My happiest childhood memories are of watching Open All Hours, Only Fools & Horses and Fawlty Towers as a family, with three generations all coming together through laughter. It’s a joyful bonding experience and ultimately comedy’s job is to cheer everyone up.
This Landmark Sitcom Season is a celebration of the craft of comedy writing. We’ve chosen pieces across all four channels that recognise and extol the original minds that come up with these funny settings, characters and lines that make such an impression upon us."
Programmes forming the season include the remake of Are You Being Served starring Kayode Ewumi, Home from Home led by Johnny Vegas and Joanna Page, We The Jury with Vivienne Acheampong and Samson Kayo and The Coopers vs The Rest starring Paterson Joseph and Tanya Franks. To find out more about each of the programmes, click here.
