TV Comedy Preview: 17th to 23rd February 2014
Lots of new series starting this week, plus some great episodes from continuing shows...
A second series of the sitcom starring Chris O'Dowd as the fictional friend of a young boy. The action is now transplanted to the summer of 1990. Football fever is moving in as the Republic of Ireland play in the World Cup finals for the first time. Monday, 9pm, Sky1. Guide
The last episode of the sitcom that has neatly mixed laughs, pathos and music. We know we're not the only ones keeping our fingers crossed the odd pair get to return for a Series 2. However, that said, will they still be a pair? With a record deal on the table, Errol has to choose between his uncle and a pop star career. Monday, 10pm, BBC Three. Guide
A second series of the comedy drama which has done more to help improve the understanding and tolerance of mental disorders than any government information film has managed. Things are going well for Rae as we re-join her story... but there's trouble on the horizon as she starts college. Monday, 10pm, E4. Guide
A new sitcom series created by and starring Emily Mortimer and her real-life best friend, Dolly Wells. The pair play fictionalised versions of themselves. Emily is a movie star... Doll becomes her assistant. It's an arrangement that soon proves to be less straightforward than it first appeared. Tuesday, 10pm, Sky Living. Guide
A third change of style for the anthology series which has been wowing audiences. This episode - titled Tom & Gerri - focuses on a happy couple. However, when Tom invites the mysterious tramp Migg in for a drink his world starts to fall apart. This story gets very dark. Wednesday, 10pm, BBC Two. Guide
Something that really isn't dark and moody is Celebrity Juice - this panel show is loud, bright and even revels in its light focus. A new series is on the way later in the season, but to help promote Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway this week we get a one-off special guest starring the Geordie duo. Thursday, 10pm, ITV2. Guide
8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown
Another new episode of the format mash-up. This is the 15th time they've done this now - and yet the comedy still seems fresh and funny. Two big name guests for this one - James Corden and Jack Dee. Meanwhile Joe Lycett is the young comedian helping out Susie Dent. Friday, 9pm, Channel 4. Guide
A new comedy drama from ITV. It charts life at a 1980s-inspired bed and breakfast in Margate. The cast list includes Him & Her's Camille Coduri, The Inbetweeners' Blake Harrison, sitcom veteran Marcia Warren and top comic actor Adrian Scarborough. Find out more about the show via our guide. Friday, 9pm, ITV1. Guide
This PG Wodehouse comedy drama exudes fun from every scene. This week's guest stars are Celia Imrie as Clarence and Connie's censorious elder sister, and Julian Rhind-Tutt as brother Galahad 'Gally' Threepwood - a man who is looking to cash in via writing a book. Sunday, 6:30pm, BBC One. Guide
Plus: Shaun The Sheep is on daily; The Life Of Rock With Brian Pern continues; a new series of 8 Out Of 10 Cats; House Of Fools finishes; Outnumbered takes a trip to the woods; The Midnight Beast; Josh Widdicombe on Room 101; a double-bill of Live At The Electric; and more besides.
For a complete summary of all the British comedy on TV this week, including all the main repeats, plus radio comedy too, see our full schedule