Four British sitcoms on iPlayer you may not have seen

British comedy television has long been revered, especially the classic sitcoms this country has produced. Much has been written about programmes like Only Fools And Horses, Dad's Army and Blackadder, but there is also a whole list of other shows that were hugely popular when they were first broadcast but aren't talked about so much now. With storylines as varied as driving tests, anonymous casinos and a booze cruise that goes wrong, there is much to discover within their many episodes.

Thanks to the era of streaming, it is now much easier to dip into an archive show to see if you like it - no need to take a gamble on an expensive DVD boxset any more only to find out something isn't to your taste. So, with that in mind, here are four sitcoms that can currently found on BBC iPlayer which you might like to sample.

2point4 Children

2point4 Children is a British sitcom that aired on the BBC from 1991 to 1999, created and written by Andrew Marshall. The show follows the seemingly typical Porter family, consisting of Bill (Belinda Lang), a sarcastic and practical mother who works as a caterer, her quirky husband Ben (Gary Olsen), and their two children, Jenny and David. While the family setup appears conventional, the show is known for its offbeat humour and surreal twists, often featuring bizarre plotlines that veer into the unexpected - such as haunted houses, mistaken identities, and absurd coincidences. This blend of domestic comedy and outlandish storytelling helped set it apart from other sitcoms of the era.

Belinda Lang and Gary Olsen's performances were central to the show's appeal, bringing both comic timing and emotional depth to their roles. Over its eight series, the show evolved with the characters, reflecting the changes in British family life during the 1990s.

After You've Gone

After You've Gone aired on BBC One in 2007 and 2008. It starred Nicholas Lyndhurst as Jimmy Venables, a laid-back and somewhat irresponsible father who finds himself unexpectedly taking care of his teenage children after his ex-wife heads abroad. The show centres on Jimmy's chaotic attempts to manage parenting duties while living with his disapproving former mother-in-law, Diana Neal, played by Celia Imrie. The clash between Jimmy's casual approach to life and Diana's stern, no-nonsense attitude drives much of the show's humour, creating a dynamic filled with witty banter and generational tension.

Filmed in front of a studio audience (something that's now increasingly rare), the show tackled the ups and downs of modern family life with a light-hearted tone, and while it was cancelled after three series, it left behind gag-packed 25 episodes to enjoy.

Early Doors

This charming comedy aired on BBC Two in 2003 and 2004. It was created by Craig Cash and Phil Mealey, who also starred in the series. Set almost entirely in a small, cosy Manchester pub called The Grapes, the show revolves around the lives of its regulars and staff, capturing the gentle rhythms and understated humour of everyday pub culture. Unlike the more farcical or fast-paced sitcoms of its time, Early Doors is celebrated for its slow-burning charm, character-driven storytelling, and authentic dialogue. The show's setting allows for intimate glimpses into the patrons' lives, where banter, pint-pulling, and quiet moments of reflection coexist.

At the heart of the series is Ken (John Henshaw), the warm but world-weary landlord with a kind heart and a complicated home life. The strength of Early Doors lies in its nuanced characterisations, where humour often stems from subtle observations rather than punchlines. Themes of loneliness, friendship, and the quiet struggles of working class life are woven into its script with care and wit. Though it only ran for two series, Early Doors has developed a cult following, and is a comedy to definitely try a sample of on iPlayer, if you haven't already.

Sneakerhead

This is a comedy you might not have seen because it aired back on UKTV's Dave channel in 2022 without much fanfare. However, thanks to a deal between the BBC and UKTV, it can now be watched via iPlayer.

Sneakerhead stars People Just Do Nothing's Hugo Chegwin as Russell, a hapless sports shop employee with a passion for trainers. The show blends workplace humour with the world of sneaker culture, as Russell navigates his dead-end job, clashes with eccentric colleagues, and tries to make sense of his ambitions and personal life. Set in a fictional sportswear store in Peterborough, Sneakerhead offers a slice-of-life look at a retail environment familiar to many, enriched by its focus on the obsessive and often absurd world of limited-edition trainers and streetwear.