12 British Comedy Shows You Absolutely Had To Watch In The '90s

1. Harry Enfield's Television Programme/Harry Enfield And Chums

Between them, Harry Enfield and co managed to create a remarkable number of fan favourite characters and memorable catchphrases. There seemed to be no situation in which you couldn't rely on at least one person delightedly offering a (not very helpful) line from the show. The title of the programme may have changed to give due credit, but its essence remained the same throughout the run. The simple, well executed, formula was larger than life characters based on a foundation of observational truth. It appealed to an unusually broad demographic, so you never had to battle for control of the remote in order to watch it. The sketches managed to mock without being overly vitriolic, which would have been a proven but lazy tactic: especially when it came to cult icons Wayne and Waynetta Slob. Instead, there was almost a warmth to the characters. The reciprocal affection with which they were viewed is possibly best highlighted by reaction to The Scousers. They were inspired by the ludicrous C4 soap Brookside (a bugbear for many in the city), but the curly-wigged brothers managed to make even Liverpudlians laugh. Most quoted line (probably): "Alright, Alright, Calm Down, Calm Down." (The Scousers) What other great '90s British comedies did you just HAVE to watch? Share any we missed down in the comments.
 
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Steph Johnson is a freelance writer living in the north, follow her on Twitter @Johnson77Steph