5 Most Disturbing British TV Comedies

1. Nighty Night

Nighty Night is often described as a 'black comedy.' It's really not €“ it's absolutely terrifying. It's that rare kind of show that has you frequently hiding behind a cushion, biting into a balled fist until you bleed or cringing until your muscles seize up. The characters are so bizarre, so wonderfully ridiculous, so downright unlikable in many cases; and the worst part? You'll recognise every single one of them. This stark, chilling West Country-set show documents the escapades of the manipulative and narcissistic Jill Tyrell, who, after faking the death of her husband, becomes infatuated with her new neighbour, oblivious GP Don Cole. She is ruthless in her pursuit of him, acting as a friend to his MS sufferer wife Cathy, whose kindness prevents her from seeing who her new friend really is at first. But whenever the unhappily married couple decide enough is enough, Jill uses any tactic necessary, including suicide threats and dressing up as the model Don had an affair with some years ago to worm her way back into their lives. The typically suburban setting presents an eerie backdrop to which the horrific events she conjures take place and escalate, from compulsive lying to bullying the staff of the salon she runs to faking pregnancies and actual murder. Horrific as the show may sound, there are several laugh out loud moments. Just be aware that after watching, you may not want to get to close to your neighbours ever again.