3. Not Going Out
Another once great show that suffered with the loss of crucial cast members is Not Going Out, the BBC's gag-a-minute comedy starring Lee Mack that first aired in 2006. Now, I'll admit the sixth and most recent series had me tickled at times thanks largely to Mack's relentless spate of quip-based zingers and ultra-sarcastic whit, and the last episode, "Boat", featuring a special guest appearance by Bobby Ball as Lee's useless father, was a good one. But a lot of the jokes are hit and miss and the humour and storylines are massively predictable. The departure of Tim Vine as Lee's best friend Tim last year as well as the exit of show-regular Miranda Hart as self-employed cleaner Barbara Petrietskivadorski (try saying that after you've had a few - try saying that when you're sober) left the show with a hole that hasn't since been filled. In the absence of Vine, Lee and love interest Lucy (Sally Bretton) were left to carry the show on their own with occasional appearances from the unfunny and massively thick hairdresser Daisy (Katy Wix) and it just felt like there was something missing. Not Going Out has been commissioned for a seventh series but in my opinion it should be allowed to fade out, much like Lee's "Going" sign.