1. Popularity
Finally, which is the most popular overall? The Royle Family's viewing figures on a regular weekly showing varied between 3 and 9 million while the Christmas and charity specials pulled in between 8 and 11 million viewers. It won the best sitcom BAFTA in 2007, while Caroline Aherne won the BAFTA for best comedy performance in 2000. In 1998 it won the award for best new comedy at the British Comedy Awards. In 1999 it dominated the same awards with the award for best sitcom, best comedy actor and actress for Ricky Tomlinson and Caroline Aherne respectively, while Jessica Hynes won best female newcomer. But you can't help but think that, had Father Ted's existence crossed over with it, this might have been different that year. In 2000, at the same awards, Sue Johnston won the award for best female comedy actress, as did Liz Smith in 2007. Father Ted won the best new comedy award at the British Comedy Awards in 1995, with O'Hanlon winning best comedy newcomer. At the 1996 event, the show won the top Channel 4 sitcom award, while McLynn took the award for best comedy actress. It won the BAFTA for best comedy in both 1996 and 1999, while Morgan took the award for best comedy performance. And in 1997 it won the top Channel 4 sitcom award again. When the 1996 Christmas episode of Father Ted was aired (the one in the lingerie department), it attracted what was then Channel 4's largest ever audience for a non-film. It has also won the title of Channel 4's best ever comedy show and the regular show often boasted viewing figures of over 5 million. For an Irish show, with a smaller regular cast, on the less fashionable and less popular Channel 4, these awards and statistics are phenomenal. Current popularity is hard to measure, since Father Ted is finished, while The Royle Family is still producing new material. Father Ted continues to be a big draw on the More4 channel, despite the last episode being 15 years ago, while the 2012 Christmas edition of The Royle Family drew nearly 10 million viewers (a decline on previous specials) but seemed to have lost a bit of its magic. All things considered, I feel Father Ted just about edges this. Winner: Father Ted. So, what do you think? Which was your favourite of these two classic comedy shows?Have your say below.