Classic British Comedies Coming Back?

[ZariusTwo]

BBC One is reportedly looking to revive at least five classic sitcom formats as part of its forthcoming Landmark Sitcom Season.

Trade magazine Broadcast reports that executives are looking at The Good Life, Are You Being Served?, Up Pompeii!, Keeping Up Appearances and Porridge as programmes that could possibly return for specials.

Broadcast says: "The projects are at a variety of stages and are being overseen by BBC Productions comedy executive producer Ben Farrell, who is in discussions with writers and talent."

If the plans come to fruition each show would come back for a one-off 30-minute special, but with the potential to then continue on to a series if the episode proves popular.

This would follow the same pattern as Still Open All Hours, which - following the warm reception to a 2013 Christmas special - was granted a full series. Following strong ratings, the show is now set to return this Christmas with a second full series.

The Landmark Sitcom Season was announced by the BBC in September. The Corporation explained at the time: "BBC One will mark our enduring affection for all the great comedy characters we have met over the [last] 60 years by enlisting the biggest names in British comedy writing and performing to revisit loved classics alongside launching new shows in a landmark comedy season."

It is thought the season will begin in July 2016, timed to coincide with the 60th anniversary of the TV version of Hancock's Half Hour. Aside from the revival of classic sitcoms, the season will also include a new episode of Mrs. Brown's Boys which will be broadcast live.

As reported yesterday, Porridge co-creator Ian La Frenais has confirmed that he and Dick Clement are working on a script for a spin-off from the much-loved Ronnie Barker sitcom. The special would focus on Fletcher's grandson, who is in prison for computer hacking.

It has been revealed today that James Corden was approached to take on the central role in this new spin-off, but had to turn the part down due to his ongoing US chat show commitments. Johnny Vegas has also reportedly been linked to the role.

Whilst none of the programmes have officially been commissioned, it is understood that writer Roy Clarke is set to work on the new Keeping Up Appearances special.

Notably, all but Porridge have been hits overseas, particularly in the US.

http://www.comedy.co.uk/news/story/0...assic_sitcoms/

I can see a justification for Keeping Up Apperances despite losing two cast members...but...c'mon. Porridge for the Julian Assange generation? Really

[CylonsKlingonsDaleksOhMy]

The Good Life was awesome. Original cast and writers or we riot.

[ZariusTwo]

[CylonsKlingonsDaleksOhMy]

Apparently the actors for both Tom and Jerry are deceased.

Which begs the question, how the hell do you do Good Neighbors with just Barbara and Margot?

[Wesley]

I think this is a bad idea. I've watched Keeping Up Appearances, Porridge and Are You Being Served, but the revivals could never be as good as the originals. No one could replace the original actors.

[CylonsKlingonsDaleksOhMy]

Originally Posted by Wesley

I think this is a bad idea. I've watched Keeping Up Appearances, Porridge and Are You Being Served, but the revivals could never be as good as the originals. No one could replace the original actors.

Same for The Good Life.

[ssjup81]

Keeping Up Appearances and Are You Being Served? Nope. Just rerun the originals.

[Amaranthus]

Blackadder or gtfo.

[ssjup81]

Originally Posted by Amaranthus

Blackadder or gtfo.

I love Blackadder. I bought it a few years ago since I liked it so much. The third series is my favorite of them and the Christmas one with a reverse take on the whole Scrooge story.

[The Turtle Terminator]

The BBC will revive all this, but not the "UK's No. Q Comedy". WHERES ONLY FOOLS AND HORSES

[ZariusTwo]

The BBC's rival network ITV are also reviving shows. Their late 90s comedy/drama "Cold Feet" is coming back, minus Helen Baxendale (Emily from Friends), as her character was killed off in the previous series a decade ago

http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/news/a7...february-2016/

Originally Posted by The Turtle Terminator

The BBC will revive all this, but not the "UK's No. Q Comedy". WHERES ONLY FOOLS AND HORSES

The creator/writer of Only Fools is dead. There was a one-off charity short developed by his son (the one with David Beckham), but it was decided not to do anymore after that.