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Dad's Army (BBC, 1968-1977, 83 episodes) |
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 In the fictional town of Walmington-on-Sea, a ragbag collection of Local Defence Volunteers 'protect' the UK during
World War Two. Figures such as Capt. Mainwaring (Arthur Lowe) and L-Cpl Jack
Jones (Clive Dunn), catchphrases "Stupid boy!" and "Don't panic!", and theme
tune "Who Do You Think You Are Kidding Mr Hitler", have passed into television
history.
Writers: Jimmy Perry/David Croft |
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Desmond's (C4, 1989-1994, 71 episodes) |
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 Desmond's established the black British sitcom. Set in a barber's shop - Desmond's - situated in the south London district of Peckham. The humour was drawn from generational differences and the difference in attitude between West Indian immigrants and their British-born descendants, as well as from the individual characters' traits.
Principal writer: Trix Worrall |
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Dear John... (BBC, 1986-1987, 14 episodes) |
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 Newly-divorced schoolteacher John (Ralph Bates) attends a self-help group full of damaged people in an attempt to recover his life and self-esteem. The therapy sessions are taken by matronly Louise (Rachel Bell) who is obsessed with her clients' sex lives.
Writer: John Sullivan |
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dinnerladies (BBC, 1998-2000, 16 episodes) |
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 Victoria Wood both wrote and starred in this gentle comedy set in the kitchens and canteen of a northern factory. Long-time collaborator Julie Walters also featured in the show, alongside distinguished actors from the Wood repertory, such as Celia Imrie, Duncan Preston, and Thelma Barlow.
Writer: Victoria Wood |
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Doctor... (ITV then BBC, 1969-1991, 151 episodes) |
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 The series of Doctor... sitcoms began with Doctor in the House and ended with Doctor at the Top. It featured the on-call adventures of Duncan Waring (Robin Nedwell) and Michael Upton (Barry Evans) and was based on the book and 1950s movie Doctor in the House.
Writers: various inc. Graeme Garden, Bill Oddie, John Cleese, Graham Chapman |
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Drop the Dead Donkey
(C4, 1990-1996, 67 episodes) |
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A sitcom set in a TV newsroom that mixed topical news stories with character-based
comedy. Elements included a teddy bear that award-seeking reporter Dave (Neil
Pearson) would place in scenes of devastation for emotional impact, news editor
George (Jeffe Rawle)'s hypochondria, and the bickering between anchors Sally
and Henry (David Swift and Victoria Wicks).
principal writers: Andy Hamilton/Guy Jenkin |
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The Dustbinmen (ITV, 1968-1970, 22 episodes) |
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 A gang of refuse collectors in the North West of England drive around in dustcart Thunderbird 3 and try to avoid doing any more work than absolutely necessary. Cheese'n'Egg, Smellie, Winston and Heavy Breathing instead spend their time criticising the residents on their bin round.
principal writer: Jack Rosenthal |
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Duty Free (ITV, 1984-1986, 22 episodes) |
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 Two
couples meet in a Spanish hotel and romance blossoms between opposite spouses.
Each episode reflected a single day in the couples' three holidays, and the
show did no harm at all to the holiday trade on the Costa del Sol.
Writers: Eric Chappell/Jean Warr |
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