The Writer's Premieres (who created the top 12 British Sitcoms)
In 2004 a list of the top British sitcoms was created. But what makes a great sitcom writer? Maybe this list which shows each writer's first credit, gives a clue?
List activity
72 views
• 0 this weekCreate a new list
List your movie, TV & celebrity picks.
15 titles
- StarsRobert LindsayMike GradyHilda BraidWolfie Smith is an unemployed dreamer from Tooting. He leads a small group called the Tooting Popular Front with aspirations to create a communist Britain. However, as a result of being disorganised, his chances range from slim to none.John Sullivan's first writing credit. Later to write Only Fools and Horses.
- DirectorGeoffrey SaxStarsRowan AtkinsonSue HoldernessJoan ScottRowan Atkinson's character trying to fall asleep.Rowan Atkinson's first writing credit, which shows the importance of showcases. He wrote the first series of Blackadder.
- StarsRowan AtkinsonMel SmithPamela StephensonBritish sketch comedy starring the likes of Rowan Atkinson and Mel Smith.Richard Curtis's first writing credit. He wrote the first series of Blackadder (no 2 in the list). He also co-wrote Vicar of Dibley (no 3 in the list)
- StarsLenny HenryTracey UllmanDavid CopperfieldAn award winning comedy sketch show that was the platform that launched the careers of Lenny Henry and Tracey Ullman from up and coming comics to household names.Ben Elton' s first writing credit. He wrote the last three series of Blackadder.
- CreatorPeter FluckRoger LawStarsSteve NallonKate RobbinsChris BarrieA satire show using puppets that are caricatures of major public figures.Paul Mayhew-Archer's first writing credit. Later would write for Vicar of Dibley.
- DirectorIan CarmichaelStarsMaria CharlesKenneth ConnorBill FraserDavid Croft's first writing credit. He would later write Dad's Army.
- CreatorJimmy PerryStarsArthur LoweJohn Le MesurierClive DunnA ragtag group of Home Guard volunteers prepare for an imminent German invasion during World War II.Jimmy Perry's first writing credit-the first writer so far to have a top British sitcom as his first credit.
- StarsDavid FrostMillicent MartinWilliam RushtonSatirical sketch show. The first such show in the UK. It ran for two seasons before being pulled just before the 1964 general election.John Cleese's first writing credit. He would later write Fawlty Towers.
Antony Jay's first writing credit. He would later write Yes Minister. - DirectorIan FordyceStarsJohn CleeseTim Brooke-TaylorGraham ChapmanIn this mock-documentary, John Cleese narrates a series of sketches on irritation -- types and techniques. Included are parents irritating their children, old ladies irritating movie-goers in a theater, an overly subservient waiter, a car repairman denying obvious car trouble, a party guest hinting for a ride, airplane pilots playing practical jokes on their passengers, and a talk show host who doesn't stop talking.Connie Booth's first writing credit, a baptism of fire apparently. Later she would write and star in Fawlty Towers with her husband, John Cleese.
- CreatorRichard GordonStarsBarry EvansGeorge LaytonGeoffrey DaviesFollowing his student misadventures in Doctor in the House (1969), Michael Upton (Barry Evans) starts out on an equally fun-filled but disaster-prone solo career. He moves through a variety of jobs in general practice, including one with Dr. Maxwell (Arthur Lowe), before returning to St. Swithin's Hospital as a junior registrar.Jonathan Lynn's first writing credit. He would later write Yes Minister.
- StarsThe Television ToppersJack WarnerDick EmeryDick Clement and Ian La Frenais's first writing credit. They would later write Porridge.
- StarsGeoffrey KeenPhilip LathamRay BarrettAdventure drama series based around the fictitious Mogul Oil Company and the exploits of its chief "troubleshooter", Peter Thornton (Ray Barrett).Roy Clarke's first writing credit. He will later write Open All Hours and its sequel Still Open All Hours.
- StarsKenneth ConnorDeryck GuylerJohn Esmonde and Bob Larbey's first writing credit. They will later write The Good Life.
- DirectorCharles CrichtonStarsJames BolamJohn CleeseDavid Renwick's first writing credit. He will later write One Foot in The Grave.
- StarsMel SmithGriff Rhys JonesGeoffrey McGivernMel Smith and Griff Rhys-Jones present a series of short (often tasteless, always scathing) sketches about modern life and the stupidity and gullibility of those who believe in it.Arthur Matthews and Graham Lineham's first writing credit. They would later write Father Ted.