BBC iPlayer brings back classic comedy box sets
David Farnor | On 09, Jun 2018
Comedy fans looking for a laugh this summer will be spoilt for choice, as some of the BBC’s funniest series are returning to BBC iPlayer.
The Beeb has been stepping up its box set game in the last six months, as iPlayer bets on its huge back catalogue of series to compete with Netflix and other streaming services. At Christmas, that meant a bumper selection of dramas were added to the site, from Peaky Blinders and Line of Duty to Happy Valley and Sherlock. That paid off with iPlayer’s best ever week, racking up a record number of views.
Earlier this week, BBC iPlayer also brought back every episode of Doctor Who since its 2005 revival, in advance of Jodie Whittaker’s debut as The Doctor later this year. Comedy, though, has always been a staple of BBC iPlayer’s binge-worthy appeal, mostly thanks to BBC Three hits such as Fleabag, This Country, The Young Offenders and Famalam, all of which are available to stream. (Older BBC Three hits Gavin and Stacey and Being Human are also currently available as box sets.)
Now, BBC is doubling down on its comedy offering with a range of older series returning for the summer. Every episode of Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant’s celeb-packed Extras is now available to watch. They have been joined by every episode of The League of Gentlemen, including the anniversary specials. Other additions include all three series and Christmas specials of Miranda, all five series of Citizen Khan, and all nine series of classic hangout comedy Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps.
All of these box sets are available now until 7th December.