James R | On 24, Oct 2020

BBC iPlayer is bringing back another wave of classic comedy box sets to binge through the dark autumn evenings.

From today, viewers can watch every episode of Richard Curtis and Dawn French’s The Vicar Of Dibley, the critically acclaimed family sitcom The Royle Family and the sketch show that made a star of its star, The Catherine Tate Show.

In the coming weeks those box sets will be joined by even more classic comedy shows, including every episode of historical sitcom Blackadder, starring Rowan Atkinson, and Kathy Burke’s anarchic turn in the gleefully chaotic Gimme Gimme Gimme.

These new additions join a wide selection of classic comedy box sets already available on iPlayer, including Gavin & Stacey, The Thick Of It and The Real McCoy, as well as French and Saunders, Absolutely Fabulous and The Kumars At No.42. They accompany the contemporary comedies also streaming on the Beeb’s catch-up platform, from Ghosts and Famalam to Love Life, Mandy, This Country and The Young Offenders.

Dan McGolpin, controller of BBC iPlayer, says: “On BBC iPlayer you can enjoy some of the best comedies ever alongside many fantastic new series. You’ll now be able to put your feet up and relax in the company of Geraldine Granger, Jim Royle, Lauren Cooper and Baldrick. Whoever you are, there’s a comedy for you with a bigger selection than ever before on BBC iPlayer.”

Here’s the rundown of box sets returning to iPlayer:

The Vicar Of Dibley – available now
The Catherine Tate Show – available now
The Royle Family – available now
Gimme Gimme Gimme – 12th November
Blackadder – 14th November

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