Sally Bretton’s once-loved BBC sitcom has axed its biggest problem for its highly-anticipated return

After a brief hiatus, one of BBC’s longest-running comedies, “Not Going Out,” has returned to our screens once more. Known for its humor and immense popularity, this sitcom originally concluded in 2014 before making a comeback with a Christmas special the following year. However, after an underwhelming return in 2017, some viewers criticized that the show had veered off course.

It appears that the decline in popularity for the once cherished sitcom is largely due to the shift in dynamics. Over an eight-year time jump, the primary quartet – consisting of Lucy (Sally Bretton from Beyond Paradise), Lee, Tim, and Daisy – underwent a significant transformation. Notably, characters Tim Vine and Daisy Wix were replaced by Lucy and Lee’s three children, as Lucy and Lee are now married.

Previously, the aimless teenage wanderer Lee, known from the early episodes, was no longer around, making way for the intriguing romantic tension that arose upon the arrival of Lucy, Bretton’s character. However, I must warn you, their relationship does indeed develop and culminate.

Or:

The carefree adolescent vagabond Lee from the early seasons was nowhere to be seen, replaced by an exciting romantic dynamic between Lee and Lucy, who entered the scene as Bretton’s character. To clarify, they do indeed end up together.

Rather than being reshaped as a family comedy with numerous comedic marital squabbles and the hectic juggling act of parenthood, it was repackaged as such. However, it appears that this shift towards a family-oriented theme did not resonate well with fans, as they found the revival of Not Going Out to be “unfamiliar.

According to some viewers, they felt that the show’s humor underwent a significant transformation, making it less snappy and clever compared to before. However, there were still a few standout episodes, but overall, the humor in seasons 8 through 13 seemed less engaging compared to the earlier arcs.

Skip ahead exactly two years, and you’ll find that “The Office” is back on air with a fresh layout, devoid of children. This seems like an attempt to rekindle some of the show’s initial humor that made it so popular.

there are quite a few complications ahead!)

In a bizarre turn of events, the search for their new home swiftly spirals into utter chaos for the couple, involving carp, bathroom humor, and deceit. The storyline is utterly outrageous, as the implausible events pile up with every absurd choice they make – yet it somehow manages to hold together remarkably well.

It’s a type of humor that shouldn’t be able to tickle your laughter, yet here you are finding yourself entertained by its absurdity.

The rest of the season is consistent with this, avoiding dwelling on the transition from a home filled with children back to being a duo. Instead, they embrace the opportunity to delve more into the rougher humor that characterized the show’s early seasons, as their renewed focus is on their relationship.

In its third run, the comedy series “Not Going Out” presents a unique brand of humor, though it may not fully replicate the original atmosphere, it continues to deliver the sharp wit and spontaneous one-liners that the show is known for, ensuring plenty of chuckles along the way.

We think original Not Going Out fans are going to find much to enjoy.

You can currently stream all episodes of the show “Not Going Out” right now on BBC iPlayer, as new episodes air every Friday evening at 9pm on BBC One.

As a passionate fan, I can’t contain my excitement to share that Digital Spy’s first print magazine, “British Comedy Legends,” is out now! Grab your copy from your local newsagents or purchase it online for only £3.99. Don’t miss this opportunity to delve into the world of British comedy greatness!

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2025-06-13 23:49