Mrs Brown’s Boys has been named the best sitcom of the 21st century.
In a poll compiled by Radio Times critics and members of the British Film Institute, 14,000 people had their say and ranked the BBC One comedy ahead of the likes of Gavin and Stacey and The Office.
Brendan O’Carroll, star and creator of Mrs Brown’s Boys, expressed his thoughts on claiming the title. “Lost for words… and that doesn’t happen to me very often,” he said.
“Myself and Jenny [Jennifer Gibney, his wife and co-star] are dancing around the living room. I can die happy now… but I’ll take my time.”
O’Carroll also emphasised that their success “vindicates the fans’ belief in the show.” He added that “they have kept us on the air – it certainly wasn’t the reviewers.”
Mrs Brown’s Boys first aired in 2011. It has since spanned three series’ and numerous specials including a live episode recently. It was also adapted into a film in 2014 and a live show has been toured across the UK, Australia and New Zealand.
The Office, the creation of Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, came in second on the poll. Peter Kay’s Car Share ranked third, and is one of the most recent comedies that appear in the top 20. Peter Kay’s Phoenix Nights also made an appearance in the list, at number 16.
The top 20 comedies:
- Mrs Brown’s Boys
- The Office
- Peter Kay’s Car Share
- Count Arthur Strong
- The IT Crowd
- The Thick of It
- Gavin & Stacey
- Miranda
- Raised by Wolves
- Outnumbered
- Peep Show
- Black Books
- Green Wing
- The Inbetweeners
- Bad Education
- Peter Kay’s Phoenix Nights
- Yonderland
- Twenty Twelve/W1A
- Benidorm
- Detectorists
What do you make of the result? Is your favourite comedy on the list? Let us know your thoughts on Twitter @CelebMix.