A Milestone for British Comedy
On September 23, 2026, the long-running BBC sitcom Not Going Out marked a significant milestone: its 20th anniversary. To commemorate the occasion, the broadcaster aired a standalone documentary, 20 Years of Not Going Out, alongside the premiere of the show’s 15th season. According to Radio Times, the series now stands as the second longest-running sitcom in British television history, trailing only Last of the Summer Wine.
Created by and starring Lee Mack, the show has undergone several transformations since its debut in 2004. Initially centered on Mack’s life as a hapless bachelor, the narrative has evolved alongside the actor, tracking his character’s journey into marriage and fatherhood. As Cosmopolitan reports, the new season finds the protagonists, Lee and Lucy, entering their “empty-nester” era as their children head off to university.
Evolving Sensibilities
Reflecting on two decades of writing, Mack acknowledged in an interview with Radio Times that his comedic perspective has shifted. When asked if he would alter past content, Mack noted that “times do change” and “tastes change.” While he clarified that he does not view his past work as majorly controversial, he admitted there are “the odd line or the odd story” that he would likely handle differently today.
“It’s of its day, of that time,” Mack explained, emphasizing that he would not necessarily change the core of the show but would be more selective with specific jokes in a modern context. This reflection highlights the broader trend of creators navigating the evolving standards of television comedy over extended production runs.
Production Challenges and Legacy
The documentary also delves into the show’s turbulent history, including a near-cancellation in 2009. The series was saved by a fan-led petition, a testament to the show’s enduring appeal. Beyond the Joke notes that the production has seen numerous cast changes over the years, with actors like Katy Wix and Miranda Hart contributing to the show’s longevity. Mack also shared a “what-if” regarding the show’s format: he had originally proposed cutting to the audience laughing on screen, a stylistic choice that was rejected by producers at the time, though he later observed the technique being used in other productions.
The 15th season remains available on BBC iPlayer as of late September 2026, continuing the show’s run as a staple of British traditional sitcom comedy.