Fawlty Towers has been named the greatest ever British TV sitcom by a panel of comedy experts compiled by the Radio Times. The series, set in a chaotic Torquay seaside hotel managed by the incompetent and highly strung Basil Fawlty, played by John Cleese, topped the list ahead of Father Ted and I'm Alan Partridge.
Despite running for only two series, the 12 episodes have endured in popularity. Co-writer Connie Booth attributed the show's success to allowing 'infantile rage and aggression' to flourish within 'well-mannered English society'. Basil Fawlty's one-liners have become comedy folklore, such as his retort to a dissatisfied guest: 'Well, people like you never are, are you?'
John Cleese praised the BBC's past management, saying he was lucky to work there when decisions were made by people who had actually made programmes. He also paid tribute to his co-stars and producer John Howard Davies. The list included Blackadder in fourth, Dad's Army in fifth, Only Fools and Horses in sixth, and Porridge in seventh.
Fawlty Towers previously topped a similar survey in 2017, reaffirming its status as a beloved British comedy classic.
