Rediscovered BBC Sitcom Early Doors Hailed as 'Criminally Ignored Gem' by New Generation of Fans
In a remarkable television revival, a BBC sitcom from 2003 has been rediscovered by viewers on BBC iPlayer, with audiences now branding it a "forgotten masterpiece" and "criminally ignored gem" of British comedy. The series Early Doors, which originally debuted over two decades ago, is experiencing an unexpected resurgence as new fans stumble upon its charms through digital streaming.
The Pub-Based Comedy That Captured Everyday Life
Crafted by the talented writing duo Craig Cash and Phil Mealey, who previously collaborated on the acclaimed series The Royle Family, Early Doors is set within The Grapes, a Stockport boozer that serves as the heart of the community. The programme revolves around publican Ken, portrayed by John Henshaw, who resides in the upstairs flat alongside his mother Jean and stepdaughter Melanie.
The comedy chronicles the everyday existence of staff and regulars at the establishment, with particular focus on Ken's fixation with Melanie's plans to reconnect with her biological father and his awkward dynamic with barmaid Tanya following his wife's departure with his closest friend. Cash and Mealey also feature in the programme, portraying best mates Joe and Duffy, adding to the authentic ensemble feel.
A Social Media Driven Rediscovery
While the show garnered a devoted following during its original run and attracted fresh audiences when it landed on BBC iPlayer, certain enthusiasts have only recently stumbled upon it through social media discussions. The rediscovery gained momentum after one individual posted on Reddit asking: "What was your last 'where has this been all my life?' show?"
The response was overwhelmingly positive, with one social media user revealing: "Early Doors. Don't know how I missed it. I found it a few weeks ago on iPlayer and watched it all in two days." Another remarked: "One of my favourite series. Caught it at the time and have watched it several times since. Such a lovely, well crafted series. Wonderful characters, funny and heart warming. Just all round faultless."
Passionate Praise from Devoted Viewers
Longtime fans had previously crowned the series a "masterpiece", with one declaring it "perhaps the most underrated sitcom of all". They elaborated: "Ken runs The Grapes, a failing Manchester pub, frequented by a handful of loveable locals. A pub where more goes on than meets the eye, probably. This has to be the most underrated and forgotten 'MASTERPIECE' that has ever come out of the BBC."
Another enthusiast gushed: "Early Doors is laugh-out-loud funny, tender, heartwarming, exasperating, fascinating, at times even a little disgusting, this television series has everything anybody could want, and more. From the very first episode you take the cast to your hearts."
The series has been praised for its subtlety and character-driven humour, with one viewer noting: "Why is it that every comedy now has to either have some 'incredibly original' gimmick, or be extremely vulgar, or both, to hit it big? This consigns near-masterpieces like Early Doors to the slop bucket of TV history."
Creator's Perspective on the Show's Legacy
In 2022, after Early Doors was added to BBC iPlayer, creator Phil Mealey addressed calls for its comeback with a new series. He revealed to Manchester Evening News: "We always said we'd be up for doing another series. The fans' reaction and response have always been so loyal and incredible."
Mealey highlighted the show's enduring popularity through a successful theatre tour: "In the 2018-19 tour that we did, it started at the 500 seater theatre in the Lowry, and by the time it had finished, we were playing Arenas around the country, concluding with over 8,000 people at the MEN Arena. We played to over 100,000 on that tour."
However, he expressed disappointment that "not one person from the BBC came to see it", suggesting that "I can only think that we don't fit into the idea of what the BBC wants as far as comedy's concerned."
The Enduring Appeal of The Grapes Regulars
The official synopsis teases: "It's the regulars who make local boozer The Grapes what it is, with bittersweet stories of love, lock-ins and temporary traffic lights." This focus on authentic community dynamics and relatable characters appears to be at the heart of the show's rediscovered appeal.
New viewers continue to express their delight at finding the series, with one calling it "comedy gold" while another branded it "marvellous". As streaming platforms make television history increasingly accessible, Early Doors stands as a testament to quality writing and character development that transcends its original broadcast era to find appreciative audiences years later.
The complete series of Early Doors remains available to watch on BBC iPlayer, allowing both nostalgic fans and newly discovered viewers to experience what many are calling one of British television's most overlooked comedic achievements.
