Imagine settling down on your couch with a bowl of popcorn and inviting a few Gen Z friends over for a “classic comedy marathon.”
That’s exactly what happened when Emily, Poppy G., and Poppy J.—all in their early twenties—gathered to watch some of Britain’s most iconic retro shows.
Their mission? To decide whether these once-beloved comedies deserve their reputations today.
1960s Slapstick: Carry On Doctor
First up was Carry On Doctor, the 15th film in the cheeky Carry On franchise starring Sid James, Barbara Windsor, and Kenneth Williams.
Set in a hospital, it’s full of saucy situations—think flirtatious nurses, sticky IV drips, and innuendo around every bedpan.
Our Gen Z trio enjoyed the campy charm—Barbara Windsor’s tight pink mini-dress drew appreciative oohs—but they also cringed at one line about a patient liking to play with “young girls’ yo-yos.”
“Who even thought that up?” Emily exclaimed, eyes wide, while Poppy J. covered her mouth in disbelief.
They agreed the film’s bawdy humor is of its era, but many of the jokes would be too risqué—and confusing—for today’s viewers.
1970s Satire or Shock: Till Death Us Do Part
Next, they braved the world of Till Death Us Do Part, where BBC’s Alf Garnett ranted his way through seven series with shocking racial slurs and sexist tirades.
As a satire on extremist views, the show aimed to mock bigotry—but watching it today felt like stepping into a time capsule of raw prejudice.
When Alf casually dropped a deeply offensive slur while discussing slavery with an American in a pub, all three friends winced.
“That’s more upsetting because everyone’s laughing,” observed Poppy G. “I can’t believe this is 1970s TV—it feels way older.” They agreed this one crossed a line; the hateful humor wasn’t funny, even if it was intended as satire.
1980s Innuendo Overload: Are You Being Served?
Then came the department-store caper Are You Being Served?, famous for Mrs. Slocombe’s “pussy” jokes and Mr. Humphries’ leg-measuring antics.
Clips of staff flirting with mannequins and making endless pussy puns left the trio underwhelmed.
“It’s just a stream of boob jokes and pussy puns,” said Emily, shaking her head.
Poppy G. agreed that the gags felt lazy rather than clever. “It’s hyper-sexualized and not really funny anymore,” she added.
Although they weren’t deeply offended, they found the humor stale—proof that what once felt daring can age into something a bit sad.
1990s Charm: Men Behaving Badly
Switching gears, the group then laughed along with Men Behaving Badly, the ITV sitcom about two hapless flatmates, Gary and Tony.
The beer-drinking, pub-dancing antics felt surprisingly fresh.
“I loved how harmless it was,” Emily said. “The jokes were light and timeless.” Poppy G. appreciated that women weren’t demeaned—this era’s humor landed on everyone equally.
The physical comedy won them over, proving that sometimes simple fun still holds up decades on.
2000s Nostalgia: Little Britain
Finally, they revisited Little Britain, whose Vicky Pollard and Andy Pipkin sketches had dominated early-2000s pop culture.
Instantly, they recognized the characters and chuckled at the catchphrases—“Yeah but no but yeah but” felt oddly familiar.
Yet they also noted the potential pitfalls: two white men playing a caricature of a wheelchair user or a teenage girl might spark backlash today.
“I don’t think you could do this now without criticism,” Emily reflected. Poppy J. agreed that while the sketches were funny, they reinforced stereotypes.
Balancing Nostalgia and Modern Tastes
After their marathon, Emily, Poppy G., and Poppy J. concluded that some vintage comedies—like Carry On Doctor and Men Behaving Badly—still entertain, thanks to their slapstick and charm.
Others, such as Till Death Us Do Part and Are You Being Served?, felt too rooted in outdated prejudices or lazy innuendo.
By the end, they all agreed: comedy evolves, and what made audiences roar with laughter in one era can leave viewers uncomfortable in the next.