As hit series like Line of Duty and Doctor Foster triumphantly return to our screens, British television viewers are asking which other beloved shows deserve a second chance. A recent call-out by The Guardian has uncovered a treasure trove of cult classics that readers are desperate to see revived, from the greatest sitcom of all time to a sci-fi western cut down in its prime.
The Unforgettable Comedies We Still Quote
Topping many wish lists is the legendary Channel 4 sitcom Peep Show (2003-2015). For Mark Hawksley, a 46-year-old fan from Wisconsin, the need for an update is pressing. He wonders if the dysfunctional flatmates Mark and Jez are still living together in their Croydon apartment, whether Sophie had more children, and if the chaotic Super Hans ever made it to Macedonia to open his moped rental business.
Another comedy masterpiece readers are pining for is Green Wing (2004-2007). Uli Sattler, 59, from Manchester, describes it as "the coolest, funniest comedy I've ever seen", praising its pioneering visual and physical comedy. She fondly recalls the unique sight gags, like Joanna Clore from HR cart-wheeling through glass corridors. For Sattler, a new series would need to recapture that original, unabashedly silly magic.
Dramas That Left Us Wanting More
The appetite for revival isn't limited to comedy. The critically acclaimed western Deadwood (2004-2006) holds a special place for Judith Witts, 79, from Edinburgh. She and her late husband followed the series agog during each new episode, relating to the mud and building efforts on screen as they rebuilt a stone cottage in Argyll. For Witts, the show's well-written, multilayered story and characters like Seth Bullock and Al Swearengen were unmissable.
From the world of sci-fi, Firefly (2002-2003) is hailed by Kevin Brown, 73, from Anglesey, as "the best sci-fi show ever produced for the small screen". He lauds its brilliant 'cowboys in space' concept and the compelling dynamic of its cast. Brown believes it would be fascinating to see the beloved characters navigating middle age.
Modern Revivals for a New Era
Some suggestions look firmly to the future. Luci Bassindale, a 21-year-old from Newcastle, proposes a radically updated Top Gear. She envisions a modern version focusing on electric vehicles (EVs) and alternative fuels, with a format that blends news and reviews with epic adventure specials. Her ideal presenting team includes Jack Scarlett from Everything Electric, Autoalex's Alex, and Richard Hammond's daughter, Izzy, to educate viewers on the industry's biggest changes.
Ian Simmons from Southend-on-Sea wants to see the return of the more recent sci-fi series The Peripheral (2022). Based on William Gibson's work, he found its world-building prescient and was particularly drawn to the magnetic performance of Alexandra Billings as Inspector Lowbeer, whose character he was eager to see develop further.
Other notable mentions include the spooky classic Sapphire & Steel, the historical detective drama Foyle's War, and the groundbreaking legal series This Life, with readers curious to know if the character Egg ever achieved his dream of a Michelin star. The collective voice of the audience is clear: the stories of these characters are far from over.
