Lee Mack calls for modern studio sitcoms to be saved amid Not Going Out 20th anniversary

While celebrating The 1% Club's win at The National Television Awards, Not Going Out creator and star Lee Mack has called for the studio sitcom to be saved.

Speaking with Radio Times after his win, Mack was asked about Not Going Out and the future of the studio sitcom, as his show approaches its 20th anniversary celebrations.

Mack noted that while Not Going Out didn't win the comedy award, for which it was nominated, Mrs Brown's Boys did pick it up, saying he was "so happy that if we didn't win, another studio sitcom won, because there's so few left."

He continued: "I think there's us, Mrs Brown's Boys... I think that's it at the moment, that's currently making studio sitcom. I just want other people to make them. And the problem is, is I grew up on them, so I that's what I remember: Fawlty Towers, Dad's Army, Steptoe and Son.

"So I want to make what I watched as a kid. But now, 30-year-old comics, they didn't grow up on them. Even 40-year-olds maybe grew up watching things like The Office and The Royle Family - brilliant shows, absolutely brilliant shows. But they don't remember studio sitcom, the younger comics, so they don't want to make it."

Mack explained: "There's some brilliant comedians out there, and the real truth is, studio sitcoms sort of suit comedians. I know I've just mentioned things like Dad's Army and Steptoe, and that was full of actors, so it's not just for comedians, but stand-up comedians I think, to get to get a sitcom in front of an audience, it's more about what they do, more about what they've done, what they're trained for.

"I just want to see more studio sitcoms. I'd hate the idea of them dying out. Me and Brendan [O'Carroll] in Mrs Brown's Boys, we're not getting any younger. Someone's got to take up the baton."

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Not Going Out is returning for its 15th season next week, which will also be accompanied by a documentary titled 20 Years of Not Going Out, looking back on the show's historic run.

The BBC has said that the documentary will "take viewers on a guided tour through the funniest moments, featuring classic clips, exclusive archive material and never‑before‑seen outtakes", as well as interviews with key cast members.

Not Going Out is available to stream on BBC iPlayer, with new episodes arriving from Wednesday 23 September 2026.

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Authors

James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.