Not Going Out: A Comedy Dinosaur in Need of a Refresh
The BBC’s long-running sitcom Not Going Out has returned for its 14th series, but its latest outing has left this reviewer wondering if it’s time to say goodbye to the show. According to an article in inews.co.uk, the show’s latest series has attempted to refresh itself by aping techniques more usually seen in prestige drama, with the opening episode featuring a time jump and playing out in real time.
As inews.co.uk notes, this is not the first time jump for Not Going Out, which previously took viewers from Lee Mack’s slacker Lee getting together with Sally Bretton’s Lucy to them raising a family together between the seventh and eighth series. The latest hop sees the couple into the empty nest stage of life, with their kids at university and looking to move house and start a new chapter. The article states, "I’m not sure what it says about the state of television that Lee Mack’s enduring sitcom Not Going Out has refreshed itself for a 14th series by aping techniques more usually seen in prestige drama."
The episode’s plot revolves around Lee and Lucy being shown around their dream home by owner Will, played by Mike Wozniak, who is also a koi carp enthusiast keen to flog his precious fish for thousands along with the house. As inews.co.uk reports, the episode quickly descends into the kind of old-fashioned farce that Not Going Out excels at, with Lee posing as the house’s seller to put off another interested buyer. The article quotes the scene, "Before long, Lee is posing as the house’s seller to put off another interested buyer, John. Naturally, this results in the two of them hiding out in the bathroom while Lucy feigns interest in the extortionate koi carp."
While Not Going Out still orchestrates this spiralling of slapstick absurdity well, especially when it comes to an extended riff on a stairlift, the episode feels like it’s all been dragging on for far too long. As inews.co.uk notes, the real-time concept just doesn’t sustain a premise this thin, and the show’s reliance on toilet humour starts to feel at odds with everything else.
Despite its loyal fan base, Not Going Out may be starting to feel like a relic of a bygone era. As inews.co.uk observes, the show’s humour lies in mining the awkwardness of small talk, the corny pleasures of dad jokes, and predictable but satisfying puns, but it’s hard to argue that it feels relevant in 2025. The article quotes a character, "He’s relentless, isn’t he?" about Lee, and Lucy responds, "Oh it never ends. Ever." It’s a statement that appears to be as true for the character as the comedy he leads. But maybe it’s time to consider putting it to an end.
As inews.co.uk reports, the show’s stars, Lee Mack and Sally Bretton, are both warm and welcome presences in this sort of studio sitcom set-up, but even old faithfuls might start to find their attention start to drift. The article concludes, "If ‘mildly amusing’ is the benchmark, then Not Going Out does meet it: its humour lies in mining the awkwardness of small talk, the corny pleasures of dad jokes and predictable but satisfying puns."
The show’s future remains uncertain, but for now, Not Going Out will continue to entertain its loyal fan base. As inews.co.uk notes, the show will continue next Friday at 9pm on BBC One.
The longevity of Not Going Out is a testament to its enduring popularity, with over 101 episodes aired to date. However, as inews.co.uk suggests, it may be time for the show to come to an end. Only time will tell if the show will continue to thrive or if it will eventually come to a close.
According to inews.co.uk, the show’s 14th series may not be the most exciting or innovative, but it still delivers on its promise of providing a lighthearted and entertaining viewing experience. As the article states, "Not Going Out does orchestrate this spiralling of slapstick absurdity well, especially when it comes to an extended riff on a stairlift." However, it’s hard to shake the feeling that the show is starting to feel a bit stale and in need of a refresh.
Ultimately, the decision to continue or end Not Going Out will rest with the show’s creators and the BBC. As inews.co.uk reports, the show remains a beloved part of British television, and its fans will undoubtedly continue to tune in to see what’s next for Lee and Lucy.
In conclusion, Not Going Out is a comedy dinosaur that has been entertaining audiences for over a decade, but its latest series has left this reviewer wondering if it’s time to say goodbye to the show. While it still has its moments, the show’s reliance on old-fashioned farce and toilet humour may be starting to feel a bit tired. As inews.co.uk notes, the show’s stars are both warm and welcome presences, but even old faithfuls might start to find their attention start to drift.
Source: inews.co.uk
