Benidorm

When guests check in at the Solana, chaos usually follows. Benidorm sets a group of repeat holidaymakers and first-timers against the bright, chaotic backdrop of an all-inclusive Spanish resort, where awkward romances, petty rivalries, and comedy-of-errors collide. The show spends time with long-standing couples, singletons craving escape, and the resort staff who try to keep order while tolerating endless demands. Episodes unfold around everyday mishaps, embarrassments, and the way small grievances blow up under the sun. Tone stays light, jokes come fast, and the focus is on character-driven punchlines rather than mystery or melodrama, so you can jump in at almost any point without losing the thread.

Created by Derren Litten, the series premiered in 2007 and places its action at the fictional Solana Resort. Litten conceived the ensemble setup and recurring character arcs that define the show.

Across its run the series picked up attention from UK television bodies, attracting nominations that highlighted its ensemble cast and comedic writing. It wasn't a heavy hitter on the international awards circuit, but British industry recognition acknowledged its place in contemporary sitcom lineups.

Benidorm lodged itself in popular culture through its recognizable cast of regulars, from Jacqueline and Joyce to Mateo and Kenneth. Those recurring personalities and the resort setting made the show easy to reference and parody, and scenes of holiday excess and misunderstandings became shorthand for a certain type of British package-holiday humor.

Critics and viewers tended to respond positively to the show's steady, sitcom rhythms, reflected in a 7.5/10 user score from a modest pool of votes. The humor leans into exaggerated stereotypes and situation comedy, while themes include escapism, class friction, and how personal foibles look funnier away from home. Fans appreciate its comfort-level viewing and reliable ensemble interplay.