Not Going Out

Lee is a childish northerner who somehow ends up living in a swanky London penthouse, and the show mines that mismatch for laughs. He bounces through a series of odd jobs, from janitor to ice cream seller, while attempting awkward romances with the women who share his life. His best mate Tim, a middle-class Daily Mail reader, plays the sensible-sounding counterpart who doesn't always help matters. Cleaner Barbara brings a reckless streak and an aversion to honest work, so most episodes revolve around misunderstandings, quick-fire banter, physical comedy, and Lee trying to act grown-up despite his silly instincts.

Created by Lee Mack and Liam Woodman, Not Going Out premiered on BBC One in 2006. Lee Mack leads the cast, with Sally Bretton later becoming a central presence as Lucy, and the sitcom developed into a long-running BBC comedy series.

The show received recognition within the UK television and comedy awards circuit, earning a number of nominations rather than major international prizes. Those nods helped raise the profiles of the cast, particularly Lee Mack, even though it didn’t become an awards juggernaut.

Not Going Out left a clear mark on British sitcom culture, turning recurring characters into familiar figures and contributing several lines and situations that fans quote. Its longevity on the BBC helped it reach multiple generations of viewers, and the cast chemistry became a touchstone for UK comedy audiences.

Critical and audience response skews positive, reflected in an average score around 7.4/10 from viewers. Reviewers often point to Lee Mack’s timing and the ensemble’s knack for farce, with the series leaning into class contrasts, friendship dynamics, awkward romance and domestic chaos. It’s a lighthearted show that sticks to sitcom rhythms, aiming for laughs more than heavy insight.