The Best Comedy Shows for a Night In with Friends in London

After a long day in the office near Canary Wharf, a Tube ride home through Camden, or a walk along the South Bank with a takeaway coffee in hand, nothing beats ending the evening with friends and a comedy show that actually makes you laugh out loud. In London, where the pub culture runs deep and the weather often pushes you indoors, finding the right comedy to watch together isn’t just about entertainment-it’s about connection. Whether you’re a local who’s seen every Fringe show in Edinburgh and still craves the same energy, or a new expat wondering where to start, London’s comedy scene offers more than just punchlines-it offers shared moments.

Start with the classics: The Thick of It and Yes, Minister

If you’ve ever been stuck in a meeting at City Hall, endured a council tax dispute, or watched a civil servant spin a lie into a policy, The Thick of It isn’t just funny-it’s therapy. This BBC political satire, created by Armando Iannucci, captures the chaos of Whitehall with a rhythm that feels like overhearing a conversation in the House of Commons’ tea room. The swearing is brutal, the timing is perfect, and the characters-especially Malcolm Tucker-are so absurdly real that you’ll swear you’ve met them at a networking event in Soho.

Pair it with Yes, Minister, the 1980s gem that still holds up. The battle between a well-meaning minister and his devious civil servants is a masterclass in bureaucratic comedy. Watch it with a pint of London Pride at home, and you’ll find yourself nodding along: “That’s exactly how the council handled my bin collection complaint.” These aren’t just old shows-they’re cultural documents of how power works in Britain.

Stand-up that feels like a night out at the Comedy Store

You don’t need to book tickets to the Comedy Store in Soho to get that live club vibe. Live at the Apollo on BBC One is the closest thing you’ll get without leaving your sofa. Episodes filmed at the Hammersmith Apollo feature the UK’s best stand-ups, from John Bishop’s relatable dad humour to Sarah Millican’s sharp takes on modern womanhood. If you’ve ever been to a comedy night in Peckham or Brixton, you’ll recognise the energy-the awkward pauses, the audience groans turned into laughter, the mic stand that wobbles when someone leans on it too hard.

For something grittier, try Frankie Boyle’s Tramadol Nights. It’s not for everyone, but if you’ve ever been to a late-night debate in a Dalston pub after three pints, you’ll get why it resonates. Boyle’s dark, unapologetic style cuts through the usual politeness of British humour, and watching it with friends who aren’t afraid to argue about it makes the night even better.

British sitcoms that feel like your flatmates

London’s sitcoms are built on cramped flats, terrible landlords, and the quiet horror of a neighbour’s DIY project. Only Fools and Horses is a must-watch-no matter how many times you’ve seen it. The Peckham setting, the dodgy deals, the turkey on the roof-it’s all rooted in a London that still exists in pockets today. If you’ve ever tried to sell a second-hand TV on Gumtree and ended up talking to someone who lives in Croydon, you’ll appreciate the authenticity.

Then there’s Man Down, a lesser-known gem. Set in a fictional London suburb, it follows Dan, a man stuck in his 30s, navigating life with his mates and his ex. The humour is awkward, tender, and painfully British. Watch it with a takeaway curry from a local Indian restaurant-preferably one that still uses paper bags instead of plastic-and you’ll feel like you’re in the back room of a West London house party.

Modern gems: The IT Crowd and Ted Lasso (yes, really)

The IT Crowd is a love letter to London’s tech culture. The basement office in Islington, the awkward social interactions, the obsession with “the internet”-it’s all too familiar if you’ve ever worked in a startup near Shoreditch. Moss and Roy’s inability to understand basic human interaction mirrors the quiet alienation of remote work, and the iconic “Have you tried turning it off and on again?” line is still the go-to fix for every tech issue in a London flat.

And while Ted Lasso is set in Richmond, its heart is pure British. The way Ted navigates English culture-the tea, the understatement, the polite but brutal honesty-is exactly how you’ll feel if you’ve ever tried to make small talk with a Londoner on the 148 bus. It’s warm, funny, and surprisingly deep. Watch it with a group who’s been through their own version of “the relegation zone”-whether it’s a failed business, a breakup, or just the winter blues-and you’ll find it hits harder than you expect.

Where to find more: London’s hidden comedy gems

If you’re looking to keep the vibe going after the show ends, check out Comedy Central UK’s YouTube channel for short sets from up-and-comers. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, search for “open mic night” in your local pub-places like The Hen and Chickens in Islington or The Stand in Edinburgh (yes, they’ve got a London branch) regularly host new talent. You might even stumble on a comedian who’s about to blow up.

Don’t forget Radio 4’s Just a Minute and The News Quiz. They’re not visual, but if you’ve ever been stuck on the Northern Line during a delay, they’re perfect for listening to with headphones while sharing a bag of crisps. The banter between panelists like Sue Perkins and John Finnemore feels like being in a pub with the cleverest people in London.

What to have on hand

A good comedy night in London needs the right snacks. Skip the overpriced delivery apps-go for a tub of salt and vinegar crisps, a bag of Wagon Wheels, and a bottle of proper British lager like Fuller’s London Pride. If you’re feeling fancy, make a pot of builder’s tea with milk and sugar-no fancy pods, just the real stuff from a kettle. Keep a box of tissues handy. You’ll need them.

Why this works in London

Londoners don’t laugh loudly. We laugh quietly, sometimes with a grimace, often with a sigh. But when we do laugh together-really laugh-it’s because we’ve seen it all. The Tube delays, the dodgy landlords, the pub that closed last year, the neighbour who plays football on the pavement. These shows don’t just make us laugh. They remind us we’re not alone in the chaos.

If you’re looking to turn this into a monthly ritual, start a “London Comedy Night” with your group. Pick a show, order food from your favourite local takeaway, and vote on next week’s pick. It’s a simple way to build connection in a city that often feels too big to belong to. And who knows? You might just find your new favourite comedy-and your new favourite night in.