Lee Mack’s much loved, multi-award-winning studio sitcom will return for a new series on the BBC in 2025. Not Going Out is the UK’s longest running UK sitcom currently on air and recently joined an elite group of sitcom centenarians when the 100th episode aired during the BBC’s 2023 Christmas schedule.
Lee Mack says: “Once again I’m very grateful that the BBC have trusted in us to keep alive the studio sitcom. I grew up watching this genre of sitcom on the BBC, and to be part of it myself is still a dream come true, even after 18 years of doing it. Here we go again….!!”
Jon Petrie, Director of Comedy at the BBC, says: “Not Going Out remains one of the UK’s most cherished sitcoms, a true testament to the exceptional comedic talents of Lee and his team. The show’s consistent success and popularity speak volumes, and we are beyond chuffed about its return.”
Jon Thoday, Executive Producer at Avalon, added: “We are delighted to see the BBC keep the fire of the studio sitcom alive and it is a privilege to work with Lee Mack, who is a true master of his craft, as well as the excellent team on the show.”
The sitcom, which is now the UK’s all-time second longest running by number of series (and fifth by number of episodes), stars Lee Mack (as Lee) and Sally Bretton (as Lucy). Over 13 series regular cast have included: Bobby Ball, Abigail Cruttenden, Hugh Dennis, Megan Dodds, Deborah Grant, Miranda Hart, Tim Vine, Timothy West, Geoffrey Whitehead and Katy Wix.
Not Going Out continues to be an important show for the BBC and was in the top two most watched comedies on iPlayer across the last 12 months alongside Ghosts, with audiences watching the back catalogue as well as new episodes. The series 13 Christmas Special (100th episode) averaged 4.6 million.
Not Going Out is produced by Avalon for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The 6 x 30-minute series was commissioned by Jon Petrie, Director of Comedy at the BBC. The producer is Jamie Rix, the director is Nick Wood and the writers are Lee Mack and Daniel Peak. The executive producers for Avalon are Richard Allen-Turner, Rob Aslett, Lee Mack and Jon Thoday. The commissioning editor for the BBC is Gregor Sharp.
