Best 10 comedy sketch shows of all time

1 - Alas Smith & Jones

Remember "Not the Nine O'Clock News"? While Rowan Atkinson headed off to do Blackadder, Griff Rees Jones and Mel Smith continued on with that unique brand of comedy in a show that lasted for a number of series through the 80s and 90s.  This is by far my favourite comedy sketch show of all times.

2 - The Unrepeatable Who Dares Wins 

This very under-rated show from the 80s, brought writers from "Not the Nine O'Clock News" and "Alas Smith & Jones" together.

Tony Robinson (Blackadder's Baldrick) was also one of the comedians in this one. Classic stuff.

3 - Monty Python's Flying Circus 

Some of their stuff was bizarre, but no one can argue just what impact these guys had on the comedy scene. They set the standard for comedy sketch shows and many of their sketches are iconic and known by name. 

4 - The Billy T James Show

New Zealand's most iconic comedian who sadly died way too soon due to heart problems. Loved by all.

Classic 80s TV.

5 - Not the Nine O'Clock News

This is where four of England's greatest comedians made their start. It was a short lived show from the late 70s and early 80s, but highly memorable.

It was intended to be called the Rowan Atkinson Show, but they did not want to rely on just one comedian. Nevertheless, you always knew Atkinson was the stand out guy simply by his commanding performances.

6 - The Kenny Everett Video Show

Bizarre comedy at its finest with some really whacky characters appearing each week.

Another comedian who died way too soon, due to AIDS.

Aired from the late 70s to early 80s

7 - McPhail & Gadsby

This was New Zealand's greatests Current Affairs comedy show, where David McPhail and Jon Gadsby lampooned the News as well as doing brilliant impersonations of politicians and celebrities.

It ran throughout the early 80s until it was replaced with a new show called "The Issues" which had both these guys and a bunch of other talented New Zealand comedians.

Geez, Wayne!

8 - The Comedy Company

Classic Australian comedy with a great variety of hilarious characters: Col'n Carpenter, Con the Greek Fruiterer, Uncle Arthur and Kylie Mole... plus others.

9 - The Two Ronnies

Both Ronnies are no longer with us, but this long running comedy sketch show will always be remembered.

10 - The Benny Hill Show

Was superb with verbal and physical comedy. With a fair bit of naughty thrown in.

A master of slapstick and double entendre. Known to be one of the nice guys of English comedy. Another one who died too soon.