Have you ever thought that your favourite comedy TV show should have its own movie? Imagine seeing your favourite small screen characters on the big screen. Us too, so here are some classic comedy TV shows that need a movie remake.

8. Red Dwarf

This British space romp has had rumours of a big-screen remake or adaptation for years. Alas, nothing has yet to happen. The original BBC cast has managed to come together for an extended episode for TV and the show has now reached 12 seasons. Red Dwarf also had a failed pilot in the US and it’s possible that this is what put the stoppers on a trip to the big screen for the crew. Still, Lister, Rimmer and the gang continue to explore deep space and may well do so until they drop. It would surely feel odd to see these comedy characters portrayed by other actors in a movie remake, wouldn’t it?

7. Everybody Loves Raymond

Often described as the perfect American sitcom, Everybody Loves Raymond originally ran from 1996 through to 2005. They’re a few reasons why it’s seen as one of the best, and it mostly has to do with the characters. Based around Ray, his wife, brother and parents, it’s the perfect combination that everyone can relate to. Ray Romano is a genius of character writing and dynamics. Not only does he nail it with some genuinely funny comedy, but there are also heartfelt moments that solidify the bonds of the characters. Sadly, Doris Roberts and Peter Boyle are no longer with us. But, if Ray could find suitably talented actors to play his parents, could it work? We could certainly do with a feel-good movie at the moment, and it would be great to see how the family are fifteen years on. Come on Ray, get writing.

6. Keeping Up Appearances

Keeping Up Appearances was a British comedy that aired from 1990 to 1995. Written by legendary British comedy writer Roy Clarke, it was the quintessential sitcom. There were many elements that made Keeping Up Appearances so good, but the key thing was the characters. It was based around Hyacinth Bucket; a lower-middle-class housewife who longed to climb the social class ladder. She’s rather eccentric and snobbish, insisting her surname be pronounced ‘Bouquet’. She was complemented by her long-suffering husband Richard. Her lower-class siblings Rose, Violet and Onslow, were also constant causes for embarrassment. Although Roy Clarke is in his nineties, as is Hyacinth actress Dame Patricia Routledge, maybe it could still happen? The premise is still relevant today, so why not make a movie about Hyacinth Bucket in the twenty-first century? It would certainly make my year.

5. 3rd Rock from the Sun

Aliens living on Earth trying to understand human behaviour is a well-worn concept. What makes a good one is great writing and great actors. 3rd Rock from the Sun had both. The show is based around a family of aliens who end up living in an attic in a fictional town in Ohio. The main protagonist is alien commander Dick Soloman, played by John Lithgow. Most of the humour (and episode titles) are based around Dick trying to understand how humans work. If you’ve never seen the show, think of it as a mix of Mork and Mindy and Data from Star Trek. There is a genuine longing to understand human behaviour, but with a large helping of humour on top.

The show ran from 1996 through to 2001 and lasted for six seasons, celebrating 25 years this year. It won numerous awards at the time and boasted some pretty impressive cameos. John Cleese, Kathy Bates and even William Shatner himself appeared. You can never have too much of a good thing so come on John, let’s have you back on the big screen.

4. Get a Life

This rather surreal black comedy was a bit misunderstood but might benefit from a movie remake. Written by and starring Chris Elliot amongst others, it took quite a bit of persuading before the network commissioned it in 1990. Sadly, it was cancelled by 1992. It’s a shame as it’s actually genius. Based around Chris, an immature thirty-year-old who still lives at home with his parents. The only job he has is a paper round, and as he can’t drive, gets around everywhere on his pushbike. That’s the normal bit. The stuff Chris gets up to is quite frankly bizarre, but hilarious. He dies about twelve times through the series; one of which involves him exploding. There is something special about the show that would have been a hit had it been made twenty years later. Unfortunately, audiences in 1990 just weren’t ready for that surreal dark humour. They are now, so make the movie Mr Elliot. Please?

3. Father Ted

Based around three Catholic priests and a housekeeper living on a remote Irish island, Father Ted was one of the funniest sitcoms from the 90s. The characters were superbly written. Ted is the more rounded one who just sees being a priest as a job. Father Dougal is a grown man who is childlike, much to the frustration of Ted. Finally, there is Father Jack. The alcoholic priest who just sits in his chair shouting obscenities.

The show ran through the latter half of the 90s before actor Dermot Morgan’s untimely death in 1998. Interestingly, there have been attempts made at remaking it for the American market. These have never materialised, but good writing and strong characters can reach through cultures, so there is still hope. The show won various awards in the UK and many of the show’s lines are now etched into the culture. And who can forget the scene where all the priests get lost in a retail female lingerie section? Comedy gold.

2. Black Books

We’re keeping with the Irish theme for Black Books. Not only is the show led by Irish comedian Dylan Moran, but it was co-created by Graham Lineham. He was responsible for creating Father Ted. So, we’re in good company. Airing from 2001 to 2004, it was based around a short-tempered book shop owner Bernard Black and his weird assistant. Not only is the writing sharp, but it has the brilliant Bill Bailey playing his assistant. The other main character is Fran, who tries to bring Barnard out of his chain-smoking cynical view of the world. Surreal and a bit dark, yes, but it’s a gem of a show that deserves a big-screen outing.

1. Fawlty Towers

Co-created by Monty Python legend John Cleese, Fawlty Towers was loosely based on a real hotel Cleese once visited in 1970. The show itself only ran for two seasons between 1975 and 1979 but it’s etched into comedy sitcom history. The show is based around hotel owner Basil Fawlty’s escapades, usually involving his foreign waiter, Manuel. He gets himself in regular trouble with his guests but is always subordinate to his wife Sybil. Most people can probably relate to staying in a hotel run by a Basil Fawlty character, so a movie would be relatable. Plus, there was only a handful of original episodes, so our palates are suitably whetted, Mr Cleese. Over to you.

And that’s our list of eight classic comedy shows that need a movie remake. Did you agree with our list? What shows would you like to see turned into a movie? Let us know in the comments below.

Read about what the Friends reunion should have been like HERE.