WHEN Lee Mack’s hit sitcom Not Going Out hit 100 episodes in 2023 there were genuine fears he may call it a day.
But now, the BBC have commissioned a further two series – and it’s all change for wise-cracking Lee and long-suffering wife Lucy.
The couple, played by Lee and on-screen wife , have moved to the country to embark on a new life together while their three kids are at university.
A TV insider said: “Reaching the milestone of 100 episodes could have been a fitting way to end, .
“But both the BBC and Lee were keen to do more, so a 14th series has been green lit.
“It’s a positive move given the lack of funding placed in comedy over the years but the BBC clearly wants to maintain traditional studio-based sitcoms as viewers still love them.”;;
Lee, who plays a fictionalised version of himself, has rolled on the new series seven years since viewers last tuned in for the 2023 Christmas special.
He has form for fast forwarding through time, given series eight jumped ahead eight years from the couple having their first baby (at the end of series seven), straight into the midst of a chaotic family life with three children.
As always with Not Going Out, the gag hit rate is ridiculously high – there’s a joke every ten seconds – and the slapstick humour remains as strong as ever.
In the upcoming series, which airs later this year, there’s even laughs aimed at the expense of the Gallagher brothers Noel and Liam during an episode dedicated to Lee and Sally desperately trying to order tickets for the Oasis reunion.
Speaking about bagging two more instalments – which makes Not Going Out the second-longest running UK sitcom ever after Last Of The Summer Wine, Lee said: “I am delighted that the BBC are once again showing such great support for studio sitcom.
“It’s a genre I’ve always loved and to be able to be part of it myself for so many years is both a privilege and an excuse not to have to shop, as I always take the underpants they give me home”;;
