TV comebacks: Five shows of yesteryear returning in 2016
Robot Wars, Prison Break and Hancock's Half Hour all poised to hit the small screen again
A raft of classic British sitcoms form the backbone of television hits of old set to make a comeback in 2016. The BBC comedy season will see new episodes of Hancock's Half Hour, Are You Being Served? and Porridge returning to our screens.
The trend moves beyond comedy as other series to be revived this year include game-show Robot Wars and US crime drama Prison Break. Here is the lowdown on the small-screen resurgences.
Hancock's Half Hour
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Pirates of the Caribbean star Kevin McNally will appear as Tony Hancock when the classic sitcom is remade this year, joined by theatre actor Robin Sebastian, who reprises Kenneth Williams's roles. They will film a version of The New Neighbour, which will be broadcast to mark the 60 years since the iconic show moved from radio to TV.
Prison Break
A queue of cast members are signing up for the new series of US crime drama Prison Break, last seen on our screens in 2009. Paul Adelstein, who played secret service agent turned congressman Paul Kellerman, joins other returnees Wentworth Miller, Dominic Purcell, Sarah Wayne Callies, Amaury Nolasco, Robert Knepper and Rockmond Dunbar. The new series starts filming in April and is set to be released on Fox later this year.
Porridge
Almost 40 years since Norman Stanley Fletcher finished his time on Porridge, Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais will return to script a one-off. The remake will have a decidedly 21st-century take on crime and punishment and focus on Fletch's grandson, also known as Fletch, who has been imprisoned for cyber-crimes.
Robot Wars
Thirteen years after it last appeared on Channel 5, Robot Wars is back – and returning to its original home on the BBC. The tech game show was presented first by Jeremy Clarkson, in 1998, then Craig Charles, with amateur and professionally built machines battling it out. The new six-part series promises a "raft of technological advances". Dara O'Briain and Angela Scanlon will host proceedings.
Are You Being Served?
Set in the fictional Grace Brothers store, Are You Being Served? returns 30 years after its original series finished. The one-off special, which is being written by Derren Litten, known for his work on Benidorm and The Catherine Tate Show, will be set in 1988 and once more follow the capers of the department store's staff.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Today's political cartoons - April 19, 2024
Cartoons Friday's cartoons - priority delivery, USPS on fire, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Israel hits Iran with retaliatory airstrike
Speed Read The attack comes after Iran's drone and missile barrage last weekend
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
How (and why) to have the inheritance talk with family sooner than later
The Explainer The hard conversations aren't going to get any easier if you wait
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
-
The Westbury Hotel review: stunning suites in charming Dublin
The Week Recommends This hotel is the perfect spot to while away a weekend in Ireland's capital
By Kaye O'Doherty Published
-
Drama movies 2024: new films out this year
In Depth Latest reviews include The Boys in the Boat, One Life and Tchaikovsky's Wife
By The Week UK Last updated
-
Best new hotels and places to stay in 2024
The Week Recommends Featuring stylish island resorts, historical properties and wilderness retreats
By The Week UK Last updated
-
Albums of the year: best music of 2023
The Week Recommends A look back at the best pop, rap, jazz, dance, classical and rock releases
By The Week UK Published
-
Savoy Grill by Gordon Ramsay review: an institution reinvented
The Week Recommends Traditions are maintained and the tweaks are clever and modern
By Neil Davey Published
-
Tulum: a Mexican beach town of 'two halves'
The Week Recommends With the 'pueblo' and 'Zona Hotelera', Tulum is home to great hotels, restaurants and beach clubs
By William Leigh Published
-
La Zebra review: beach chic, perfect tacos and secret cenotes
The Week Recommends Enjoy a stylish stay in Mexico at this family-friendly beach hotel and restaurant
By William Leigh Published
-
Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas review: a mythical beachside resort
The Week Recommends Combine the classically simple pleasures of sun, sea and sand with upmarket fun and food
By Adrienne Wyper Published