BBC renews its longest-running sitcom

The BBC has renewed Lee Mack’s sitcom Not Going Out for yet another series - as it's revealed the timeline will again jump forward when the show returns.

Six previously announced new episodes, starting with the 101st, will go out in June, with another six now commissioned for 2026.

The show, which stars Mack as Lee and Sally Bretton as his wife Lucy, is the longest running UK sitcom currently on air, with the new order bringing the show up to its 15th series.

Mack 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.’

Not Going Out started in 2006 as a flatshare comedy with Megan Dodds as Lee’s landlady. However, she left at the end of series one with Bretton then providing the will-they-won’t-they love interest, which ultimately ended in their characters tying the knot. 

The show was cancelled in 2009, while the third series was still airing, but a fan backlash led to the BBC reversing its decision. Series eight jumped forward eight years into their marriage and into the midst of a chaotic family life with three children. 

Series 14 now rolls the story on several years again, with the couple moving away from their suburban empty nest and 'finding plenty of time to focus on each other'.

Jon Petrie, director of comedy at the BBC, said: Not Going Out is in rude health as it passes its centenary episode, and that’s due to the incredible creativity of Lee Mack who has the most amazing ability to pack a show full of jokes. We’re excited for audiences to find out what the new chapter looks like for Lee and Lucy.’

The previous, 100th, episode aired was the 2023 Christmas special, and attracted 4.6 million viewers The show remains popular on iPlayer, with 13.2million hours watched last year. That makes it the second most-viewed comedy on the platform after Ghosts.

Regular cast over the series have included Bobby Ball, Abigail Cruttenden, Hugh Dennis, Deborah Grant, Miranda Hart, Tim Vine, Timothy West, Geoffrey Whitehead and Katy Wix – although no details of who else will be appearing in series 14 have yet been announced.

Jon Thoday, executive producer at programme-makers Avalon, added: ‘We are thrilled to see Lee Mack’s excellent show return for the 101st episode and delighted the BBC continue to commit to this beloved, and increasingly rare, studio sitcom.’

News of the recommission comes ahead of the BBC’s comedy festival in Belfast on Wednesday and Thursday.

Not Going Our series 14 episode guide

HOUSE MOVE: Lee and Lucy decide to move house and view the home of their dreams when Lee asks to use the loo, causing unwanted tension with the vendor

DOLL: Lee brings a battered box back from the tip and gets a shock when he opens it in front of Lucy to reveal a sex doll… but doesn’t realise what he’s actually dealing with

CAMPERVAN: Lee borrows a dilapidated campervan from his cousin to take Lucy away for the weekend. She is not impressed by either the accommodation or the location. Being stuck in the middle of nowhere, they can’t escape the strange woman who knocks at their door

OASIS: Some might say that Lee and Lucy were foolish to have tried to buy tickets to see Oasis in concert, because when they lose their place in the long online queue, they start to blame each other

DRAGON CASTLE: Lee and Lucy are extras on the set of a famous TV mini-series. Unfortunately, Lee gets ideas above his station and sets his sights on an acting role

HOTEL ROOM: When Lee uses his collection of free discount vouchers to stay overnight in a mid-range hotel, he makes sure that he takes advantage of all the hotel’s complimentary services.

Made by: Avalon for BBC One and BBC iPlayer
Writers:  Lee Mack and Daniel Peak
Producer: Jamie Rix
Director: Nick Wood
Executive producers: Richard Allen-Turner, Rob Aslett, Lee Mack and Jon Thoday
Commissioned by: Jon Petrie, director of comedy at the BBC
Commissioning editor: Ben Caudell

Published: 19 May 2025