The beloved sitcom celebrates two decades with new episodes and a special documentary
Category: Arts & Culture
After two decades and 15 series, the beloved sitcom Not Going Out is making a triumphant return to BBC One. Created by and featuring Lee Mack, the series is celebrating its 20th anniversary with six brand-new episodes that will bring fans back into the lives of Lee and Lucy. This time, the couple is stepping into a new chapter as they embrace life as empty nesters, with their children now off at university.
The concept of an empty nest might suggest a quieter existence for Lee and Lucy, but viewers should expect anything but tranquility, considering the show's history. In a fitting tribute to its milestone, the BBC will also release a documentary titled 20 Years of Not Going Out, filled with classic clips, never-before-seen outtakes, and contributions from both former and current cast members.
The returning cast for series 15 features Lee Mack reprising his role as Lee alongside Sally Bretton, who continues to portray his long-suffering wife, Lucy. Sally joined the series in its second season after the departure of Megan Dodds, who previously played Lee’s love interest, Kate. Other familiar faces include Hugh Dennis from Outnumbered as Toby, Abigail Cruttenden as Anna, Deborah Grant as Wendy, and Geoffrey Whitehead as Geoffrey. The on-screen children of Lee and Lucy—played by Francesca Newman as Mollie, Max Pattison as Benji, and Finley Southby as Charlie—will also make appearances. In an exciting guest role, Nigel Planer, recognized from The Young Ones, will play himself in a humorous scenario involving Lee.
As for the plot of the upcoming series, it kicks off with Lee and Lucy adjusting to their new empty-nester status. The premiere episode sets the stage for their anniversary by having the couple host a 20th birthday celebration for Lucy’s goddaughter at their home. In a bid for order, Lucy instructs Lee to remain upstairs, but predictably, he finds a reason to intervene after hearing a cherished special-edition Frankie Goes to Hollywood record being played downstairs.
Not Going Out is currently the longest-running British sitcom, with 106 episodes spanning two decades. Created by Lee Mack in 2006, the show follows the life of Lee, an unambitious layabout, and his best friend's sister, Lucy, who is also the landlady of his London flatshare. The storyline has evolved from a will-they-won't-they romance to a family-centered comedy following their marriage in the season seven finale.
The eighth series jumped eight years into the future, shifting focus to their family life with three children. Over the years, the series has boasted a stellar rotating cast including notable names like Miranda Hart, Timothy West, Bobby Ball, and Katy Wix. The show originally had the working title Number 17 before being renamed Not Going Out, a decision influenced by Mack's desire to clarify the relationship dynamic between the lead characters.
Lee Mack revealed that the idea for Not Going Out first came from his 1999 sketch show, Lee Mack's Bits, performed at the Edinburgh Festival. Originally, Catherine Tate was cast in the unaired pilot, but she dropped out to focus on her own sketch show. Lee noted, "Catherine was really successful and she wanted to do her own thing." Her departure led to the hiring of Megan Dodds, followed by Sally Bretton, who has become a staple of the series.
Fans can catch the highly anticipated series premiere on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at 9:30 PM on BBC One. Prior to this, the anniversary documentary 20 Years of Not Going Out will air at 9 PM that same evening, offering a nostalgic look back at the sitcom’s two-decade history, with behind-the-scenes glimpses into how a new episode is brought to life. Both the new series and the documentary will be available for streaming on BBC iPlayer from the same date, providing an opportunity for new viewers to catch up on 20 years of laughter and memorable moments surrounding Lee and Lucy.
Lee Mack expressed pride in the show's legacy, stating, "Not Going Out has highs and lows, hard work, good laughs, screaming and shouting, all sorts of emotions with it. But it's the show I'm most proud of." As the series continues to evolve, it remains a cherished part of British television history, promising to deliver more comedic chaos for its loyal audience.