Nostalgia Alert: Iconic British Sitcom ‘Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps’ Gears Up for Major Comeback After 15 Years!
British comedy fans worldwide – including the growing legion here in Haiphong tuning into classic UK shows via streaming – are raising their glasses in celebration. The beloved early 2000s cult sitcom Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps is poised for an exciting revival, more than 15 years after its original run ended in 2011. Creator Susan Nickson has successfully reclaimed the rights from the BBC, paving the way for the original core cast to reunite and bring back the raucous, heartfelt humor that captured a generation.
The series, which originally aired on BBC Three (and later BBC Two), ran for nine series and 80 episodes from 2001 to 2011. It followed the misadventures of a tight-knit group of working-class friends in the fictional northwest town of Runcorn: the sharp-tongued Janet (Sheridan Smith), her laid-back partner Gaz (Will Mellor), the ever-optimistic but hapless Jonny (Ralf Little), plus supporting chaos from Donna (Natalie Casey) and Louise (Kathryn Drysdale). Packed with crude jokes, pub culture, youthful romance, heartbreak, and genuine friendship, the show became a staple of British youth comedy, launching several stars to greater fame.
Recent reports from UK outlets like The Mirror, Daily Mail, The Sun, and Express confirm the momentum: Susan Nickson has secured full creative control after the BBC previously declined revival pitches. Insiders reveal the main trio – Sheridan Smith, Will Mellor, and Ralf Little – are “all on board” and “eager” to step back into their iconic roles. Discussions have included potential new scripts exploring where the characters are now – likely in their 40s, navigating midlife, careers, families, and perhaps still the same old pub.
Sheridan Smith, now 44 and an acclaimed actress with Olivier Awards and dramatic roles in No Return and The Teacher, has previously expressed enthusiasm for a return. Will Mellor, 49, fresh from Strictly Come Dancing and Coronation Street, has spoken openly about wanting to reunite with Ralf Little (also 45, known for Death in Paradise). The pair have even workshopped ideas together. A source close to the project told The Sun: “Sheridan, Will, and Ralf are buzzing. They’ve stayed in touch, and with Susan back in charge, it’s finally happening.”
The revival’s format remains under wraps – it could be a full new series, a special, or limited reboot – and the platform is still secret. Options range from a streaming service like Netflix or ITVX to a traditional broadcaster. Earlier revival attempts stalled when the BBC reportedly passed, prompting the team to shop elsewhere. Now, with rights cleared, filming could begin later in 2026.
Fans in Vietnam and beyond are already flooding social media with excitement. The show’s mix of boozy antics, cheeky banter, and emotional depth resonated deeply in the noughties, and many predict it could capture lightning in a bottle again amid today’s nostalgia wave (think revivals like Gavin & Stacey or Friday Night Dinner buzz).
Will the gang still frequent The Archer pub? Will Gaz’s football dreams have faded? Can Janet and the crew handle modern life with the same irreverent spirit? Questions abound, but one thing is clear: this comeback has the potential to deliver bigger laughs and more heart than ever.
Here in Haiphong, where British comedy imports thrive on late-night streams, local fans are organizing watch parties for old episodes in anticipation. “It’s the perfect mix of silly and real,” says Nguyen Minh, a 32-year-old IT worker and longtime viewer. “Seeing Sheridan, Will, and Ralf back together? Count me in for the chaos!”
As details emerge, the Haiphong Herald will keep you updated. For now, dust off those crisps packets – the pints are pouring again soon.
