The first few series were amusing and contained some above-average episodes demonstrating wit and humour – above-average for a sitcom, that is! Alas, the departure of Tim Vine heralded the death knell of the show three series back, following which it has never quite managed to recover, and since when the writing and the gags have become boringly repetitive. Even the introduction of the bizarrely bland character played by Hugh Dennis in the latest run has failed to ignite any great hilarity.Lee Mack's writing can be amusing with good comic one-liners, but now in its seventh (and possibly final) series, even these are sounding decidedly staid and forced.Furthermore, some of the story lines of this latest series (November/December 2014) have actually been borderline offensive, particularly in the cack-handed way in which they have been portrayed – making fun of alcoholism, and then the sudden desire of Lucy's to have a baby by artificial insemination - well these are not normally topics associated with top-notch comedy writing.The one enjoyable episode of this current run was the story involving the Pointless game show hosts. Here there were indications of a return to form for that one brief episode.John Cleese and Rowan Atkinson had the right attitude with their comedy ventures – leave your audience hungry for more, rather than milking one basic idea for all it's worth.It's a shame, because in its early days, Not Going Out could be relied on to raise more than an average amount of laughs.

Not Going Out is a rare thing indeed. it is a rare example of a sitcom that has been axed and then brought back again thanks largely to fan protests (and lets face it - a lack of better alternatives). So there must be some good reason for this show lasting as long as it has.It has all the classic elements you'd expect to see in a sitcom. It has a 'will they won't they ' relationship going on, it has lots of witty jokes being thrown around and as with any sitcom set in a flat it has a dopey cleaner.However despite these elements they remain things we've seen done a thousand times better in other shows. It's almost as if the writers are trying to create a show based on everything that's worked before and hope it works again rather than creating something new.

I have to agree profusely with some comments that have been made on this title. Watching the two series I have been compelled by the nature of the comedy-which I have accertained as a compromise between stand-up comedy and a sitcom. Rather than to shroud the characters true feelings, as has been done before, all characters speak their mind. This brings the result of a comedic 'battle' between them in which their unresolved disputes and generic arguments are turned to light-hearted funny quirks in the viewers perspective, as the drama unfolds for all those involved-namely for the unfortunate Lee, who seems to be at the tail-end of most decisions and seems to have most bad-luck. Conclusively, I believe that the more unnatural stance on this genre is very effective for a wide audience, and makes a welcome change from your standard sitcom. Moreover, I believe that an entertaining show such as this does not need to develop further. As has happened in many American comedy shows, characters and plots have been killed off by over-running; but a good show should end whilst it is still laughed at and enjoyed by its viewers, as to bring it into a reputable class of British comedy.

the show is superb very witty and funny lee mack is brilliant as to is Tim vine we need comedy like this we have not had a good comedy for a long time this show will go on for a long time. cant wait for the second series. this comes close to the series "men behaving badly" in a strange way!only fools and horses was superb, but over the last few years comedy in this country has become predictable, i really hope this series runs and runs, the jokes are a bit Raff but at least the children can watch the show without asking a lot of questions! I'm a big fan and really hope the BBC continue with the next series!i am off to buy the DVD of the first series!