Situated in North London, Barnet might not be the first location that comes to mind for a television comedy. However, the choice turns out to be a stroke of genius, as the borough offers a blend of suburban tranquility and urban diversity. With its tree-lined streets, local parks, and a mix of architectural styles, Barnet provides an ideal canvas for the modern sitcom.
The BAFTA and British Comedy Award nominated hit “Friday Night Dinner”, created by Robert Popper, revolves around the quirky Goodman family and their eccentric Friday night dinners, creating a delightful mix of humor and heart. The now famous family house is situated in Mill Hill and was the first sitcom to recognise the appeal and film friendliness of Barnet.
New Prime Video sitcom “Hapless”, follows the life of Paul Green who is an investigative journalist for The Jewish Enquirer which has been likened to Seinfeld and Alan Partridge.[4] with the character of Paul Green likened to Larry David in Curb Your Enthusiasm and John Cleese’s Basil Fawlty.
The production filmed all over the borough with kehy scenes on Finchley Road and the High Road
The Emmy award winning “Atlanta”, filmed it’s third series across London and Europe and featured a scene on Hendon’s Vivian Avenue
Finally, the multi BAFTA awarding sitcom “Stath Lets Flats” put Barnet on the map as a must-visit destination for tv fans. Scenes were filmed Silkstream Road in Burnt Oak, where the hopeless hero arrives to do a viewing, slips and falls over on the path. If you know the Edgware area, you may also spot Wattling Avenue, where Seth enters a shop, buys an item and promptly leaves. Burnt Oak Broadway featured in a couple of set-ups filmed directly outside the front of Cristina’s Hair and Beauty, which was used as the comedy’s rival letting agency.
The newfound fame brought by “Stath Lets Flats” has inadvertently turned Barnet into a tourist destination for fans of the show. Locals have reported increased foot traffic in popular filming locations and a boost to the local economy.