Mike Bassett: Manager

The series picks up some time after Mike took England to the semi-finals of the 2002 World Cup. The side's attempt at qualifying for the 2004 European Championships ended in disaster, resulting in Mike being sacked. Since then, a spell at Newcastle ended in similar fashion after getting them relegated two seasons in a row, while his returns to former clubs Norwich and then Colchester fared little better. Mike decides to retire, but at the last minute is offered the manager's job at Wirral County F.C., for whom his father was a player. They seem doomed to be relegated to the Football Conference. Not helping his job is the fact that the chairman is senile, the chief executive is eagerly awaiting relegation so that he can sell their ground and Karine isn't pleased with the idea of retiring in Ellesmere Port rather than Spain.

Directed by Rob Sprackling, Johnny Smith, Mike Bassett: Manager leans on a strong ensemble — Ricky Tomlinson, Steve Edge, Amanda Redman — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The series landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about comedy titles of 2005.