Graham Linehan – TV Comedy Writer & Director
Graham Linehan is a name you’ll hear if you love funny TV shows from the UK and Ireland. He started out writing jokes for radio, then moved to TV where he created some of the most loved sitcoms of the 2000s. If you’ve watched “The IT Crowd”, “Father Ted” or “Count Arthur Strong”, you’ve already seen his work.
Career highlights
Linehan’s big break came when he co‑wrote “Father Ted” with Arthur Mathews. The show ran for three seasons and still gets quoted today. After that he teamed up with his friend Dennis Delaney to create “The IT Crowd”. The series follows three nerdy office workers and their clueless boss. It ran for four seasons and won a BAFTA award. Linehan also wrote “Black Books”, “Count Arthur Strong” and a few movies. He’s known for quick jokes, clever one‑liners and characters that feel real.
Besides TV, he’s written books and does stand‑up comedy. He’s also active online, sharing stories about his life and the industry. Even when controversy hits his name, fans still talk about his early work and how it shaped modern comedy.
What makes his comedy work
One reason people love his shows is the mix of smart jokes and simple situations. In “The IT Crowd”, a tiny office becomes a playground for absurd moments. The characters are impossible yet relatable – you can see a bit of yourself in the socially awkward Moss or the over‑confident Roy.
Linehan also likes to repeat jokes in a way that makes them funnier each time. He uses things like “my boss is an idiot” and then shows why it’s true. The jokes are quick, but they never feel forced. He gives actors room to improvise, which adds a natural feel.
If you want to write comedy, studying Linehan’s scripts can teach you about timing, character quirks and the balance between silliness and real feeling. He shows that a simple office setting can become a source of endless laughs.
Overall, Graham Linehan’s work still feels fresh because he writes characters that stick with you. Whether you’re watching an old episode of “Father Ted” or a newer show, you can hear his signature style. That’s why his name stays on fans’ lists of best comedy writers.
Kieran Lockhart, Sep, 3 2025
Graham Linehan was arrested at Heathrow after flying in from Arizona, over posts he made on X in April about transgender women and women-only spaces. Police cited an allegation of stirring up hatred on grounds of sexual orientation. He was taken to hospital during questioning and later bailed with a condition not to post on X. The case has reignited debate over free speech, policing, and online harms in the UK.
Categories:
Tags:
