While we may associate dark comedy anthologies with recent shows like Inside Number 9, the 90s had its own gem in the form of Murder Most Horrid, starring the ever-brilliant Dawn French. This BBC series, spanning four seasons from 1991-1999, was a delightful blend of twisted humour and mystery, often overlooked but now ready for a fresh audience.

In its debut series, Murder Most Horrid showcased Dawn French’s incredible range. Each of the six standalone tales featured her in a different role and, of course, a gruesome murder. Five of the six episodes are directed by comedy veteran Bob Spiers, who has directed episodes of some of the most beloved UK comedy shows. Are You Being Served, Fawlty Towers, The Goodies, The Comic Strip Presents, French and Saunders, A Bit of Fry and Laurie, and Bottom, are just a small selection of a prolific career that ended too soon when Bob Spiers passed away in 2008.

This was French’s first proper solo project away from regular comedy partner Jennifer Saunders, and it landed on the BBC a year before Absolutely Fabulous. However, it feels as though Murder Most Horrid will be forever overshadowed by French’s other solo project of the 90s, The Vicar of Dibley. For me, Murder Most Horrid remains one of her best.
This first run of episodes is perhaps its strongest, covering a cold case, the inner workings of a theatre company, and an ageing children’s TV presenter who will do whatever it takes to stay on top—just a taste of what awaits you in this wonderfully silly series.

Now that Inside Number 9 is coming to an end with its incoming ninth and final series, the BBC needs a dark comedy anthology, so the time seems ripe for a thrilling Murder Most Horrid revival.