Coupling

“Coupling” is a British sitcom penned by Steven Moffat that was broadcast on BBC2 from May 2000 to June 2004. Created by Hartswood Films for the BBC, the series revolves around the romantic and sexual escapades and blunders of six friends in their thirties. The narrative often showcases the three women and three men discussing the same incidents, but from completely different perspectives.

The show drew inspiration from Moffat’s relationship with producer Sue Vertue, so much so that two characters were named after them. “Coupling” fits into the “group-genre,” a popular ensemble format at the time. Critics frequently likened it to American sitcoms like “Friends” and “Seinfeld.”

The series received mostly positive reviews and was awarded “Best TV Comedy” at the 2003 British Comedy Awards. Although it initially had modest ratings, its viewership grew, and by the end of the third season, it had garnered respectable ratings in the UK. It began airing on PBS stations and BBC America in the United States in late 2002, quickly amassing a dedicated fanbase there as well. The show is syndicated globally, and brief American and Greek adaptations were produced in 2003 and 2007, respectively.