7 Shockingly Accurate British Comedy-Dramas To Watch If You Loved Sirens (2011)

If you’re hunting for a show that perfectly blends the gallows humor of emergency services with genuinely moving human drama, the 2011 Channel 4 series *Sirens* remains a cult classic. The story of paramedics Stuart, Ashley, and Rachid masterfully captured the unique psychological toll of the job, wrapped in a sharp, distinctly British comedy package. Finding a replacement that hits the same notes of dark comedy, workplace authenticity, and deep personal struggle can be tough, but as of late 2025, there are several new and classic series that capture the spirit of *Sirens*—especially those with a British or Irish dark-comedy edge. The appeal of *Sirens* lies in its unvarnished look at the lives of first responders, showing the humanity behind the uniform, a theme that has been brilliantly explored in recent years by other acclaimed UK productions. Whether you are looking for more medical realism, an eccentric workplace setting, or just that specific brand of dark, character-driven British wit, this list provides the definitive follow-up recommendations.

The Definitive List of Shows That Master The Sirens Vibe

The shows below are categorized based on how closely they match *Sirens*'s blend of workplace setting, dark comedy, and British/Irish sensibility. They represent the current best alternatives for fans of the original series.

1. This Is Going to Hurt (2022) – The Closest Thematic Match

This is the most essential watch for any *Sirens* fan looking for a modern, high-stakes workplace drama with a brutally honest comedic core. Based on the bestselling memoir by Adam Kay, the series follows the life of a junior doctor working in an Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O&G) ward within the UK's National Health Service (NHS). The show, which premiered on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in February 2022, shares *Sirens*'s core DNA: a focus on the intense, often absurd, and emotionally draining reality of a high-pressure first-responder job. Lead actor Ben Whishaw, who plays the fictionalised version of Adam Kay, delivers a performance that perfectly captures the cynical humor and underlying exhaustion that was so central to the *Sirens* paramedics. If you want a show about the sacrifices required to save lives, this is it.

2. Bad Sisters (2022–Present) – The Black Comedy Masterpiece

While not a first-responder show, *Bad Sisters* is a phenomenal match for *Sirens*'s dark humor and focus on deeply entangled personal relationships. This Irish black comedy-drama, developed by Sharon Horgan, centers on the five Garvey sisters—Eva, Grace, Ursula, Bibi, and Becka—who are bound by a promise to protect one another. The central plot revolves around the sisters' attempts to murder Grace's abusive husband, John Paul Williams, and the subsequent investigation by two insurance brokers. This series, set in Dublin, has the same sharp, witty dialogue and high-stakes drama that makes *Sirens* so compelling, but with a focus on familial loyalty and a scandalous plot. With a confirmed second season, its topical authority is high.

3. Green Wing (2004–2007) – The Eccentric Workplace Precursor

If you appreciate the sheer absurdity and unique comedic style of *Sirens*, you need to revisit *Green Wing*. This British medical sitcom is set in the fictional East Hampton Hospital and is famous for its surrealist humor, rapid-fire editing, and lack of a laugh track. It paved the way for many modern UK workplace comedies by focusing less on medical procedural elements and more on the chaotic, often childish, personal lives of the staff. The ensemble cast, including Tamsin Greig, Stephen Mangan, and Julian Rhind-Tutt, delivers a brand of eccentric, character-driven comedy that will appeal to anyone who enjoyed the bizarre encounters of the *Sirens* paramedic crew.

Exploring British Comedy-Drama and Coming-of-Age Themes

The UK excels at blending comedy with serious drama, a format that allows shows to tackle heavy subjects like grief, mental health, and the pressures of life with a necessary layer of levity.

4. Big Boys (2022–Present) – The UK Coming-of-Age Connection

*Big Boys* offers a different kind of workplace—a university campus—but perfectly captures the British sitcom's ability to handle big issues with warmth and humor, a key component of *Sirens*'s appeal. Created and written by Jack Rooke, the series is a queer coming-of-age story that centers on the unlikely friendship between shy, closeted Jack (played by Dylan Llewellyn) and the boisterous, laddish Danny (Jon Pointing). The show honestly explores themes of grief, mental health, and finding your identity, all while delivering sharp, laugh-out-loud comedy. It’s a fantastic example of a modern British show that uses humor to navigate complex personal struggles, much like the paramedics in *Sirens* used dark jokes to cope with trauma.

5. Doc Martin (2004–2022) – The Classic Medical Comedy-Drama

For a slightly gentler, but equally British, take on a medical professional struggling with a small community, *Doc Martin* is the perfect choice. Starring Martin Clunes as the cantankerous Dr. Martin Ellingham, a brilliant but perpetually grumpy vascular surgeon who retrains as a General Practitioner (GP) in the fictional Cornish village of Portwenn. The humor comes from Doc Martin's complete lack of social skills and his inability to connect with the quirky villagers. While not as dark as *Sirens* or *This Is Going to Hurt*, it is an award-winning comedy-drama that provides a long-running, character-focused British series about a medical professional dealing with the pressures of his job and personal life.

6. Rescue Me (2004–2011) – The American Counterpart

If you want a show that directly mirrors the first-responder setting with an intense focus on the main character's psychological turmoil, look across the Atlantic to *Rescue Me*. This American comedy-drama aired on FX and focused on the professional and personal life of Tommy Gavin (Denis Leary), a New York City firefighter dealing with the emotional aftermath of 9/11 and his own tumultuous family life. Like *Sirens*, *Rescue Me* uses dark, cynical humor as a coping mechanism against trauma and death. It dives deep into the brotherhood of the firehouse, offering a grittier, more dramatic experience than *Sirens*, but with the same core theme of first responders struggling to remain functional.

7. Scrubs (2001–2010) – The Surreal Workplace Comedy

For pure, high-energy, and often surreal workplace comedy set in a medical environment, *Scrubs* is a foundational series. Set at the fictional Sacred Heart Hospital, the show follows the lives of medical interns and doctors, primarily J.D. (Zach Braff), who narrates his experiences through internal monologues and fantastical daydreams. While lighter than *Sirens*, *Scrubs* excels at blending absurd comedy with genuine, heartfelt drama about life-and-death situations. It’s a great choice if you enjoyed the lighter, more character-driven moments of the *Sirens* crew and appreciate a show that can switch from a ridiculous gag to a moving emotional scene in an instant.