One of my favourite TV shows from the last few years has been Inside No. 9. I’m lucky enough to say I’ve watched it from the start, I saw the ‘Dead Line’ episode live, and I got to see show writers and creators Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith in the flesh when they released their Insider’s Guide book.
It’s a fantastic production, and I recommend starting from the beginning. However, the only things that stay the same with each episode are the writers who star in it. Everything else is different which means you can dive in wherever you’d like. For those who haven’t seen it, it’s been compared to Black Mirror, Roald Dahl’s Tales of the Unexpected and Pemberton and Shearsmith’s other work. You never know what might happen, but you can always expect a twist. Maybe even two! It’s wild to me that the ninth and final series comes to an end this evening, so to celebrate and commemorate, I wanted to list some of my favourite episodes, to get you inspired to give it a watch.
Series One (2014)
Sardines
As a first introduction to the world of Inside No. 9, this episode really excited me when I initially saw it. Mostly set inside a wardrobe, it’s a really cool way to get you thinking about friends, family and the secrets they all have.
A Quiet Night In
The second highest rated episode of the show, this episode is mostly silent. Looking at the scripts, it’s so interesting to see how they used everything other than voice to tell the story.
Series Two (2015)
The 12 Days of Christine
This is the highest rated episode of Inside No. 9. We get to focus on emotions and life as we meet Christine and the people around her. One to watch at Christmas, and year-round.
Cold Comfort
I love how the show pushes us to consume media in different ways. This episode uses security and webcam footage to put us in the offices of a comfort support phone line.
Series Three (2016 – 17)
The Devil of Christmas
This is my favourite episode! It’s so clever. I love folk horror, so seeing a film director taking us through something he made in 1977 is just brilliant. Jessica Raine is amazing in the episode.
The Bill
It’s funny how you go from something like ‘The Devil of Christmas’ to ‘The Bill’. They’re both so different, yet full of genius writing and flare that keeps you hooked. That’s Inside No. 9 for you! This episode follows an argument that breaks out after four men attempt to pay the restaurant bill.
Series Four (2018)
Zanzibar
Kicking off series four in style, we’re treated to an episode in the style of iambic pentameter. Full of bright colours and funny characters, you’ll definitely watch this and wonder why more TV isn’t as stylised.
Bernie Clifton’s Dressing Room
Bernie Clifton is a fan favourite episode. It’s emotional, theatrical, and full of wonder. It’s also my mum’s favourite!
2018 Halloween Special
Dead Line
I didn’t know if I wanted to recommend this one, because nothing beats watching it live when it came out a few years ago. It frustrated me, kept me on the edge of my seat whilst refreshing all my social media pages to see what was happening. I don’t know if any production has attempted something like this before, and I don’t know if anyone will ever be able to beat it.
Series 5 (2020)
Death Not Be Proud
If you’re a fan of Pemberton and Shearsmith’s other work, you’ll love the cameo in this one! It also worries me about trying to get on the property ladder and what might be waiting for me in a cheaper place…
The Stakeout
When the creators have spoken about this episode, the plan was to do something much grander. But due to budget constraints, the entire story takes place in a car. You’d never know that wasn’t the original intention. It’s so clever and dark, letting us join two police officers on a stakeout.
Series 7 (2022)
Mr King
I previously mentioned my love of folk horror, so that’s why this one makes the list! Imagine The Wicker Man meets primary school teaching.
Series 8 (2022 – 23)
Paraskevidekatriaphobia
This is such a fun episode. Especially to watch on Friday 13th!
3 by 3
Similar to ‘Dead Line’, this one needed to be seen live to really feel the effects. We were expecting a totally different episode but due to issues, the channel played a new game show instead. We knew that it was an Inside No. 9, but it might also have not been, so it was fun to watch and see what might happen.
Series 9 (2024)
Mulberry Close
Filmed entirely through a doorbell camera (with some police cam footage too), we get to meet the new residents on the street and the consequences of their actions. A really cleverepisode that keeps up its pace even through the unusual filming style.
Inside No. 9 is inventive, exciting, unpredictable and will be severely missed. It really inspires me to watch different stories, think outside the box and create in unique ways. I’m sure the final ever episode will live up to expectations and will be one I watch over and over again like I do with all the others.