Whatever Happened To The Likely Lads? - Changes in Format and Style From The Likely Lads

Changes in Format and Style From The Likely Lads

Although Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads? was a continuation of the earlier series and even though some of the same characters remained, the style and format had changed.

Unlike the original show, Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads? was broadcast in colour. Also, The Likely Lads had been quite 'stagy' (in the theatrical sense) in its format: being studio bound, with little in the way of location filming.

In terms of humour, the two shows are different. The Likely Lads had been a broad comedy, full of obvious gags, whereas Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads? used subtler humour, derived from the dialogue and characterisation, often interspersed with sentimentality (as the Lads mourned their lost past) and even touches of pathos.

The latter aspect was usually a consequence of one of the Lads, often the more sentimental Bob, reflecting on the past. The Lads frequently did ask each other the question in the show's title, Whatever happened to us? - particularly during their more mellow moments in the pub, over a pint of beer.