Phoenix Nights: 25 years since Peter Kay’s record-breaking TV comedy like no other

The decline of Phoenix Nights from a cultural touchstone to a forgotten relic raises important questions about the representation of working-class narratives in modern media. While the show was groundbreaking in its portrayal of northern working-class life without mockery, its absence from contemporary platforms suggests a broader trend of neglecting such voices in favor of more mainstream, polished narratives. The show's flaws, particularly in its second series, also highlight the evolving standards of comedy and the necessity for sensitivity in representation, particularly regarding race and ethnicity.