Tom Basden, the creator and writer of BBC One’s sitcom Here We Go, explains why he chose Bedford as the backdrop for his show — a location he believes captures the essence of England itself. With three series now available, the comedy centers on the everyday, yet extraordinary, life of the Jessop family as they navigate quirky situations in a setting that feels both familiar and universal. Here’s why Basden feels Bedford speaks to the whole country and how the show balances local charm with broad appeal.
Bedford: A microcosm of England
Tom Basden, a seasoned comedy writer and former Cambridge Footlights vice president, deliberately set Here We Go in Bedford because of its representational qualities. “I thought Bedford was a really good location for a show that speaks to the whole country,” Basden said. He wanted a place “very traditionally English but not really known for being any one particular thing.”
Rather than choosing a major city like London or Manchester, Basden aimed for a setting that would feel relatable across the UK. Bedford, with its quiet streets and ordinary vibe, serves as a blank canvas where a “very normal” family can find themselves in “weird and wonderful situations.” This setting allows the show to explore universal themes through a distinctly English lens without feeling regional or niche.
The Jessop family’s relatable adventures
At the heart of Here We Go is the Jessop family, whose everyday lives form the foundation of the show’s comedy. Basden describes them as “a very, very normal family” — but one that inevitably stumbles into strange predicaments. This blend of the mundane with the unexpected provides much of the series’ humor and charm.
The sitcom’s appeal lies in this balance: viewers see their own family dynamics reflected in the characters’ struggles and triumphs, set against Bedford’s familiar backdrop. While the show mostly stays local, the third series includes an episode set in Malta, offering a fresh change of scenery while keeping Bedford as its core home.
Striking a balance: local roots with universal reach
Basden emphasizes that he did not want the show to feel “too regional.” By avoiding major metropolitan stereotypes, Here We Go aims to speak to a broad audience. The choice of Bedford, combined with the writing and performances, helps the show strike a tone that’s both specifically English and widely relatable.
Though filmed in various locations across the country, the series remains deeply tied to Bedford’s character, lending it authenticity without alienating viewers from other parts of the UK. With three series available on BBC iPlayer and more episodes airing on BBC One, Here We Go continues to carve out its unique niche in British comedy.
