Robert Oliver
Published November 28, 2025 4:59pm
Updated November 28, 2025 4:59pm
Share this article via whatsappShare this article via xCopy the link to this article.Link is copiedShare this article via facebook
Comment now
Comments
Peter Kay doesn’t seem keen on putting Phoenix Nights on Netflix (Picture: BBC)
Peter Kay has claimed that Netflix approached him to ask for Phoenix Nights to be added to their catalogue – but the comedian turned them down.
The Bolton comedian and TV writer, 52, co-created and starred in the 2000s comedy, set at the fictional titular labour club in his hometown.
Phoenix Nights was a beloved series for the two years it was on TV, between 2001 and 2002, and has retained a strong cult following in the years since.
However, elements of the show reflect sensibilities of the early 2000s, and Peter has claimed that Netflix wanted to warn people of this before each episode.
For that reason, he says, he decided not to give the series’ 12 episodes over to the streaming giant, preferring to keep things ‘not politically correct’.
Get personalised updates on all things Netflix
Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro’s TV Newsletter.
Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we’ll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you.
He told Capital Breakfast: ‘Netflix got in touch with me last year because they wanted to put Phoenix Nights on [the platform]. They rang me up – anyway, they sent me a load of paperwork.’
Phoenix Nights ran between 2001 and 2002 on Channel 4 (Picture: Channel 4)
Speaking to host Sian Welby, he added: ‘Basically, it’s not very politically correct now. This was made in a [different] time, do you know what I mean?’
Considering Netflix’s offer to put a trigger warning at the start of each episode, explaining that Phoenix Nights was made almost 25 years ago, Peter said: ‘I’m not keen on that, I don’t really want a warning before it.’
Despite apparently being sent a complimentary air fryer by Netflix (which, he added, he was ‘grateful’ for) the comedian said he decided to ‘leave it’.
‘I’m not keen on that, I don’t really want a warning before it.’ (Picture: Channel 4)
Peter says Netflix sent him an air fryer (Picture: Capital Radio)
While Phoenix Nights wasn’t known for controversial or risqué humour, the show did contain a considerable amount of mature content and was given a 15 certificate upon its DVD release.
A season two storyline involving two Chinese immigrants working in the club’s kitchen is one example cited by fans that may be cut from a 2020s revamp.
Some fans have speculated over the years that key cast members from the show referred to the season two storyline as ‘borderline racist’ at the time of its broadcast.
Peter co-wrote the series with Dave Spikey (Picture: Channel 4)
The two men ‘can’t speak a word of the Queen’s English’ (according to Peter’s character Brian Potter), and are shown to have a poor understanding of basic English social customs at various points.
More Trending
-
Netflix fans raving about ‘one of the best Christmas movies’ starring screen queen
Channel: Film Film 9 hours ago By Tori Brazier - Peter Kay announces new tour dates after he was forced to cancel shows for surgery
- Watch the awkward moment Peter Kay silences Cat Deeley on live TV
- Netflix actor Tony Germano dies aged 55 after fatal fall
Elsewhere in the interview, Peter teased the possibility of a Phoenix Nights film, saying that, while a script was being written, he was ‘waiting for the de-ageing process to come into fruition’ before filming began.
‘The storyline involves a lot of flashbacks to the past,’ he added. ‘I don’t want to be using really bad makeup to make people look young. When the tour is finished, I’ve been thinking about it.’
As of 2025, Phoenix Nights isn’t available to stream anywhere, which would have made its inclusion in Netflix’s catalogue a godsend for deprived comedy fans.
Deals of the Day
Dyson’s Black Friday sale is here! Save up to £550 on vacuums, Airwraps and hairdryers
Breakdown drama? There’s an app for that – and it gets you help in minutes
Emma is celebrating 10 years of better sleep with free bedding bundles worth hundreds!
Pack 60% more with these cubes that sell every 2 mins – and travel smarter, not heavier
Sick of shaving? This at-home device will save you hundreds on hair removal
Metro has contacted Netflix for comment.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
Arrow MORE: Netflix actor Tony Germano dies aged 55 after fatal fall
Arrow MORE: Cancel your weekend plans to binge ‘adrenaline-fuelled’ BBC crime drama on Netflix
Arrow MORE: WWE Survivor Series WarGames UK start time for ‘landmark’ Netflix show
Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source TV NewsletterSign up and tell us which TV shows you love to watch to get personalised updates every morning.
Show Expand Options ? Select All Select All Big Brother Big Brother Britain's Got Talent Britain's Got Talent Celebrity Big Brother Celebrity Big Brother Doctor Who Doctor Who Great British Bake Off Great British Bake Off I'm A Celeb I'm A Celeb Love Island Love Island Netflix Netflix Strictly Come Dancing Strictly Come Dancing The Apprentice The Apprentice The Traitors The Traitors Email I agree to receive newsletters from Metro I agree to receive newsletters from Metro Sign UpSign UpThis site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy