Porridge. Image shows from L to R: Mr. Mackay (Fulton Mackay), Fletcher (Ronnie Barker), Godber (Richard Beckinsale). Copyright: BBC
Porridge

Porridge (1973)

  • TV sitcom
  • BBC One / BBC Two
  • 1973 - 1977
  • 21 episodes (3 series)

Ronnie Barker stars as Norman Stanley Fletcher, trying to keep his nose clean and guiding his young 'roomie' Godber, whilst residing in HMP Slade. Stars Ronnie Barker, Richard Beckinsale, Fulton Mackay, Brian Wilde, Michael Barrington and more.

Porridge. Image shows from L to R: Fletcher (Ronnie Barker), Godber (Richard Beckinsale). Copyright: BBC

Key details

Genre
Sitcom
Broadcast
1973 - 1977
Channels
BBC One, BBC Two
Episodes
21 (1 pilot + 3 series)
Stars
Ronnie Barker, Richard Beckinsale, Fulton Mackay, Brian Wilde, Michael Barrington, Brian Glover, Christopher Biggins, Ronald Lacey and more
Writers
Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais
Director
Sydney Lotterby
Producer
Sydney Lotterby
Company

Set in Slade Prison, Porridge documents the life of Norman Stanley Fletcher, an habitual criminal.

Fletcher is a smart, witty, cunning and loveable character. He shares his cell with young Lennie Godber, a first time inmate upon whom he imparts his considerable wisdom and knowledge of the penal system and how to cope. The pair must contend with troublesome fellow cons, harsh wardens, unwitting mishaps and the regular stresses of prison life, keeping their heads above water without getting on the wrong side of their jailers.

Fletch's wing is headed by the strict Scottish screw Mr Mackay, assisted by the far more easy-going - and somewhat exploitable - Mr Barrowclough.

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Additional details

Part of

Seven Of One

Also known as
  • Seven Of One: Prisoner And Escort (Pilot)
Production
Studio
Camera set-up
Multi-camera
Picture
Colour
Soundtrack
Theme tune composed by Max Harris. Introductory sentencing performed by Ronnie Barker.

Website links

Broadcast details

First broadcast
Sunday 1st April 1973 at 8:15pm on BBC Two
Next repeats
  1. Series 1, Episode 2: Tomorrow at 10am on Gold
  2. Series 1, Episode 2: Tomorrow at 1:20pm on Gold
  3. Series 1, Episode 2: Tomorrow at 6pm on Gold
  4. Series 1, Episode 2: Saturday at 8:30am on Gold
  5. Series 1, Episode 3: Monday at 10:20am on Gold
  6. Series 1, Episode 3: Monday at 5pm on Gold
  7. Series 1, Episode 4: Tuesday at 10:20am on Gold
  8. Series 1, Episode 4: Tuesday at 1:40pm on Gold
  9. Series 1, Episode 4: Tuesday at 5:40pm on Gold
Most recent repeats

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