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

Porridge (1973)

BBC One and BBC Two sitcom about the inmates in a prison. 21 episodes (pilot + 3 series), 1973 - 1977. Stars Ronnie Barker, Richard Beckinsale, Fulton Mackay, Brian Wilde and others.

Series 1, Episode 5 is repeated on Gold on Monday at 9am.

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

Porridge

Ronnie Barker stars as Norman Stanley Fletcher, trying to keep his nose clean and guiding his young 'roomie' Godber, whilst residing in HMP Slade

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

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.

Production Details

Part of

Seven Of One

Production company
Also known as
  • Seven Of One: Prisoner And Escort (Pilot)
Soundtrack
Theme tune composed by Max Harris. Introductory sentencing performed by Ronnie Barker.
Laugh track
Live audience

Broadcast details

First broadcast
Sunday 1st April 1973 on BBC Two at 8:15pm
Last new broadcast
Friday 25th March 1977 on BBC One at 8:30pm
Upcoming repeats
  1. Series 1 Episode 5: Monday at 9am on Gold
  2. Series 1 Episode 5: Monday at 1pm on Gold
  3. Series 1 Episode 5: Monday at 7pm on Gold
  4. Series 1 Episode 6: Tuesday at 9am on Gold
  5. Series 1 Episode 6: Tuesday at 1pm on Gold
  6. Series 1 Episode 6: Tuesday at 7pm on Gold
  7. Series 2 Episode 1: Wednesday at 9am on Gold
  8. Series 2 Episode 1: Wednesday at 1pm on Gold
  9. Series 2 Episode 1: Wednesday at 7pm on Gold
  10. Series 2 Episode 2: Thursday at 9am on GoldShow all repeats
  11. Series 2 Episode 2: Thursday at 1pm on Gold
  12. Series 2 Episode 2: Thursday at 7pm on Gold
  13. Series 2 Episode 3: Friday at 9am on Gold
  14. Series 2 Episode 3: Friday at 1pm on Gold
  15. Series 2 Episode 3: Friday at 7pm on Gold
  16. Series 2 Episode 3: Saturday 29th February at 8:30am on Gold
  17. Series 2 Episode 4: Monday 2nd March at 9am on Gold
  18. Series 2 Episode 4: Monday 2nd March at 1pm on Gold
  19. Series 2 Episode 4: Monday 2nd March at 7pm on Gold
  20. Series 2 Episode 5: Tuesday 3rd March at 9:15am on Gold
  21. Series 2 Episode 5: Tuesday 3rd March at 7:15pm on Gold
  22. Series 1 Episode 1: Tuesday 3rd March at 10:40pm on Yesterday
  23. Series 1 Episode 2: Tuesday 3rd March at 11:20pm on Yesterday
  24. Series 1 Episode 3: Wednesday 4th March at 12am on Yesterday
  25. Series 2 Episode 6: Wednesday 4th March at 9:20am on Gold
  26. Series 2 Episode 6: Wednesday 4th March at 1:20pm on Gold
  27. Series 2 Episode 6: Wednesday 4th March at 7:20pm on Gold
  28. Series 1 Episode 1: Wednesday 4th March at 9pm on Yesterday
  29. Series 1 Episode 2: Wednesday 4th March at 9:40pm on Yesterday
  30. Series 1 Episode 3: Wednesday 4th March at 10:15pm on Yesterday
  31. Series 3 Episode 1: Thursday 5th March at 9:20am on Gold
  32. Series 3 Episode 1: Thursday 5th March at 1:20pm on Gold
  33. Series 3 Episode 1: Thursday 5th March at 7:20pm on Gold
  34. Series 3 Episode 2: Friday 6th March at 9:20am on Gold
  35. Series 3 Episode 2: Friday 6th March at 1:20pm on Gold
  36. Series 3 Episode 2: Friday 6th March at 7:20pm on Gold

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