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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 3 is repeated on Yesterday today at 9pm.

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

  1. 9th April: Fawlty Towers tops Radio Times greatest British sitcom list
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 3: Today at 9pm on Yesterday
  2. Series 1 Episode 4: Today at 9:35pm on Yesterday
  3. Series 1 Episode 5: Today at 10:20pm on Yesterday
  4. Series 1 Episode 6: Tuesday at 11pm on Yesterday
  5. Series 2 Episode 1: Tuesday at 11:40pm on Yesterday
  6. Series 2 Episode 2: Wednesday 1st May at 12:20am on Yesterday
  7. Series 1 Episode 6: Wednesday 1st May at 9pm on Yesterday
  8. Series 2 Episode 1: Wednesday 1st May at 9:40pm on Yesterday
  9. Series 2 Episode 2: Wednesday 1st May at 10:20pm on Yesterday

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