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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 Gold today at 6:20pm.

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

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 6:20pm on Gold
  2. Series 1 Episode 4: Tomorrow at 8:55am on Gold
  3. Series 1 Episode 4: Tomorrow at 1:30pm on Gold
  4. Series 1 Episode 4: Tomorrow at 6:10pm on Gold
  5. Series 1 Episode 5: Monday at 10am on Gold
  6. Series 1 Episode 5: Monday at 2:25pm on Gold
  7. Series 1 Episode 5: Monday at 6:50pm on Gold
  8. Series 1 Episode 6: Tuesday at 9:50am on Gold
  9. Series 1 Episode 6: Tuesday at 2:20pm on Gold
  10. Series 1 Episode 6: Tuesday at 6:50pm on GoldShow all repeats
  11. Series 2 Episode 1: Wednesday at 10am on Gold
  12. Series 2 Episode 1: Wednesday at 2:25pm on Gold
  13. Series 2 Episode 1: Wednesday at 6:50pm on Gold
  14. Series 2 Episode 2: Thursday 24th October at 9:50am on Gold
  15. Series 2 Episode 2: Thursday 24th October at 2:20pm on Gold
  16. Series 2 Episode 2: Thursday 24th October at 6:45pm on Gold
  17. Series 2 Episode 3: Friday 25th October at 9:50am on Gold
  18. Series 2 Episode 3: Friday 25th October at 2:20pm on Gold
  19. Series 2 Episode 3: Friday 25th October at 6:50pm on Gold
  20. Series 2 Episode 4: Monday 28th October at 2pm on Gold
  21. Series 2 Episode 4: Monday 28th October at 6:40pm on Gold
  22. Series 2 Episode 5: Tuesday 29th October at 2pm on Gold
  23. Series 2 Episode 5: Tuesday 29th October at 6:35pm on Gold
  24. Series 2 Episode 6: Wednesday 30th October at 2pm on Gold
  25. Series 2 Episode 6: Wednesday 30th October at 6:40pm on Gold
  26. Series 3 Episode 1: Thursday 31st October at 2pm on Gold
  27. Series 3 Episode 1: Thursday 31st October at 6:40pm on Gold
  28. Series 3 Episode 2: Friday 1st November at 2:25pm on Gold
  29. Series 3 Episode 2: Friday 1st November at 7pm on Gold

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