Christmas and Slade go together like holly and ivy. Not just the purveyors of inescapable hit Merry Xmas Everybody, but also the inmates of Slade Prison, who are still pretty much an annual fixture even though the last serving of Porridge was 35 years ago and there were only two festive helpings. This one from 1976 is rich in drama, character revelation and quotable lines, plus a terrific turn from Dudley Sutton as luckless trustee Reg Urwin. The pairing of wily old lag Fletcher and quaking warder Barrowclough remains a double act made in sitcom heaven.

From the Friday vault: Porridge with Ronnie Barker

A short guide to the sitcom Porridge.

Your next box set: Porridge

There's a sadness and bitterness beneath the laughs in the one-of-a-kind TV wonder of Porridge.

For just under two hours this afternoon, BBC Two devotes itself to a celebration of Porridge (the prison-based sitcom, not the breakfast). First up, at 4.20pm, is a repeat of Comedy Connections (Scot, 8.00pm), which traces the genesis of the show and includes contributions from Ronnie Barker, Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais. It's followed at 4.50pm by Life Beyond the Box (Scot, 4.20pm), a nicely made mockumentary about Norman Stanley Fletcher, the show's central character. Finally, there's a classic episode (Scot, 8.30pm) in which Fletcher and co set up an illicit sweepstake.

Yes, Porridge WAS the greatest show ever

An affectionate tribute from the creator of Birds of a Feather.

Porridge is 'best programme ever'

Porridge, the television comedy about life behind bars, is the greatest programme ever made, according to Sir David Attenborough.