British Comedy Guide
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.

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

Key details

Genre
Sitcom
Broadcast
1973 - 1977
Channels
BBC 1, BBC 2
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.

Stream and download

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 3, Episode 4: Sunday at 8pm on U&Yesterday
  2. Series 3, Episode 5: Sunday at 8:40pm on U&Yesterday
  3. Series 3, Episode 6: Sunday at 9:20pm on U&Yesterday
  4. Series 3, Episode 3: Tuesday at 8pm on BBC4
  5. Series 3, Episode 3: Sunday 8th December at 12:30am on BBC4
  6. Series 3, Episode 4: Tuesday 10th December at 8pm on BBC4
  7. Series 3, Episode 4: Sunday 15th December at 12:50am on BBC4
  8. Christmas Special: Tuesday 17th December at 8pm on BBC4
Most recent repeats

Recording details

  • BBC Television Film Studios - Prison communal area sets
  • BBC Television Centre

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