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.

Series 1, Episode 3 repeated at 10:40am on U&Gold
Streaming rank this week: 1,837

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Series 1, Episode 3 - A Night In

Godber moves into the bottom bunk in Fletcher's cell. Unable to sleep, the two spend the night discussing their hopes, fears, and the lives they left outside.

Broadcast details

Date: Thursday 19^th September 1974
Time: 8:30pm
Channel: BBC One
Length: 30 minutes

Upcoming repeats

Wednesday 5th February 2025 at 10:40am on U&Gold
Wednesday 5th February 2025 at 2:40pm on U&Gold

Cast & crew

Cast
Ronnie Barker	Fletcher
Richard Beckinsale	Godber

Guest cast
Paul McDowell	Mr. Collinson

Writing team
Dick Clement	Writer
Ian La Frenais	Writer

Production team
Sydney Lotterby	Director
Sydney Lotterby	Producer
Ray Millichope	Editor
Max Harris	Composer
David Chandler	Production Designer

Press

The re-evaluation game: Porridge - A Night In

The whole thing is shot through with melancholy in a manner which we rarely see in sitcoms these days, and while I can't say it's a series that I'm any more passionate about given its questionable elements, having rewatched this episode it's certainly given me more respect for it.

Alex Finch, Comedy To Watch, 7th July 2021

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