Porridge (2016)

BBC Landmark Sitcom Season: the revivals

As we were told several times during the Porridge screening, the BBC isn't looking to bring back any of these series back for now but I'm guessing if the ratings are good then any or all of the writers will be quickly called upon to write new episodes. However if none do go to series then I still think it was a nice little gesture to call back to some of Britain's best-loved sitcoms in this way. I agree with Allen when he says that comedy gets treated like a poor relation and watching these new variations on classic shows was a nice little treat. I do feel if this season does do one thing then it's highlighting the great comedy tradition we have in this country and to look to the future to see what new comedies that the BBC have in the pipeline.

'Porridge' (BBC1) review

Where was the originality? Where was the charm that made the series so popular in the 70s, and continually so to this day? It all just seemed to be badly pitched and not thought-through well enough at all.

Are we being well-served by elderly sitcoms remakes?

Even if the old jokes still amuse some, Aidan Smith finds the BBC's celebration of its comedy classics far from funny.

Porridge review

I found myself coming to enjoy Porridge. It was relatively humorous throughout, and Bishop was better than expected.

At the risk of romanticising the past, Ronnie Barker's Porridge really was a thing of beauty. This isn't, though: scripted by original writers Clement and La Frenais, with Kevin Bishop as Fletcher's "cyber-criminal" grandson, it's a shockingly unfunny reboot full of crowbarred modern references and hoary jokes about Millwall FC. Hey, BBC comedy commissioners: experiencing symptoms of ennui? Why not greenlight some fresh writing from talented newcomers?

Preview: Porridge, BBC1

Unlike a lot of critics I've got no real axe to grind against this Landmark Sitcom Season taking money away from new talent. If a programme is good enough it's good enough. End of debate. But in this case it is just a curiosity. You'd laugh more watching the original episodes on reruns even if you've seen them endless times before.

Porridge review: Kevin Bishop can't sustain the wit

It's difficult to know why this new serving of Porridge was ever cooked up.

Landmark comedy season: Porridge gets an update

The depth of the night-time conversations between Old Fletch and Godber, in particular, to a great extent laid in what was not said. When Richard Beckinsale's Godber asks: 'Fletch, are you awake?' Barker - after a beat - replies 'No'. A whole world of pain existed within that silence, and this was missing.

Kevin Bishop hailed as 'an outstanding Fletch'

Richard Osman even got in on the praise, saying: "Really enjoying #Porridge. Kevin Bishop is such a star."