Some British Sitcoms I Adore

Greetings! If you’re down and need a pick-me-up, may I suggest one of these British sitcoms? They always give me a smile when I need it most.

Last of the Summer Wine

Every episode begins with a beautiful shot of Holmfirth, laid over the classic theme song that perfectly sets the tone for this comforting show. Last of the Summer Wine focuses on three elderly best friends and their adventures around town. It’s gentle, humorous, and even touching at times. But honestly, the most delightful part for me is the fact that Peter Sallis sounds exactly the same as he does in his let’s-go-to-the-moon, crackers-about-cheese adventures as Wallace of Wallace and Gromit.

My favorite seasons are the ones with Michael Aldridge. He sadly wasn’t in the show for long (he left to take care of his wife, who was ill), so I treasure his episodes all the more.

A random selection of seasons (9-18 and 100) are available on Amazon Prime, including all of Aldridge’s (9-12). English subtitles are available.*

As Time Goes By

I wrote a longer bit on this show a couple years ago, which you can read here. This is Dame Judi Dench at her most charming. It wasn’t until about halfway through the show that I realized this was the first role I’d seen her in that was light and sweet. I’m so used to seeing her as various uptight, proper English ladies, or as M in the newer Bond films; and yet she’s a natural in the role of Jean Pargetter.

Free on The Roku Channel. English subtitles available.

Please, Sir!

If To Sir, With Love was a television sitcom, it might look a little like Please, Sir!. The characterization of John Alderton’s well-meaning teacher changes a little (and is a bit inconsistent) as the series goes on, but it’s when he truly supports the students and gains their respect that this show shines. The main cast of students are wonderful - I have a special place in my heart for each of them.

Free on Amazon Prime. English subtitles available.

No, Honestly

Speaking of John Alderton, he’s in this darling show with his real-life wife, Pauline Collins (who sadly passed away last November). They play C.D. and Clara, a married couple reflecting on their relationship (which we see in flashbacks), starting with how they met.

Episodes available on YouTube with English subtitles.

Up Next:

My Wife Next Door

Another John Alderton show I’m looking forward to seeing; I’ve heard it’s some of his best work.

Episodes available on YouTube with English subtitles.

The Fenn Street Gang

I was enormously excited to discover that Amazon Prime added this spinoff of Please, Sir!, which I’ve been wanting to see for a while. Alderton guest-stars in three episodes, which is lovely. (We might as well have called this post “John Alderton shows and other British sitcoms.”) I know what show I’ll be binging the next few weeks…

Free on Amazon Prime. English subtitles available.

*A note about the subtitles:

If you’re watching on the American Amazon Prime and YouTube platforms, be warned that the subtitles are especially inaccurate - the automatic subtitle-generator struggles even more when accents are involved.