Finding your next obsession
Finding your next obsession

Porridge is a British situation comedy broadcast on BBC1 from 1974 to 1977, running for three series, two Christmas specials and a feature film also titled Porridge. Written by Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais, it stars Ronnie Barker and Richard Beckinsale as two inmates at the fictional HMP Slade in Cumberland. "Doing porridge" is British slang for serving a prison sentence, porridge once being the traditional breakfast in UK prisons. The series was followed by a 1978 sequel, Going Straight, which established that Fletcher would not be going back to prison again. Porridge was voted number seven in a 2004 BBC poll of the 100 greatest British sitcoms.
LUXEN Decision Guide
A lighter series choice built around character chemistry, recurring situations, or an easier episode-to-episode rhythm.
Best fit
Who it is for
Best suited to viewers who want something approachable that can work as a relaxed or repeat watch.
Commitment
Long-form commitment · 3 seasons
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Read the synopsis.
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The series

6 episodes
1974

6 episodes
1975

6 episodes
1977
Cast
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