This series is about four old (and presumably retired) men in a small town having a variety of escapades, evidently recapturing their lost youths.Yes, it is thin material, depending on how well it is written and performed. It doesn't depend on contrived silliness like "Fawlty Towers" or "Are You Being Served?" or excessive blue humor like "Benny Hill" or weirdness like "Monty Python's Flying Circus". Most of the humor is funny to non-Britons as well. So how does this program work? The characters are reasonably credible-bored old men deciding to have fun before they die, though things often go wrong. Every cast member manages to perform their role correctly as well.This is mild entertainment, though-not for those who want to see overacting and screaming.

This is hilarious. True, I do prefer the earlier episodes, and it wasn't the same without Compo, but that doesn't deter me from putting on the television and relaxing for 45 or so minutes. The men's antics are a tad predictable, but they are still hilarious, like the episode with Compo dressing up as the ice cream man, with a duck-caller. Another priceless gem was when Seymour, Compo and Clegg try and help Howard escape, and their inflatable boat sinks, and all four men end up in the river. But for me, my favourite episode has to be Das(Welly)Boot. And of course, I love any episode with Foggy. The performances are first rate, especially Bill Owen as Compo. I noticed on the laughter track he got the most laughs. But Peter Sallis as Clegg, Brian Wilde as Foggy and Michael Aldridge as Seymour were a delight as well. I mustn't forget Kathy Staff as Nora Batty. The newer episodes are good, but it's not the same without those lovable characters, because Peter Sallis I think is the only one of them still alive, and over the years is subdued to cameo appearances. All in all, a hugely satisfying comedy series, that still looks good after 30+ years thanks to the amazing countryside scenery. 10/10 Bethany Cox

I was a big fan of this series before i appeared in it. I still get letters and cards from fans despite leaving the show in 1988. Roy Clarke is one of the greatest comedy writers of his generation, he explores the British class system, old age, and the relationships between Yorshiremen and the Women they love brilliantly. The early shows were about boredom, retirement, life in Yorkshire and friendship between men of differing backgrounds. When the show was taken over by Alan J W Bell ,who produced and directed all the episodes i appeared in, the comedy broadened. Wonderful slapstick and unlikely romance became the strong central themes. In 1987 the show regularly had viewing figures just below 20 Million, and it continues to have a cult following to this day. I made some wonderful friends on the series too, Jane Freeman (who played my Auntie Ivy), Bill Owen (who i sadly miss) Peter Sallis (who taught me so much when we worked on stage together) Thora Hird (who told great stories of her early life in the Co-op as a sales assistant) Joe Gladwyn (who told me the most wonderful tales of early music hall and variety shows) to name just a few... I think one of the best qualities of this show is that anyone of any age can watch it and find something amusing, popular family entertainment is rare these days and this is a gem.

Being neither from Yorkshire, nor over the age of 60, I have never really been able to connect with this show. None of the characters are likable and I find them annoying more than anything else. I just don't understand how stupid senility is that funny. While some of the jokes are okay, most of them are ruined by the fact that they are told by idiotically senile men. An old person trying to jump over a wall and not being able to just isn't that funny. I suppose it would be funnier if I really knew people like this (i.e. if I was from Yorkshire) or if I found it uplifting to see old people on TV doing something (i.e. if I was over 60). I guess if you're from Northern England or if you love Matlock. You'll love this show. If not, you'll probably find it annoying and kind of creepy. It has its moments and it probably could be a pretty decent show with better timing, cinematography and some recasting. Some fresher writing would be nice too. There's only so far the whole concept of "I'm crazy, old and confused! Where's my soup!" can go and remain funny. Adding a couple of characters that are likable (see Are You Being Served?) would be a big help too. At least I would not feel like yelling "Shut up, just shut up already about being old!" at the screen for the whole show.