Only Fools and Horses
Only Fools and Horses.... Is a British sitcom created and written by John Sullivan. Seven series were originally transmitted on BBC One from 1981 to 1991, with sixteen sporadic Christmas specials aired until 2003. In working-class Peckham in south-east London, ambitious market trader Derek 'Del Boy' Trotter and his younger half-brother Rodney, explore their highs and lows in life, in particular their attempts to get rich. Initially not an immediate hit and receiving little promotion early on, it later achieved consistently high ratings, and the 1996 episode "Time on Our Hands" (originally billed as the series finale) holds the record for the biggest UK audience for a sitcom episode, attracting 24.3 million viewers. The series bears a significant influence on British culture, contributing several words and phrases to the English language.
Insights
Plot Summary
The series follows the misadventures of Del Boy Trotter and his younger brother Rodney, who live in a council flat in Peckham, South London. Along with their equally eccentric family and friends, they embark on various get-rich-quick schemes, often with disastrous and hilarious results. Despite their constant financial struggles, their ambition and familial loyalty remain at the heart of their world.
Critical Reception
Only Fools and Horses is one of the most beloved British sitcoms of all time, consistently ranking high in audience polls and critical retrospectives. It is praised for its sharp writing, relatable characters, and blend of slapstick humor with poignant moments. The show achieved immense popularity throughout its run and continues to be a staple in reruns.
What Reviewers Say
- Brilliantly written comedy with iconic characters.
- A masterful blend of pathos and slapstick humor.
- Enduring appeal due to its sharp observational wit and heart.
Google audience: Audience reviews consistently praise the show's humor, relatable characters, and the chemistry between the main cast, particularly David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst.
Awards & Accolades
BAFTA Awards (multiple nominations and wins), National Television Awards (multiple wins for Most Popular Comedy Programme).
Fun Fact
The iconic yellow three-wheeled Reliant Regal van, 'The Supervan', was originally painted lime green but was repainted yellow after test audiences found the green color to be unpopular and difficult to see on screen.
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