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The Simpsons nailed it with their British sitcom (“Do Shut Up”).
“Not hard to see why it’s England’s longest running series, and today we’re showing all 7 episodes“
Last of the Summer Wine ran from 1973 to 2010 and consisted of 31 series.
And every one as tit as the last.
Not Going Out is now the second longest British sitcom ever. I loved the early series but I didn’t like it after the time jump
Was just a retirement home for old actors by the end of it.
It was never great, but duck it was torturous by the last few series.
I will give it, and its writer, credit for how it handled the sudden unexpected death of Bill Owen - the Compo's funeral trilogy is a really heartfelt and poignant goodbye to a dear friend by the writer and cast. Hard to get the balance right for a "comedy" show, but those episodes were well done.
Dame Patricia was much loved in my household. Everyone loved her as Hyacinth and I remember watching Hetty Wainthropp as well. But did you know she actually had a lovely singing voice (unlike Hyacinth)?
R.I.P.
R.I.P.
My Family did 11 series. But again it really did drop in quality. Early series thiugh were funny.
Many of the British classics actually ran much shorter than you often imagine.
Many of the British classics actually ran much shorter than you often imagine.
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Apparently it was Patricia who made the decision to not do anymore Keeping up appearances (everyone else wanted to make more). She felt there wasn't anywhere else for the characters to go and that jokes/ stories would end up getting tired.
Her decision to end it on a high was very astute and definitely cemented the series as a classic.
Her decision to end it on a high was very astute and definitely cemented the series as a classic.
She was probably right too.
Agreed. I do still occasionally watch reruns of My Family. And it definitely declined in quality towards the last few series. Had a few good individual episodes in its later years, but nowhere near the consistency of early series.
I think Nick was the best character of them all on that show
Channel 5 already have a tribute show for Patricia! Like jesus christ! Bit quick 
They've probably had it ready for years, with her being 96 and all. But still, makes you wonder how many tribute shows they've got lined up waiting for people of note to kick the bucket (no pun intended)Channel 5 already have a tribute show for Patricia! Like jesus christ! Bit quick
Keeping up appearances bbc2 7.30
I loved her in Talking HeadsDame Patricia was much loved in my household. Everyone loved her as Hyacinth and I remember watching Hetty Wainthropp as well. But did you know she actually had a lovely singing voice (unlike Hyacinth)?
R.I.P.
farewell legend 🥲
i can’t find it now but the essay she wrote about aging (just before her 95th birthday) is so beautiful.
i can’t find it now but the essay she wrote about aging (just before her 95th birthday) is so beautiful.
There was some amazing lines in KUA.
And she knew her place in life. Knew she deserved all eyes on her (but didn't want the Major's).
And gave the most important piece of advice regarding family.
found it
"I’ll be turning 95 this coming Monday. In my younger years, I was often filled with worry — worry that I wasn’t quite good enough, that no one would cast me again, that I wouldn’t live up to my mother’s hopes. But these days begin in peace, and end in gratitude.
My life didn’t quite take shape until my forties. I had worked steadily — on provincial stages, in radio plays, in West End productions — but I often felt adrift, as though I was searching for a home within myself that I hadn’t quite found.
At 50, I accepted a television role that many would later associate me with — Hyacinth Bucket, of Keeping Up Appearances. I thought it would be a small part in a little series. I never imagined that it would take me into people’s living rooms and hearts around the world. And truthfully, that role taught me to accept my own quirks. It healed something in me.
At 60, I began learning Italian — not for work, but so I could sing opera in its native language. I also learned how to live alone without feeling lonely. I read poetry aloud each evening, not to perfect my diction, but to quiet my soul.
At 70, I returned to the Shakespearean stage — something I once believed I had aged out of. But this time, I had nothing to prove. I stood on those boards with stillness, and audiences felt that. I was no longer performing. I was simply being.
At 80, I took up watercolour painting. I painted flowers from my garden, old hats from my youth, and faces I remembered from the London Underground. Each painting was a quiet memory made visible.
Now, at 95, I write letters by hand. I’m learning to bake rye bread. I still breathe deeply every morning. I still adore laughter — though I no longer try to make anyone laugh. I love the quiet more than ever.
I’m writing this to tell you something simple: Growing older is not the closing act. It can be the most exquisite chapter — if you let yourself bloom again. Let these years ahead be your TREASURE YEARS. You don’t need to be famous. You don’t need to be flawless. You only need to show up — fully — for the life that is still yours.
With love and gentleness,
Patricia Routledge”
Its the yachting one too. A classic
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