Great old British TV shows – Part II

Here is the next lot of great old British TV shows:

Chef! – 1993-1996 – a vehicle for Lenny Henry – Dawn French’s ex.  He is a quick witted sarcastic and very grumpy chef.  The first season, as is so often the case, was the pick of the bunch.

Cold Feet – 1997-2003.  Great comedy-drama.  Written by Mike Bullen.  Comedy for grown ups.  This really points up how pathetic most American sitcoms are by comparison. 

Coronation St – I know, I know.  Deeply naff.  But we have all watched it at some time, haven’t we.  If not, you are probably an intellectual snob.  But the early years were fabulous.  It shouldn’t really be included in this list since it is amazingly still running – but not in any form that fans of the early years would recognize.

Dad’s Army – 1968-1977 written by the wonderful David Croft, unfortunately no longer with us.  Like fine wine, the series gets better with age.  Never mean or vicious. 

Darling Buds of May – 1991-1993.  Faithful adaptation of a Bates classic.  Perfick!

Dinnerladies – 1998-2000.  Great dialogue by Victoria Wood. Wonderful ensemble cast.  So British I doubt Americans would get it at all.

Doctor Who –1963-onwards.  Actually I was scared to death of the Daleks as a girl.  But still watched in horrified fascination.  Visually inventive for its time.

Here are links to the other posts in this series:

Part I

Part III

Part IV

Part V

Part VI