Porridge Is the Single Best Sitcom of All Time. Here’s Why

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Everyone has their favorite sitcom, but I think the 1970s British comedy Porridge is the greatest of all time. It’s smarter than Community, more reliable in its quality than Friends, and hasn’t aged nearly as much as Seinfeld.

Sitcoms blend funny situations with comedic writing, and when it comes to doing both well, Porridge is unmatched. Here’s what makes it so good.

Porridge Is the Best Sitcom of All Time

Porridge centers around two new prisoners starting their sentences: Norman Stanley Fletcher, a seasoned criminal known as Fletch, and Lennie Godber, a first-time offender. Fletch is a familiar face behind bars, while Godber struggles to adjust to prison life, and finds an unexpected mentor in Fletch.

Throughout the original series, a film, a sequel series called Going Straight, and a recent reboot featuring Fletch’s grandson, the character Fletch consistently challenges the rules. He finds small victories and moments of freedom while also trying to help Godber cope with prison life and stay on the right track for a successful future after his release.

Fletch operates by the motto “don’t let anyone get you down,” and he’s always ready to help other inmates cause trouble or avoid the truly dangerous prisoners at Slade. He’s especially happy to do this if it means outsmarting the kind-hearted guard, Mr. Barrowclough.

The prison houses a number of conflicting personalities. Strict officer Mr. Mackay, powerful crime boss ‘Genial’ Harry Grout, and rule-following Governor Mr. Venables all create tension. Alongside them are inmates Fletch and Godber, as well as ‘Bunny’ Warren who can’t read, openly gay trustee ‘Lukewarm’, and James McLaren, who is of Black Scottish descent.

What Makes Porridge So Funny?

Like all truly funny comedies, Porridge is brilliantly written and plays with language in a clever way. The writing duo Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais packed every scene with jokes, and Ronnie Barker’s performance as Fletch is unforgettable – he perfectly embodies a character who is both world-weary and surprisingly kind, with a strong protective instinct.

The comedy series Porridge excels at comedic timing in every scene, all while staying true to each character’s individual personality. The show is both funny and compassionate, with a keen understanding of social differences. Even characters who oppose Fletch, like Mackay, are portrayed with depth and humanity, both on screen and as Fletch perceives them.

Even when the humor feels genuine, there’s always a bit of an edge. Fletch believes the prison system is a meaningless show that harms everyone involved, yet he consistently lies, cheats, and steals himself, and anticipates the same behavior from others. The story raises important questions but doesn’t offer simple solutions.

Is Porridge Really That Perfect?

Originally aired in 1974, Porridge might seem a little dated, but it holds up surprisingly well. Some jokes touch on race and sexuality, but the show doesn’t endorse those views – instead, it highlights the prejudiced attitudes of the characters and examines them closely.

Fletch and Godber consider gay and Black inmates to be more than just friends – they see them as vital members of a community built on mutual support and the need to survive within the prison system.

As a huge comedy fan, I can honestly say Porridge is something special. So many classic sitcoms, like Seinfeld, Friends, and even The Simpsons, have episodes you can skip, or whole seasons that don’t really hold up. But with Porridge, every single episode is comedy gold! I really think it’s unique in that respect. Cheers is probably the closest in quality, but even then, Porridge feels like it’s aged even better over the years. It’s just consistently brilliant.

The show Porridge was remarkably accurate in portraying prison life. It was incredibly popular with both inmates and prison staff during its original run, and a former guard once told me it was the most realistic depiction of prison he’d ever seen.

Fifty Years Later, Porridge Is Still the UK’s Best Sitcom

I might be partial to Porridge because it was a childhood favorite, but I truly believe it’s a uniquely brilliant sitcom. It masterfully combines clever writing with genuinely funny moments, heartfelt emotion with physical comedy, understanding with skepticism, and strong characters with a compelling storyline – and it never had a weak episode.

As a critic, I have to say Ronnie Barker is a true legend of British sitcoms. What always struck me about ‘Porridge’ wasn’t just the humor, but how fully realized every single character was, even the minor ones in Slade Prison. Each inmate felt like they had a whole life story behind them, which made even the silliest jokes land with extra weight and authenticity.

Even after more than fifty years, Porridge is still considered a perfect example of a classic sitcom – and it’s easy to see why. What could be a more ideal setting for comedy than a prison, where people are packed together and everyday issues can quickly turn into serious problems?

I’m a huge fan of Porridge, and I’m really curious to hear what everyone else thinks! Do you agree it’s the greatest sitcom ever made? What scenes always make you laugh, and which ones don’t quite hit the mark? And, if it’s not your number one, what shows would you put ahead of it?

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2026-01-30 15:29