Open All Hours -

Premise:

“Open All Hours” is a British sitcom that revolves around the day-to-day operations of a small, old-fashioned grocery store located in the fictional town of Balby in Doncaster, South Yorkshire. The shop is owned by the miserly and tight-fisted Arkwright, who is consistently devising schemes to save money and increase profits. The series humorously explores the eccentricities of the characters, the interactions with customers, and the quirky dynamics of the shop’s environment.

Main Central Characters:

Arkwright (Ronnie Barker): Arkwright is the penny-pinching and crafty owner of the grocery store. His character is known for his distinctive stutter, frugal nature, and various comedic attempts at financial gain.
Granville (David Jason): Granville is Arkwright’s put-upon and often reluctant nephew. He works in the store and serves as the comedic foil to Arkwright’s money-saving schemes.
Nurse Gladys Emmanuel (Lynda Baron): Nurse Gladys Emmanuel is a local district nurse and a love interest for Arkwright. She often becomes entangled in Arkwright’s schemes and provides a source of comedic tension.

Themes:

The series explores themes of frugality, small-town life, and the humorous challenges of running a traditional business in the face of changing times. The comedic elements arise from the eccentricities of the characters and the clever ways in which Arkwright attempts to maximize profits.

Critical Consensus (Rating: 4/5):

Critics generally appreciated “Open All Hours” for its charm, clever humor, and the strong performances of its cast, particularly Ronnie Barker as Arkwright. The series was well-received for its portrayal of quirky characters and the nostalgic depiction of a small-town grocery store.

TV Parental Guidelines Rating:

The show likely received a TV-PG rating due to its family-friendly humor and may be suitable for a broad audience.

Original Network and Run:

“Open All Hours” originally aired on BBC One in the United Kingdom from 1973 to 1985, with four series and a total of 26 episodes.