Porridge -

Premise:

“Porridge” is a British sitcom set in the fictional Slade Prison, focusing on the daily lives of its inmates. The central character, Norman Stanley Fletcher, is a wily and resourceful inmate who navigates the challenges of prison life with humor and wit. The series provides a comedic look at the interactions between the inmates and the prison staff, highlighting the absurdities and idiosyncrasies of the prison environment.

Main Central Characters:

Norman Stanley Fletcher (Ronnie Barker): Fletcher, often referred to as “Fletch,” is the street-smart and crafty inmate serving his sentence at Slade Prison. Despite his criminal past, Fletch is portrayed as a likable character known for his resourcefulness.
Lennie Godber (Richard Beckinsale): Lennie is a younger and more naive inmate who becomes Fletch’s cellmate. The dynamic between Fletch and Godber forms a central aspect of the show.
Mr. Mackay (Fulton Mackay): Mr. Mackay is the strict and authoritarian prison warder in charge of Fletch and the other inmates. He often finds himself frustrated by Fletch’s schemes and attempts to maintain order in the prison.
Barrowclough (Brian Wilde): Barrowclough is a more lenient and understanding prison warder who interacts with the inmates in a less authoritarian manner. He is often sympathetic to Fletch’s predicaments.

Themes:

“Porridge” explores themes of friendship, survival, and resilience in the face of adversity. It uses humor to shed light on the human side of those serving time in prison, offering a satirical commentary on the justice system.

Critical Consensus (Rating: 5/5):

Critics widely praised “Porridge” for its clever writing, strong character development, and the comedic chemistry between Ronnie Barker and Richard Beckinsale. The series is considered one of the best British sitcoms, appreciated for its wit and social commentary.

TV Parental Guidelines Rating:

The show likely received a TV-PG rating due to its comedic nature and themes that are suitable for a broad audience.

Original Network and Run:

“Porridge” originally aired on BBC One in the United Kingdom from 1974 to 1977, with a total of three series and 20 episodes.