haroldcheese The 1970's was a great time for British comedy. A lot of the most loved and popular stuff came out here like Steptoe and Son,Dads Army and Monty Pythons Flying Circus. However the one show that comes to mind the instant classic comedy is mentioned is Porridge.Porridge is simply one of the most quotable and funny pieces of media I have ever watched. It is packed with wit and many jokes referring to 1970's pop culture (Even Kid shows like Magic Roundabout and politics get mentioned). It stands the test of time very well and has lovable characters like Warren and Mr Mackay. And watch out for the 1976 Christmas Special which is easily the best Christmas special I've ever seen.Shows like Porridge demonstrate why British Humor was the best. I say was because British comedy has fallen hard since 1997 and rarely have there been anything good. 10/10. A masterpiece

parkomatty I have always been a massive fan of Ronnie Barker, but Porridge, like so many people including himself, agree that Porridge was special and unique. Turning an un-funny situation into a sitcom where EVERY episode was a no disappointment. The funniest sitcom Britain has ever produced for television.As well as Ronnie Barker's magnificent performance as Fletcher, there's also the sadly short lived Richard Beckinsale who plays Lennie Godber splendidly, a magnificent Mr Mackay portrayed by Fulton Mackay and Mr Barrowclough, played perfectly by Brian Wilde.The episode, "A Night In", was definitely unique for being one of the few sitcoms to set an entire episode in just one scene with limited characters and this case, it was set in a very small cell with only two people and a prison officer (who pops in and pops out and the beginning and towards the end of the episode).Surprised that it only came 7th in the BBC pool, Britain's Best Sitcom, true Only Fools and Horses is a classic comedy also, but it has been repeated countlessly which is why it is hard to ever forget it whereas Porridge I have hardly seen been repeated on either BBC1 or BBC2.However, thank god for the DVD collection and the brilliant people who have downloaded the episodes on YouTube.A fantastic cast and fantastic crew behind a fantastic sitcom!!!!

Ian Jenkins (Bulldog7) Very funny. I have been watching this since I was a child (early 90s reruns) and it makes me laugh every time. this has to be ronnie barkers best outing (which tells you something). richard beckinsale is great and went too soon. Wilde and Mackay are perfect in their roles and the 'backup cast' like McLaren and Ives really polish it off to leave it the perfect specimen of British comedy along with Only Fools and Horses and the Blackadder collection.

Dodger-9 Easily one of the best sitcoms of all time with Ronnie Barker never better as the inmate Norman Stanley Fletcher, cocky inmate of Slade prison. Richard Beckinsale was also superb as the wet-behind-the-ears Birmingham cook and Fulton McKay priceless as draconian Scots warder MacKay. Each script by Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais was a gem and the series became a firm favourite with Sean Connery who re-used one of the gags in Never Say Never Again.(007 has to give a urine sample and is stood across the room) Doctor: I'd like a sample.Bond: From here?Barker's version is arguably a lot funnier.Good support came from David Jason, Peter Vaughan and Brian Wilde and the big screen version (released in the States as Doing Time) was also a hoot.