Watch Are You Being Served?

Are You Being Served? is a British sitcom from the 1970s and 80s, starring the iconic cast of Mollie Sugden, John Inman, and Frank Thornton. The show premiered in 1972 and ran for 10 seasons until 1985, becoming a beloved classic of British television. The show is set in the fictional London department store of Grace Brothers, where we follow the daily antics of the staff on the sales floor. The ensemble cast includes the flamboyant and overtly camp Mr. Humphries (played by Inman), the overbearing and sometimes scary Mrs. Slocombe (Sugden), and the droll and sarcastic Captain Peacock (Thornton). Other regular characters include the hapless Mr. Lucas (Trevor Bannister), the mousy Miss Brahms (Wendy Richard), and the sweet-natured manager Mr. Grainger (Arthur Brough).

The show follows the employees of Grace Brothers as they navigate their daily routines, from dealing with difficult customers to organizing trade shows and staff outings. The relationships between the characters are central to the show's humor, with the different personalities often clashing and creating misunderstandings.

One of the show's most memorable features is its use of double entendres and innuendo, with Mrs. Slocombe's references to her "pussy" (referring to her cat) becoming a running gag throughout the series. Mr. Humphries' flamboyant mannerisms and catchphrases, such as "I'm free!" and "Are you being served?", have also become iconic moments in British television history.

The show's humor is often broad and slapstick, with the physical comedy of the characters often resulting in hilarious mishaps and calamities. However, the show also has a heart, with the characters' personal lives and struggles explored in a realistic and often touching way.

One of the show's strengths is its longevity, with the core cast remaining largely unchanged throughout its run. This familiarity allowed the characters to become beloved by audiences and ensured that the chemistry between them remained strong.

Are You Being Served? has been a cultural touchstone in British television history, with its influence still being felt today. The show is a perfect representation of the classic British sitcom, with its mix of humor, heart, and memorable characters.

In conclusion, Are You Being Served? is a classic sitcom that has stood the test of time. Its memorable characters, hilarious humor, and heartwarming moments have earned it a place in British television history. If you're looking for a show that will make you laugh and warm your heart, this is the one for you.

Are You Being Served? is a series that ran for 10 seasons (70 episodes) between and on BritBox