Watch As Time Goes By

As Time Goes By is a British television sitcom that aired on BBC from 1992 to 2005. It was created by Colin Bostock-Smith and written by Bob Larbey, featuring an all-star cast including Judi Dench, Geoffrey Palmer, Jenny Funnell, Philip Bretherton, and Moira Brooker. The show spans a total of nine seasons, chronicling the lives of two former lovers who are reunited after 38 years apart.

The show opens with Jean Pargetter (Judi Dench), a divorcee running a secretarial agency, receiving a letter from her long-lost lover Lionel Hardcastle (Geoffrey Palmer), who she had initially met and fell in love with while serving in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) during World War II. Lionel, who had also moved on with his life, had become a successful author and he intends to reunite with Jean after all these years.

As Lionel travels to England from Africa, where he had been for many years, we get to see the relationship between Jean and Lionel develop. They face various obstacles, including Jean's overbearing mother (played by the hilarious Moyra Brooker), as well as Lionel's ex-wife and daughter (played by Jenny Funnell and Samantha Bond respectively). Despite this, the couple remains determined and eventually gets married.

As the show progresses, we see Lionel and Jean navigating their newly-rekindled relationship, with both of them confronting the realities of aging and settling into a different phase of their lives. The show is infused with themes of family, friendship, love, and loss, as the couple tries to navigate their relationship amid the changes that come with aging.

One of the strengths of As Time Goes By lies in its characters. All of the characters are complex and nuanced, with each possessing their unique quirks and personalities. Judi Dench's portrayal of Jean is masterful, playing the character with a combination of warmth, humor, and vulnerability. Geoffrey Palmer's portrayal of Lionel is equally as impressive, playing the part with understated charm and dry wit.

This show is notable for its dry humor and witty dialogue, both of which are well-executed by the talented cast. Despite its comedic elements, As Time Goes By never shies away from more serious topics, including death, illness, and familial estrangement, which are handled with sensitivity and emotional depth.

In addition to its strong writing and performances, As Time Goes By is also known for its beautiful cinematography. The show's location shooting in London and the Cotswolds provides a picturesque backdrop for the characters' adventures, and the use of natural lighting gives the show a warm and inviting feel.

Overall, As Time Goes By is a classic British sitcom that is sure to delight viewers of all ages. Its endearing characters, witty writing, and poignant themes make it a must-watch show, and its timelessness ensures that it will continue to charm audiences for years to come.

As Time Goes By is a series that ran for 11 seasons (126 episodes) between January 12, 1992 and on BBC America