Desmond's

Watch Desmond's

  • TV-14
  • 2011
  • 6 Seasons
  • 7.8  (1,091)

Desmond's was a British television sitcom that aired on Channel 4 from 1989 to 1994. Created by Trix Worrell, the show followed the lives of a close-knit Jamaican family living in Britain. The show was set in a barbershop owned by Desmond Ambrose (played by Norman Beaton), a friendly and charismatic Jamaican immigrant. The shop served as a gathering place for the local community, with customers dropping in to catch up on gossip, share a joke or two, and get a shave or a haircut. Along with Desmond, the barbershop was staffed by his son Michael (played by Norman's real-life son, Junior Beaton), a shy and introverted young man who dreams of becoming a writer.

Desmond's family members also played a major role in the show. His wife Shirley (played by Carmen Munroe) was a confident and sassy woman who managed to keep the family together through thick and thin. Their daughter Gloria (played by Kim Walker) was a wild and rebellious teenager who often clashed with her parents. Gloria's boyfriend, Matthew (played by Gyearbuor Asante), was a smooth-talking charmer who often got himself into trouble with his flirtatious ways.

Another regular character was Porkpie (played by Ram John Holder), a lovable rogue who hung out at the barbershop and got into all sorts of scrapes. Porkpie was known for his sharp wit, his flashy dress sense, and his habit of getting into arguments with anyone who crossed him.

Desmond's tackled a wide range of issues during its five-season run, including racism, identity, relationships, and family dynamics. The show was praised for its realistic portrayal of a working-class black community in Britain, with many viewers identifying with the characters and their struggles.

One of the show's most notable aspects was its use of Jamaican Patois, a creole language spoken by many of the characters. While this initially caused some controversy, with critics arguing that the show was difficult to understand for non-Jamaican viewers, it also helped to create a sense of authenticity and realism that set Desmond's apart from other sitcoms of the time.

Overall, Desmond's was a groundbreaking show that pushed the boundaries of what was possible on British television. With its witty dialogue, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes, it remains a beloved classic of British comedy.

Desmond's is a series that ran for 6 seasons (136 episodes) between June 6, 2011 and on Channel 4

Desmond's
Filter by Source

Seasons
0 Little Town of Peckham
13. 0 Little Town of Peckham
June 6, 2011
The last ever episode of the popular sitcom. Shirley is planning a traditional Guyanese Christmas but the family have other plans. Meanwhile, Lee decides that what the barber shop needs is…
A Sign of the Times
12. A Sign of the Times
June 6, 2011
Desmond has ordered a neon sign for the shop and Lee has got it for him at a bargain price. But then he offers to install it, too...
When the Cat's Away
11. When the Cat's Away
June 6, 2011
A huge wedding takes place in Peckham, which means big business for the shop. But Desmond is away and Shirley is forced to call in his hated rival, Irving Poole.
Heavy Traffic
10. Heavy Traffic
June 6, 2011
Lee falls in love. She's beautiful, talented, an aromatherapist - and that's not all...
Return of Hyacinth Green
9. Return of Hyacinth Green
June 6, 2011
Porkpie's old flame Hyacinth turns up - and just happens to answer the phone when his absent fiancee Susu calls from Jamaica.
Judgement Day
8. Judgement Day
June 6, 2011
A funky American preacher arrives at the barbershop to sue Desmond for a cut he had two years ago and the months of mental distress he had to suffer afterwards.
The Speech
7. The Speech
June 6, 2011
Desmond is away at a conference. but his speech has gone AWOL. When it can't be found, there's only one answer - the barber shop gang will write a replacement.
Planning Permission
6. Planning Permission
June 6, 2011
Desmond hires an architect to plan the retirement house he's always dreamt of - but then he tries to keep it secret from Shirley.
Love Letters
5. Love Letters
June 6, 2011
Beverley becomes distraught when she finds some love letters written by Cuthbert.
Demon Barber II (Turbo)
4. Demon Barber II (Turbo)
June 6, 2011
Sean invents a video game that seems destined to put his father out of business.
Georgetown Dreaming
3. Georgetown Dreaming
June 6, 2011
On a miserable English day Desmond wonders what might have happened if he had never come to this 'godforsaken country'.
Hatchet Job
2. Hatchet Job
June 6, 2011
Desmond gets a shock when he reads a page or two from Porkpie's diary.
Do Move a Favour
1. Do Move a Favour
June 6, 2011
Desmond hires a new assistant Ricky - but no one else can understand why he's chosen Ricky in the first place.
Description
Where to Watch Desmond's
Desmond's is available for streaming on the Channel 4 website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Desmond's on demand at Amazon Prime and Tubi TV.
  • Premiere Date
    June 6, 2011
  • IMDB Rating
    7.8  (1,091)