Watch On The Buses
- 1969
- 7 Seasons
-
7.0 (2,703)
On The Buses is a British sitcom that aired on ITV from 1969 to 1973. The show is set in the fictitious Luxton bus depot in London and follows the lives of the bus drivers and conductors who work there. The show stars Reg Varney as Stan Butler, a driver who is constantly trying to avoid working and get his hands on some extra cash. Bob Grant plays Jack Harper, Stan's best friend and conductor, who often gets caught up in Stan's schemes.
The show's female cast is led by Anna Karen, who plays Olive Rudge, the object of Stan's affections and the butt of many jokes from the male characters. Cicely Courtneidge plays Stan's long-suffering mother, who lives with him and constantly nags him about his lifestyle. Doris Hare plays the no-nonsense depot manager, who keeps the drivers and conductors in line. Finally, Stephen Lewis plays Inspector Blake, a strict supervisor who is constantly on the lookout for any wrongdoing.
The show is full of slapstick humour and is often criticized for its portrayal of women and minorities. However, it was hugely popular with audiences, particularly during its early years. The characters were so beloved that two spin-off films were made after the show had ended.
The show's popularity can be attributed to its hilarious scenes and the chemistry between its cast members. Reg Varney is particularly impressive as Stan Butler, who is always coming up with outrageous schemes to get out of work. Bob Grant is the perfect foil for Varney, as Jack is often the voice of reason who tries to stop Stan from getting into trouble. The female cast members, particularly Hare and Courtneidge, add a touch of class to the show and provide a nice counterbalance to the male characters' antics.
The show's sets and costumes are another highlight. The Luxton bus depot is perfectly recreated, and the costumes of the characters are iconic. Stan's bright green uniform, complete with a peaked cap, has become one of the most recognizable outfits in British television history.
Overall, On The Buses is a classic British sitcom that will always have a place in television history. Its humour may be outdated, but its characters and their antics are timeless. The show is a must-see for anyone interested in British comedy, and its influence can still be seen in modern sitcoms.
On The Buses is a series that ran for 7 seasons (74 episodes) between February 28, 1969 and on ITV