Watch Open All Hours

Open All Hours is a beloved British sitcom that originally aired on BBC One from 1976 to 1985. The show centers around the life of Arkwright, a penny-pinching corner shop owner, and his put-upon nephew and assistant, Granville. The series was created, written, and co-starred by the legendary Ronnie Barker, who played Arkwright, alongside David Jason, who portrayed Granville.

The show's premise is simple - Arkwright runs the shop with a single-minded determination to make money at every turn. He's always looking for ways to cut corners and make a quick profit, often at the expense of his loyal customers. Meanwhile, Granville is constantly trying to escape his high-pressure job and find love with the local nurse, who frequently visits the shop.

One of the things that makes Open All Hours so special is its attention to detail. The shop is always fully stocked with an array of items - from tins of beans to packets of sweets, to the occasional exotic item like mangoes or pineapples. The shop itself is a character, and its creaky floorboards, flickering lights, and broken till are all familiar fixtures to viewers.

Arkwright is a character that viewers can both love and hate. He's a man with a heart, and his devotion to his business is admirable in its own way. But his constant scheming and penny-pinching can be frustrating to watch. He's always coming up with new (and often ridiculous) ways to save money, like wrapping leftover roast beef slices in newspaper and selling them as "cow's tongue".

Granville, on the other hand, is a sympathetic character who viewers can't help but root for. He's trapped in his job at the shop, working long hours for little pay, and constantly battling Arkwright's attempts to keep him there. Granville is the classic underdog, and viewers are constantly hoping that he'll finally be able to leave the shop and find love.

Throughout its nine seasons, Open All Hours featured a colourful cast of characters. There's Nurse Gladys Emmanuel, Granville's love interest who is more interested in buying a new bike than dating him. There's also Arkwright's one-time rival, Ronnie, who runs the local grocery store and is always finding ways to one-up Arkwright. And, of course, there are the regular customers of the shop, who always have a story to tell.

The acting in Open All Hours is top-notch, particularly from the show's two leads. Ronnie Barker is brilliant as the irascible Arkwright, with his exaggerated mannerisms and distinctive voice. Meanwhile, David Jason is perfect as the bumbling Granville, with great comedic timing and a knack for physical comedy.

Another thing that makes Open All Hours so special is its commitment to realism. The show is set in a real street in Doncaster, and the exterior shots of the shop were filmed on location. This attention to detail gives the show a sense of authenticity that is rare in sitcoms.

In conclusion, Open All Hours is a classic British sitcom that has stood the test of time. With its memorable characters, attention to detail, and commitment to realism, it's easy to see why the show has such a dedicated fan base. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer to the world of Arkwright and Granville, Open All Hours is a must-watch.

Open All Hours is a series that ran for 4 seasons (24 episodes) between and on BritBox