Watch Porterhouse Blue

In the world of academic prestige and politics, few institutions are as closely watched as the fictional Porterhouse College of Cambridge University. This prestigious college is at the center of the British comedy-drama Porterhouse Blue, which originally aired in 1987 and is now streaming on Acorn TV. Starring an esteemed cast, including David Jason, Ian Richardson, and Paul Rogers, Porterhouse Blue is a smart, witty, and often absurdist portrayal of the complex dynamics at play in an elitist academic institution.

Porterhouse Blue is based on a novel of the same name by Tom Sharpe, who also wrote the screenplay for the television adaptation. Directed by Robert Knights, Porterhouse Blue features a large ensemble cast that includes many familiar faces from British television and film.

At the heart of the story is the newly appointed Master of Porterhouse College, Sir Godber Evans (Ian Richardson). A member of the old guard, Evans is determined to preserve the college's traditions, no matter how outdated or ridiculous they may seem. But he soon finds that his authority is challenged by a young and ambitious fellow, Lionel Zipser (David Jason), who believes that the college must change or die.

As the two clash over the future of Porterhouse, a series of calamities and misadventures ensue, involving everything from stolen paintings and secret societies to sex scandals and blackmail. Along the way, we meet a cast of colorful characters, including the bumbling Dean (Paul Rogers), the hapless Bursar (Charles McKeown), and a host of eccentric dons and students.

Throughout the series, Porterhouse Blue plays on the absurdity of academic life and the pomposity of the British upper class. There's no shortage of satire and wit, as Sharpe and Knights skewer everything from academic snobbery to political correctness to the eccentricities of the English language. At times the humor is slapstick, at other times it's darkly ironic -- but it's always entertaining.

But Porterhouse Blue isn't just a comedy. It's an exploration of power, corruption, and the ways in which tradition and progress can collide. The series highlights the tension between those who would preserve the status quo at all costs and those who would disrupt it for the sake of progress. It also examines the ways in which institutions can become corrupted by power, as characters scheme and manipulate their way to the top.

The performances in Porterhouse Blue are uniformly excellent. Ian Richardson brings a commanding presence to the role of Sir Godber Evans, commanding respect even as he's ridiculed for his outdated ideas. David Jason, best known for his role in Only Fools and Horses, is a delight as Lionel Zipser, injecting humor and energy into the proceedings. Paul Rogers is hilarious as the Dean, a man clearly in over his head.

The supporting cast is equally strong, with memorable turns from John Sessions, Griff Rhys Jones, and Jim Broadbent. The dialogue crackles with wit and humor, and the pacing is tight and brisk, keeping the viewer engaged throughout.

In terms of production values, Porterhouse Blue may feel a bit dated to modern viewers. The series was filmed in the late 1980s, and the costumes and sets are in keeping with that era. But the quality of the writing and performances more than make up for any technical shortcomings.

Overall, Porterhouse Blue is a delightful romp through the halls of academic privilege and power. It's a sharply written and well-acted series that will appeal to anyone who enjoys British comedy or satire. Whether you're a fan of Tom Sharpe's novels or a newcomer to his work, this series is not to be missed.

Porterhouse Blue is a series that ran for 1 seasons (4 episodes) between June 3, 1987 and on Acorn TV