Watch Steptoe and Son

Steptoe and Son is a classic British sitcom that follows the lives of two rag-and-bone men, a father and son duo living and working together in a run-down house in Shepherd's Bush, London. The show was created by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson and aired on the BBC from 1962 to 1974. It is now available to stream on BritBox.

The series centers around the complex relationship between Albert Steptoe, played by Wilfrid Brambell, and his son Harold, played by Harry H. Corbett. Albert is an old, grumpy, and cynical man who is set in his ways and resents the idea of progress. By contrast, Harold is ambitious, educated, and hopeful for a better life away from his father's influence.

Despite their differences, the Steptoe's are inseparable, and the show largely revolves around their various misadventures as they try to make a living collecting junk and selling it for scrap. They bicker, argue, and generally get on each other's nerves, but at the same time, they are also fiercely loyal to each other.

Throughout the series, the Steptoe's encounter a variety of colorful characters, including eccentric neighbors, irritable customers, and love interests for Harold. These characters often provide the show's comedic moments, and the writing manages to cleverly balance humor with melancholy and drama.

One of the most striking aspects of Steptoe and Son is the contrast between the gritty, impoverished setting of the Steptoe's home and the sophisticated humor of the writing. The show takes place in a time of immense social change in the UK, with rapid modernization threatening to leave people like the Steptoe's behind. This setting provides a surprisingly poignant backdrop for the humor, and the show manages to be both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Wilfrid Brambell steals the show as Albert, delivering acerbic one-liners and expressing his disillusionment with British society as a whole. Harry H. Corbett also gives an excellent performance as Harold, portraying a character who is both ambitious and desperate to escape from his father's shadow.

Overall, Steptoe and Son is a must-watch for anyone interested in classic British humor. The show is a timeless classic that continues to be relevant today, with its themes of family, class, and social change still resonating with audiences. It is a testament to the wit and skill of its creators that it remains so beloved and iconic after all these years.