Watch The Vicar of Dibley

The Vicar of Dibley is a British television sitcom that aired from 1994 until 2007, with three special episodes that aired in 2020. The show revolves around the life and adventures of a female vicar named Geraldine Granger, played by the celebrated actress and comedian Dawn French. The show is set in the fictitious village of Dibley in Oxfordshire, England.

The series begins with the appointment of Granger as the first female vicar in the village. Her arrival is met with skepticism and hostility by some members of the community who are not used to having a woman in a leadership position. However, Granger quickly wins the hearts of the village folk with her warm and infectious personality.

The core of the show's humor is derived from the characters that inhabit the village of Dibley. Granger's interactions with each of these characters are both hilarious and heartwarming. Alice Tinker, played by Emma Chambers, is Granger's ditzy but lovable verger. Hugo Horton, played by James Fleet, is a charming but dim-witted member of the parish council who is infatuated with Granger. David Horton, played by Gary Waldhorn, is Hugo's father and the chairman of the parish council. He is both pompous and selfish, but his character is balanced out by his long-suffering wife, Letitia. Owen Newitt, played by Roger Lloyd-Pack, is the cranky and sardonic farmer who never misses an opportunity to complain about everything.

One of the great strengths of The Vicar of Dibley is the way it tackles sensitive issues in a gentle and humorous way. The show tackles topics such as sexism, racism, and homophobia without ever being preachy or insensitive. In one episode, Granger confronts the village's underlying sexism by seeking equal representation for women in the local council. In another episode, Granger helps a homosexual couple in the village, who are ostracized by the rest of the community, to come out and be accepted for who they are.

The show's popularity can be attributed to its witty writing and the chemistry between the actors. Dawn French's performance as Geraldine Granger, in particular, is a standout. She embodies the character with a perfect balance of kindness and wit, making her instantly likable to audiences. The show also boasted a host of guest stars, including Sting, Johnny Depp, and Kylie Minogue.

The Vicar of Dibley ran for five seasons, with each season consisting of six episodes. The show ended in 2007 with an emotional finale that saw Granger leaving Dibley to take up a new position in London. However, the show returned in 2020 with three special episodes that were dedicated to the memory of Emma Chambers, who passed away in 2018.

In summary, The Vicar of Dibley is a classic British sitcom that has stood the test of time. It is both funny and heartwarming, with a cast of lovable and eccentric characters that will keep you entertained for hours. The show has remained a cult favorite among fans of British comedy and continues to be one of the most popular shows on BBC America.

The Vicar of Dibley is a series that ran for 5 seasons (29 episodes) between April 8, 1996 and on BBC America