Watch Waiting for God

Waiting for God is a British sitcom that originally aired on BBC America in the early 1990s. The show’s main stars were Stephanie Cole and Graham Crowden, who played Diana Trent and Tom Ballard respectively. The premise of the show revolves around Diana and Tom, two elderly residents of the Bayview Retirement Village, who find themselves living together in the same flat. However, their personalities are like chalk and cheese, and they can’t stand each other.

Diana Trent is a former journalist, who has a sharp tongue, an acidic wit, and a cynical view of life. She’s a hard-hitting woman who is not afraid to speak her mind, and her main goal is to make her stay at Bayview as comfortable as possible. On the other hand, Tom Ballard is a retired accountant, who is more mild-mannered and reserved. He is constantly battling against the institutional rules of Bayview and feels a sense of duty to ensure the other residents are taken care of.

The primary source of conflict arises between the two characters as they have contrasting views of life. While Diana is always trying to push boundaries and live life to the fullest, Tom is set in his ways and reluctant to change. As a result, they are constantly at odds with one another. However, despite their differences, they eventually form an unlikely bond and even begin to enjoy each other’s company.

Apart from the two main characters, the show features a variety of supporting characters who add to the comedic elements of the show. The chief authority figure at Bayview is Manager Harvey Bains, who is constantly bending the rules for Diana and Tom. There is Sarah, the sheltered and uptight daughter of Tom’s deceased best friend, who is initially at odds with Diana. There is also Jane, a young caretaker and nursing student, who is often caught up in the schemes of Diana.

With a running time of approximately 30 minutes per episode, Waiting for God is an excellent example of British sitcoms that deliver comedic punch lines with understated humor. The show is less physical and slapstick and more about the witty dialogue and acerbic exchanges between characters. Even when the jokes miss the mark, the performances by Stephanie Cole and Graham Crowden are of such high caliber that it’s hard not to be entertained.

The show’s attention to character development is also worth noting. Throughout the series, we see Diana and Tom grow as people, despite their age, and face various obstacles that challenge them to better understand themselves and appreciate life even more. The supporting characters are well-developed as well, with their own quirks and motivations, often adding to the humorous scenarios.

Waiting for God also touches on important issues related to aging, such as isolation and loneliness. The writers of the show are not afraid to tackle tough subjects, but they do it sensitively and with a light touch, creating a balance between humor and heart. This makes the show an excellent choice for anyone looking for a lighthearted comedy with some real-world themes.

Overall, Waiting for God is a timeless British sitcom that is worth watching for the exceptional performances of its leads and supporting cast, witty writing, and relatable themes. The show’s endearing characters and subtle humor set it apart from other comedies of its time, making it a modern classic.

Waiting for God is a series that ran for 5 seasons (47 episodes) between June 28, 1990 and on BBC America