dinnerladies (1998): episodes, history and where to watch

AT A GLANCE

dinnerladies first went out in November 1998 on BBC One. It ran until 2000, with 2 series and 16 episodes so far. Where it streams changes often, so check the official services before paying for one.

comedy
northern
nineties
More from the 1990s

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Why it is worth your time

Victoria Wood’s canteen sitcom, set in a Manchester factory kitchen and recorded like a play. Sixteen episodes of perfect dialogue.

The details

First broadcast: 12 November 1998
Originally on: BBC One
On air: 1998–2000
Series: 2
Episodes: 16
Typical length: 30 minutes
Genres: Comedy
First episode: “Monday”

Watching it the official way

Older programmes move between broadcasters, streaming services and DVD releases as rights are sold and resold. Paying the rights holder keeps archives alive and pays the people who made them.

The BritCast TV library changes with sources and rights, so we never promise a title before checking. Ask us and we will look, or try a day free and search for yourself.

dinnerladies: quick answers

When did dinnerladies start?

On 12 November 1998, on BBC One.

How many episodes of dinnerladies are there?

16 had been broadcast by 14 October 2026, across 2 series. The last aired in 2000.

Where can I watch dinnerladies now?

Rights to older programmes move between services and channels; check BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4 and the main streaming services, or buy it on DVD or digitally.

Dates and episode counts from TVmaze (2026-10-14), CC BY-SA 4.0. Artwork © its owners, shown only to identify the programme.