Fawlty Towers (1975): episodes, history and where to watch

AT A GLANCE

Fawlty Towers first went out in September 1975 on BBC Two. It ran until 1979, with 2 series and 12 episodes so far. Where it streams changes often, so check the official services before paying for one.

comedy
classic
british
More from the 1970s

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Why it is worth your time

Basil Fawlty runs a Torquay hotel as if guests were an imposition. Only twelve episodes, written by John Cleese and Connie Booth, and almost all of them are perfect.

The details

First broadcast: 19 September 1975
Originally on: BBC Two
On air: 1975–1979
Series: 2
Episodes: 12
Typical length: 30 minutes
Genres: Comedy
First episode: “A Touch of Class”

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.

Fawlty Towers: quick answers

When did Fawlty Towers start?

On 19 September 1975, on BBC Two.

How many episodes of Fawlty Towers are there?

12 had been broadcast by 14 October 2026, across 2 series. The last aired in 1979.

Where can I watch Fawlty Towers 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.