Open All Hours (1976): episodes, history and where to watch

AT A GLANCE

Open All Hours first went out in February 1976 on BBC Two, then BBC One. It ran until 1985, with 4 series and 25 episodes so far. Where it streams changes often, so check the official services before paying for one.

comedy
northern
british
More from the 1970s

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Why it is worth your time

Ronnie Barker as Arkwright, the stammering, penny-pinching Doncaster shopkeeper, with David Jason as his errand boy Granville. The till nearly took his fingers off every episode.

The details

First broadcast: 20 February 1976
Originally on: BBC Two, then BBC One
On air: 1976–1985
Series: 4
Episodes: 25
Typical length: 30 minutes
Genres: Comedy
First episode: “Full of Mysterious Promise”

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.

Open All Hours: quick answers

When did Open All Hours start?

On 20 February 1976, on BBC Two, then BBC One.

How many episodes of Open All Hours are there?

25 had been broadcast by 14 October 2026, across 4 series. The last aired in 1985.

Where can I watch Open All Hours 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.