Porridge (1974): episodes, history and where to watch

AT A GLANCE

Porridge first went out in September 1974 on BBC One. It ran until 1977, with 3 series and 18 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

Ronnie Barker as Fletcher, an old lag serving five years in Slade Prison and showing young Godber how to survive it. Written by Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais.

The details

First broadcast: 5 September 1974
Originally on: BBC One
On air: 1974–1977
Series: 3
Episodes: 18
Typical length: 30 minutes
Genres: Comedy, Crime
First episode: “New Faces, Old Hands”

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.

Porridge: quick answers

When did Porridge start?

On 5 September 1974, on BBC One.

How many episodes of Porridge are there?

18 had been broadcast by 14 October 2026, across 3 series. The last aired in 1977.

Where can I watch Porridge 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.