Rising Damp (1974): episodes, history and where to watch

AT A GLANCE

Rising Damp first went out in September 1974 on ITV (Yorkshire). It ran until 1978, with 4 series and 28 episodes so far. Where it streams changes often, so check the official services before paying for one.

comedy
classic
seventies
More from the 1970s

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Why it is worth your time

Leonard Rossiter as Rigsby, the seedy, snobbish landlord of a shabby northern boarding house. Richard Beckinsale and Frances de la Tour complete one of ITV’s best casts.

The details

First broadcast: 2 September 1974
Originally on: ITV (Yorkshire)
On air: 1974–1978
Series: 4
Episodes: 28
Typical length: 30 minutes
Genres: Comedy
First episode: “The Lodgers (aka Rooksby)”

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.

Rising Damp: quick answers

When did Rising Damp start?

On 2 September 1974, on ITV (Yorkshire).

How many episodes of Rising Damp are there?

28 had been broadcast by 14 October 2026, across 4 series. The last aired in 1978.

Where can I watch Rising Damp 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.