The Thin Blue Line (1995)
Ben Elton's beloved BBC sitcom starring Rowan Atkinson as the gloriously pompous Inspector Fowler, policing a station full of lovable chaos.
The Thin Blue Line - Series Information
- Original Title: The Thin Blue Line
- First Air Year: 1995
- Last Air Year: 1996
- Created by: Ben Elton
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy, Crime
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (29 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 14
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, Spanish
- First Air Date: November 13, 1995 (United States - TV-PG), November 13, 1995 (United Kingdom - 15), November 13, 1995 (Germany - 12), November 13, 1995 (Australia - PG), November 13, 1995 (Brazil - L), November 13, 1995 (Mexico - B)
- Networks: BBC One
- Alternative Titles: 细蓝线 (CN)
- Production Companies: BBC, Tiger Aspect
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
The Thin Blue Line - Plot
The Thin Blue Line is a British sitcom starring Rowan Atkinson set in a police station that ran for two series on the BBC from 1995 to 1996. It was written by Ben Elton.
The Thin Blue Line - Trailer
Check out a clip from the series to get a taste of the comedy:
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The Thin Blue Line - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Ben Elton
Main Cast
- Rowan Atkinson
- Serena Evans
- David Haig
- James Dreyfus
- Mina Anwar
- Rudolph Walker
- Mark Addy
- Kevin Allen
- Joy Brook
- Walter Sparrow
Writers
- Ben Elton
Executive Producers
- Peter Bennett-Jones
The Thin Blue Line - FAQs
What is The Thin Blue Line about?
Set in a small English police station, the show follows the pompous yet well-meaning Inspector Raymond Fowler as he tries to maintain order among his eccentric constables while clashing with the boorish Detective Inspector Grim next door. It's a sharp workplace comedy packed with wordplay, innuendo, and lovable characters.
Who plays Inspector Fowler in The Thin Blue Line?
Rowan Atkinson plays Inspector Raymond Fowler, the stiff, rule-obsessed but endearing head of the uniformed branch. It's a notably different role from his iconic Mr. Bean, showcasing Atkinson's gift for verbal comedy and precise comic timing in a more dialogue-driven, ensemble setting.
Where can you stream The Thin Blue Line?
The Thin Blue Line is available to stream on BritBox and Amazon Prime Video, including via the BritBox Apple TV Channel and BritBox Amazon Channel. You can also buy episodes on Amazon Video, or catch it for free with ads on Amazon Prime Video Free with Ads and Tubi TV.
Did Stephen Fry appear in The Thin Blue Line?
Yes, Stephen Fry made a memorable guest appearance as Blaster Sump, one of several notable cameos that peppered the series. The show attracted a number of recognisable British comedy talents, adding extra sparkle to an already strong ensemble cast led by Rowan Atkinson.
How many seasons does The Thin Blue Line have?
The series ran for two seasons on BBC One between 1995 and 1996, with seven episodes per season and a small collection of specials, bringing the total to 14 episodes. Despite its short run, it built a devoted fanbase and remains a fondly remembered gem of 1990s British comedy.
Who wrote The Thin Blue Line?
Ben Elton wrote all episodes of The Thin Blue Line. Already celebrated for his work on Blackadder and The Young Ones, Elton crafted scripts rich in wordplay, double entendres, and satirical jabs at police bureaucracy, perfectly tailored to Rowan Atkinson's strengths as a physical and verbal comedian.
Is The Thin Blue Line worth watching today?
Absolutely. The show holds up remarkably well thanks to Ben Elton's sharp writing and a brilliantly committed ensemble cast. Rowan Atkinson's Inspector Fowler is a genuinely original comic creation, and the station's mix of pomposity, chaos, and warmth makes for consistently entertaining viewing across all 14 episodes.
What are similar shows to The Thin Blue Line?
Fans of The Thin Blue Line tend to enjoy other police comedies like Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Barney Miller, and Police Squad!, all of which share its affectionate mockery of law enforcement. For more British workplace humour from the same era, Drop the Dead Donkey and Reno 911! are also excellent picks.
More About The Thin Blue Line
Explore further details about the series on these authoritative sources.