Birds of a Feather (1989)
The classic British sitcom about two sisters, a jailed husband apiece, and one very entertaining neighbour in suburban Essex.
Birds of a Feather - Series Information
- Original Title: Birds of a Feather
- First Air Year: 1989
- Last Air Year: 2016
- Created by: Laurence Marks, Maurice Gran
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy, Drama
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (30 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 12
- Number of Episodes: 126
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: October 16, 1989 (United Kingdom - 12)
- Networks: BBC One, ITV1
- Production Companies: BBC, ITV
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
Birds of a Feather - Plot
Birds of a Feather is a British sitcom that was broadcast on BBC One from 1989 until 1998 and on ITV from 2013. Starring Pauline Quirke, Linda Robson and Lesley Joseph, it was created by Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran, who also wrote some of the episodes along with many other writers. The first episode sees sisters Tracey Stubbs and Sharon Theodopolopodos brought together when their husbands are sent to prison for armed robbery. Sharon, who lived in an Edmonton council flat, moves into Tracey's expensive house in Chigwell, Essex. Their next-door neighbour, and later friend, Dorien Green is a middle-aged married woman who is constantly having affairs with younger men. In the later series the location is changed to Hainault. The series ended on Christmas Eve 1998 after a 9-year-run.
Birds of a Feather - Trailer
Check out this clip from Birds of a Feather to get a taste of the show's sharp wit and warm charm.
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Birds of a Feather - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Laurence Marks
- Maurice Gran
Main Cast
- Pauline Quirke
- Linda Robson
- Lesley Joseph
- Alun Lewis
- Peter Polycarpou
- Matthew Savage
- Charlie Quirke
- David Cardy
- Douglas McFerran
- Eamonn Walker
Writers
- Maurice Gran
- Laurence Marks
- Gary Lawson
- John Phelps
- Geoff Rowley
Birds of a Feather - FAQs
Who are the main actors in Birds of a Feather?
The three leads are Pauline Quirke as Sharon Theodopolopodos, Linda Robson as her sister Tracey Stubbs, and Lesley Joseph as their glamorous neighbour Dorien Green. Supporting cast includes Alun Lewis, Peter Polycarpou, Matthew Savage, Charlie Quirke, David Cardy, Douglas McFerran, and Eamonn Walker.
Where can you stream Birds of a Feather?
Birds of a Feather is available to stream on Acorn TV (via Amazon Channel or Apple TV). It can also be purchased on Amazon Video and Google Play Movies. Hoopla offers free access as well. Check JustWatch for the most up-to-date availability in your region.
Why did Birds of a Feather end in 1998 and return in 2013?
The original BBC run wrapped on Christmas Eve 1998 after nine series, largely because the cast and creators felt the story had run its natural course. Fifteen years later, ITV revived the show in 2013, reuniting the original trio for new series that ran through 2016, giving the sitcom a fresh lease of life.
How many seasons and episodes does Birds of a Feather have?
Birds of a Feather ran for 12 seasons and a total of 126 episodes, including a handful of specials. The BBC era spanned Series 1 through 9 (1989–1998), while the ITV revival added Series 10 through 12 (2013–2016), each season typically running between 6 and 16 episodes.
Is Birds of a Feather based on a true story?
Not directly. Creators Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran invented the premise — two sisters reunited when their husbands are imprisoned for armed robbery — as a vehicle for sharp domestic comedy. The Essex suburban setting and working-class social dynamics were drawn from real cultural observations rather than any specific real-life case.
When did Birds of a Feather first air?
The series made its debut on BBC One on October 16, 1989, in the United Kingdom. It quickly became one of the channel's most popular sitcoms, drawing millions of viewers throughout its original run before returning on ITV in 2013 for three additional series.
What is Birds of a Feather about?
Sisters Sharon and Tracey are thrown together when their husbands land in prison for armed robbery. Sharon moves from her Edmonton council flat into Tracey's comfortable Chigwell home, and the pair navigate suburban life alongside their irrepressible neighbour Dorien, a married woman with a weakness for younger men.
What are some shows similar to Birds of a Feather?
Fans of Birds of a Feather often enjoy Brassic for its working-class British comedy, or Kevin Can F**K Himself for a subversive spin on the domestic sitcom format. Absolute Power and Austin Stories offer similarly sharp character-driven humour, while Buscando a Frida and Once Upon a Small Town appeal to fans of warm ensemble comedy.
More About Birds of a Feather
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