Last of the Summer Wine (1973)
The world's longest-running sitcom, following three ageless mischief-makers through the rolling hills of Yorkshire for 37 unforgettable years.
Last of the Summer Wine - Series Information
- Original Title: Last of the Summer Wine
- First Air Year: 1973
- Last Air Year: 2010
- Created by: Roy Clarke
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 30 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 31
- Number of Episodes: 269
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: January 4, 1973 (United States - TV-14), January 4, 1973 (Canada - PG), January 4, 1973 (United Kingdom - 12), January 4, 1973 (Australia - PG)
- Networks: BBC One
- Production Companies: BBC
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
Last of the Summer Wine - Plot
Unencumbered by wives, jobs or any other responsibilities, three senior citizens who've never really grown up explore their world in the Yorkshire Dales. They spend their days speculating about their fellow townsfolk and thinking up adventures not usually favored by the elderly. Last of the Summer Wine premiered as an episode of Comedy Playhouse in 1973. The show ran for 295 episodes until 2010. It is the longest running comedy Britain has produced and the longest running sitcom in the world.
Last of the Summer Wine - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a taste of the Yorkshire Dales comedy that captivated Britain for decades.
The BBC's longest running comedy series.
Where to Watch Last of the Summer Wine
Looking for where to watch Last of the Summer Wine?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Last of the Summer Wine - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Roy Clarke
Main Cast
- Peter Sallis
- Jane Freeman
- Kathy Staff
- Jean Fergusson
- Robert Fyfe
- Juliette Kaplan
- Sarah Thomas
- Mike Grady
- Jean Alexander
- Bill Owen
Writers
- Roy Clarke
Last of the Summer Wine - FAQs
Is Last of the Summer Wine the longest-running sitcom ever?
Yes. Last of the Summer Wine holds the record as the longest-running sitcom in the world. It aired on BBC One from 1973 to 2010, spanning 31 seasons and 269 episodes over 37 years, surpassing all other comedy series in broadcast history.
Where can you stream Last of the Summer Wine?
Last of the Summer Wine is available to stream on BritBox and Amazon Prime Video, including BritBox via Apple TV Channel and the BritBox Amazon Channel. Amazon Prime Video also offers the series with ads. Availability may vary by region.
Why did Last of the Summer Wine end in 2010?
BBC One cancelled Last of the Summer Wine in 2010 after 37 years on air, citing a desire to refresh its Sunday evening schedule. The decision was controversial among fans. The final episode aired on 29 August 2010, bringing the beloved series to a close.
Who created Last of the Summer Wine?
Last of the Summer Wine was created by Roy Clarke, who also wrote every single episode throughout the show's entire run. Clarke is one of Britain's most prolific television writers, also known for creating Keeping Up Appearances and Open All Hours.
Who are the main actors in Last of the Summer Wine?
The series featured Peter Sallis as Clegg, Bill Owen as Compo, Jane Freeman as Ivy, Kathy Staff as Nora Batty, Jean Fergusson as Marina, Robert Fyfe as Howard, Juliette Kaplan as Pearl, Mike Grady as Barry, Jean Alexander as Auntie Wainwright, and Frank Thornton as Truly.
What is Last of the Summer Wine about?
The series follows three elderly men in the Yorkshire Dales who refuse to act their age. Free from work and domestic responsibilities, they spend their days scheming, bickering, and stumbling into slapstick misadventures in and around their small northern English town.
How many seasons does Last of the Summer Wine have?
Last of the Summer Wine ran for 31 seasons, comprising 269 episodes in total. It also includes a Season 0 collection of 28 special episodes. The series premiered on January 4, 1973, and concluded in 2010 after an extraordinary 37-year broadcast run.
What is the content rating for Last of the Summer Wine?
Last of the Summer Wine carries a TV-14 rating in the United States. In the United Kingdom it was rated 12, while Canada and Australia classified it as PG. The show is a gentle, family-friendly comedy with mild slapstick humour and no strong adult content.
More About Last of the Summer Wine
Explore further details, credits, and community information for this beloved British comedy.