Minder (1979)
The beloved British comedy crime drama that made Arthur Daley and his reluctant minder Terry McCann icons of British television.
Minder - Series Information
- Original Title: Minder
- First Air Year: 1979
- Last Air Year: 1994
- Created by: Leon Griffiths, Verity Lambert
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy, Drama, Action, Adventure, Crime
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (60 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 10
- Number of Episodes: 107
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: October 29, 1979 (United States - TV-14), October 29, 1979 (Australia - PG)
- Networks: ITV1
- Production Companies: Euston Films
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
- Alternative Titles: Der Aufpasser (DE)
Minder - Plot
Roguish comedy drama following the misadventures of small-time crook Arthur Daley.
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Minder - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Leon Griffiths
- Verity Lambert
Main Cast
- George Cole
- Dennis Waterman
- Glynn Edwards
- Patrick Malahide
- Gary Webster
- Michael Povey
- Nicholas Day
- Peter Childs
- Sidney Livingstone
- Stephen Tompkinson
Writers
- Tony Hoare
- Leon Griffiths
- Andrew Payne
- David Yallop
- Kevin McNally
Minder - FAQs
Who played Arthur Daley in Minder?
Arthur Daley, the lovable rogue at the heart of Minder, was played by George Cole throughout the entire run of the series from 1979 to 1994. Cole's portrayal became one of British television's most iconic comic performances, making 'Arthur Daley' a household name synonymous with wheeler-dealer charm.
What is Minder about?
Minder is a British comedy drama centred on Arthur Daley, a small-time London con artist and car dealer with an eye for dubious schemes, and his hired minder Terry McCann, a former boxer tasked with keeping Arthur out of trouble. Their mismatched partnership drives a series of comic and criminal capers across 1980s London.
Where can you stream or watch Minder?
Streaming availability for Minder varies by region. You can check current viewing options — including any subscription services, rental, or purchase platforms — via JustWatch, which lists up-to-date availability in your country. Physical DVD releases of the series are also widely available for purchase.
How many seasons and episodes does Minder have?
Minder ran for 10 series plus a collection of specials, totalling 107 episodes. The show broadcast on ITV1 from October 1979 to March 1994, spanning 15 years and making it one of British television's longest-running comedy drama series of its era.
Who created the TV series Minder?
Minder was created by writer Leon Griffiths, who conceived the character of Arthur Daley and the show's distinctive blend of comedy and crime. Producer Verity Lambert, one of British television's most influential figures, was instrumental in developing and championing the series at Euston Films for ITV1.
Is Minder based on a true story?
Minder is not based on a specific true story, though creator Leon Griffiths drew heavily on the colourful characters and street culture of working-class London for inspiration. The show's authentic portrayal of small-time criminals, market traders, and East End wheeler-dealers gave it a vivid sense of real-world credibility.
What genre is the TV series Minder?
Minder blends comedy, drama, crime, and action-adventure. It is best described as a British comedy crime drama, balancing light-hearted humour with genuine tension. The series is particularly celebrated for its sharp, slang-laden dialogue and its affectionate but unsentimental portrait of London's criminal underclass.
When did Minder first air on television?
Minder first aired on October 29, 1979, on ITV1 in the United Kingdom. The series ran continuously — with some breaks between series — until its conclusion in 1994, establishing itself as a defining piece of British popular television across the 1980s and into the early 1990s.
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