Only Fools and Horses (1981)
The iconic BBC sitcom following Del Boy and Rodney Trotter's endlessly optimistic — and hilariously doomed — pursuit of riches in Peckham.
Only Fools and Horses - Series Information
- Original Title: Only Fools and Horses
- First Air Year: 1981
- Last Air Year: 1991
- Created by: John Sullivan
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 40 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 7
- Number of Episodes: 45
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 8, 1981 (United Kingdom - PG)
- Networks: BBC One
- Alternative Titles: 只有傻瓜和马 (CN)
- Production Companies: BBC
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
Only Fools and Horses - Plot
Only Fools and Horses.... Is a British sitcom created and written by John Sullivan. Seven series were originally transmitted on BBC One from 1981 to 1991, with sixteen sporadic Christmas specials aired until 2003. In working-class Peckham in south-east London, ambitious market trader Derek 'Del Boy' Trotter and his younger half-brother Rodney, explore their highs and lows in life, in particular their attempts to get rich. Initially not an immediate hit and receiving little promotion early on, it later achieved consistently high ratings, and the 1996 episode "Time on Our Hands" (originally billed as the series finale) holds the record for the biggest UK audience for a sitcom episode, attracting 24.3 million viewers. The series bears a significant influence on British culture, contributing several words and phrases to the English language.
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Only Fools and Horses - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- John Sullivan
Main Cast
- David Jason
- Nicholas Lyndhurst
- Buster Merryfield
- Roger Lloyd Pack
- John Challis
- Lennard Pearce
- Kenneth MacDonald
- Sue Holderness
- Patrick Murray
- Tessa Peake-Jones
Writers
- John Sullivan
Only Fools and Horses - FAQs
What is Only Fools and Horses about?
Only Fools and Horses follows Derek 'Del Boy' Trotter and his younger half-brother Rodney as they hustle their way through working-class Peckham, London, chasing dreams of wealth through dodgy deals and market trading. Critics and audiences alike praise its warmth, sharp writing, and perfectly drawn characters.
Who are the main actors in Only Fools and Horses?
The series stars David Jason as Del Boy Trotter and Nicholas Lyndhurst as Rodney Trotter. The supporting cast includes Buster Merryfield, Roger Lloyd Pack, John Challis, Lennard Pearce, Kenneth MacDonald, Sue Holderness, Patrick Murray, and Tessa Peake-Jones.
Is Only Fools and Horses worth watching?
Absolutely. Widely regarded as one of the greatest British sitcoms ever made, Only Fools and Horses is celebrated for its blend of slapstick comedy, heartfelt drama, and memorable characters. The 1996 episode 'Time on Our Hands' drew 24.3 million viewers, a UK record for a sitcom episode.
Did Only Fools and Horses win any awards?
Yes. The show won multiple BAFTA awards over its run, including Best Comedy Series. David Jason won the BAFTA for Best Light Entertainment Performance on several occasions. It was also voted the greatest British sitcom in a 2004 BBC poll, beating Blackadder and Fawlty Towers.
How many seasons does Only Fools and Horses have?
Only Fools and Horses ran for 7 main series, totalling 45 episodes, broadcast on BBC One between 1981 and 1991. Beyond the main run, the show also produced a substantial collection of Christmas specials that aired sporadically through to 2003.
Where can I stream Only Fools and Horses?
Only Fools and Horses is available to stream on BritBox, accessible both as a standalone subscription and via the BritBox Amazon Channel. You can compare all current viewing options available in your region on JustWatch.
When did Only Fools and Horses first air?
Only Fools and Horses first aired on September 8, 1981, on BBC One in the United Kingdom. Despite a slow start with limited promotion, the show grew into one of the most-watched programmes in British television history over the course of its seven-series run.
What shows are similar to Only Fools and Horses?
Fans of Only Fools and Horses often enjoy other classic British comedies such as Open All Hours, Steptoe and Son, Dad's Army, Bottom, and The Royle Family. Phoenix Nights and Outnumbered are also frequently recommended for their similarly warm, character-driven humour.
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