IMNSHO, the best British television series pf all time (with a many more episodes): Doctor Who — which has had far more social impact than Fawlty Towers.
I'll have to take your word for it, TRex. I think the last Doctor Who I watched right through was in black and white. This is not a criticism of the particular program. It is just that in general I am not a fan of Science Fiction . I am in a minority even in my own family. Still, different strokes for different folks.
Gooday Jack,
I have always & still do love science fiction.
I think that i was drawn to it because of its unpredictability & that glimpse into possibilities to explain the unknown.
I could list all my favourite sci fi books, T.V. shows & movies but i would find myself in the same predicament as yourself in trying to list your favourite classic British comedy skits... there are just so many.
I was pleasantly surprised whenTRex ( the last person i would of thought would be a sci fi fan ) mentioned the popularity & the longevity of the " Doctor Who " series.
Like you, i can remember watching the black & white episodes after school, the acting was average at best, the plots were mostly inept & illogical & the make up & costumes were very ordinary but we loved it.
Imitating a " Dialek " with arms outstretched & in your best robotic voice " exterminate, exterminate, exterminate " was common practice in the schoolground & at home.
The quality of the series, in every respect, improved enormeously over the years.
The ability of " The Doctor " to rengenerate gave the writers & producers easy avenues to introduce new characters & " Doctors " to keep the show fresh which proably accounts for its longevity.
I rarely watch the show these days so i have not seen any of the latest series where i believe they actually have a woman playing the role of the doctor.
Just a bit surprised that " Morbius " has not contributed to this post with all sorts of statistics regarding the Doctor Who series & for the benefit of the newer forumites, explain what was the inspiration for his " player's name".