One Foot in the Grave is a British television sitcom written by David Renwick. There were six series and seven Christmas specials over a period of ten years from early 1990 to late 2000. The first five series were broadcast between January 1990 and January 1995. For the next five years, the show appeared only as Christmas specials, followed by one final series in 2000. The series features the exploits of Victor Meldrew, played by Richard Wilson, and his long-suffering wife, Margaret, played by Annette Crosbie. Wilson initially turned down the part of Meldrew and David Renwick considered Les Dawson for the role, until Wilson changed his mind. The programmes invariably deal with Meldrew's battle against a long series of problems, some of which he creates for himself. Set in an unnamed town in Southern England, Victor takes involuntary early retirement. His various efforts to keep himself busy while encountering various misfortunes and misunderstandings are the themes of the sitcom.
Created by | David Renwick |
Written by | David Renwick |
Directed by | Sydney Lotterby (1990), Susan Belbin (1990–1996), Christine Gernon (1997–2000) |
Starring | Richard Wilson, Annette Crosbie, Doreen Mantle, Angus Deayton, Janine Duvitski, Owen Brenman |
Composer(s) | Eric Idle and John du Prez (1990), Ed Welch (1990–2000) |
Country of origin | United Kingdom |
Original language(s) | English |
No. of series | 6 |
No. of episodes | 42 + 2 shorts |
Producer(s) | Susan Belbin (1990–1996), Esta Charkham (1997), Jonathan P. Llewellyn (2000) |
Location(s) | BBC Television centre. In and around Christchurch and Bournemouth, Dorset, England |
Production company(s) | BBC |
Distributor | BBC Worldwide |
Original network | BBC One |
Picture format | PAL 576i 4:3 (1990–1997), PAL 576i 16:9 (2000) |
Audio format | Stereo |
Related shows | Cosby |
About One Foot in the Grave
British television sitcom that follows a curmudgeon who is forced to take early retirement from his job as a security guard. Each episode sees him rail at the trials and tribulations of modern life as he tries to keep himself busy.
Achievement of One Foot in the Grave
The series was written by David Renwick. It ran for a total of forty two episodes plus two specials over the course of its near decade run.
Top Facts You Did Not Know About One Foot in the Grave
BAFTA winners (television series).. Television series produced at Pinewood Studios.. BBC Radio comedy programmes.. BBC television sitcoms.
Latest information about One Foot in the Grave updated on October 21 2022.