Last of the Summer Wine (1973 – 2010)

From humble beginnings, *Last of the Summer Wine* charmed audiences and blossomed into a beloved classic. The show’s inaugural series debuted on BBC1 back in November 1973, bringing the quirky antics of its trio to screens through December. Every episode was lovingly penned by Roy Clarke and brought to life under the direction of James Gilbert. The story actually began earlier that year with a pilot episode – initially titled both "The Last of the Summer Wine" and "Of Funerals and Fish" – which first appeared as part of the BBC’s *Comedy Playhouse* in January 1973. The warm reception to this initial offering convinced the BBC to commission a full series, marking a pivotal moment for what would become one of British television's longest-running comedies. Fans eager to revisit those early adventures can find the first series alongside its successor on DVD, released as a special two-series box set in 2002 for region 2 viewers.

Following its debut, *Last of the Summer Wine* surprised everyone by returning for a second series, which originally charmed audiences on BBC1 between March and April of 1975. Every episode was penned by Roy Clarke and brought to life under the direction of Bernard Thompson. Despite modest initial ratings, the BBC greenlit a follow-up season – albeit one delayed by industrial action. The eventual airing proved pivotal; for the first time, *Last of the Summer Wine* cracked the top ten weekly programs, with the premiere episode, "Forked Lightning," captivating over 18 million viewers. This series also welcomed Joe Gladwin to the fold as Wally Batty, the long-suffering husband of Nora. Sadly, it marked a farewell for Michael Bates, who played Blamire; he departed at the end of the season due to health concerns. Fans could revisit these classic episodes years later when Series 2 was released on DVD in 2002 as part of a combined box set with its predecessor.

The third series of *Last of the Summer Wine* charmed audiences on BBC1 throughout October and December 1976. While initial viewings didn't quite crack the weekly top ten, a repeat broadcast of "Isometrics and After" proved immensely popular, drawing an impressive 15 million viewers in spring 1977. This season also marked a significant moment for the show – the premiere of its very first two-part story, split into “The Great Boarding House Bathroom Caper” and “Cheering Up Gordon,” both featuring a memorable appearance by Philip Jackson as Compo’s nephew, Gordon. Returning briefly was Blake Butler, reprising his role as the quirky librarian, Mr. Wainwright, before once again leaving the series at year's end. However, the most impactful change came with the introduction of Brian Wilde as Foggy Dewhurst, a former military sign painter who joined the mischievous trio. This marked the beginning of a long and beloved run for Wilde, who would portray Foggy across two distinct periods – from 1976 to 1985 and then again from 1990 until his retirement due to health concerns.

Step back into the gentle chaos of Crumpet Corner with *Last of the Summer Wine’s* fourth series, which first charmed audiences on BBC1 from November 1977 to early January 1978. Every episode in this beloved season was penned by the masterful Roy Clarke and brought to life under the skilled direction of Sydney Lotterby. Fans eager to relive these classic moments can find them together – series 3 and 4 – on a region 2 DVD box set, released back in 2004. And for our North American viewers, a dedicated collection showcasing just the fourth series arrived on shelves in September 2008.

The fifth season of *Last of the Summer Wine*, broadcast on BBC1 from September to October 1979, marked an exciting new chapter for the beloved comedy. Every episode was penned by Roy Clarke and brought to life under the direction of Sydney Lotterby. This series took a fresh approach, notably featuring the show’s first-ever two-part stories and finally bringing into focus some previously whispered-about characters – including Compo's elusive nephew. Fans also got to enjoy a bump up in the physical comedy that would later become a signature element of *Last of the Summer Wine*. The complete fifth series, paired with season six, was released on DVD in 2007 for viewers to revisit these classic moments.

Step back into the gentle chaos of Nether Wallop with *Last of the Summer Wine’s* sixth season, which first charmed audiences on BBC1 from January to February 1982. Once again, every delightful episode was penned by the masterful Roy Clarke and brought to life under the skilled direction of Alan J. W. Bell. This series continues the timeless adventures of Compo, Clegg, and Seymour as they bumble their way through life, finding mischief and mayhem around every corner. For those eager to revisit these classic moments, the sixth season was lovingly packaged with its predecessor, series five, on DVD in 2007 (region 2).

Step back into the gentle chaos of Nether Wallop with *Last of the Summer Wine’s* seventh season, which first charmed audiences on BBC1 from January to March 1983. Once again, Roy Clarke's witty writing forms the heart of every episode, brought to life by producer and director Sydney Lotterby – with a special nod to Alan J.W. Bell for his direction of "Getting Sam Home." This beloved series captured a slice of rural life, full of mischievous schemes and enduring friendships. Fans can relive these classic moments together; the seventh season was released on DVD in 2008 as part of a double-bill with Series Eight.

Step back into the whimsical world of Lower Tyson Street with *Last of the Summer Wine’s* charming eighth season. Airing originally on BBC1 throughout March and April of 1985, this beloved series – entirely penned by Roy Clarke and brought to life under the direction of Alan J. W. Bell – continues its delightful exploration of aging friendship and mischievous antics. Relive those classic moments as Compo, Clegg, and Foggy navigate everyday life with their signature blend of humor and heart. For those eager to revisit this era of gentle comedy, series eight is also available on DVD as part of a special box set alongside the equally memorable seventh season, released in 2008.

Step back into the gentle chaos of Nether Wallop with *Last of the Summer Wine’s* beloved ninth season! Originally broadcast on BBC1 from January to March 1987, this series – entirely penned by Roy Clarke and skillfully brought to life under the direction of Alan J. W. Bell – delivers another helping of heartwarming mishaps and mischievous adventures from Compo, Clegg, and Foggy. Relive their timeless escapades with the complete ninth season, now available on DVD as a region 2 box set, released in May 2008.

The tenth series of *Last of the Summer Wine* graced BBC One screens, continuing Roy Clarke’s beloved comedic vision and brought to life under the direction of Alan J. W. Bell. While fans seeking a complete collection should be aware of a slight quirk in some boxed set releases – Playback's dual-season offering mistakenly omits this series entirely, opting instead to renumber subsequent seasons. If you’re tracking down the full story, keep an eye out for that numbering discrepancy!

The eleventh series of *Last of the Summer Wine* charmed audiences once again on BBC One, continuing Roy Clarke’s signature witty writing and Alan J.W. Bell’s skillful direction. A slight quirk exists with some home media releases – while officially series eleven, certain boxed sets mistakenly omit the tenth season entirely. Some collections even combine what should be seasons nine and ten, re-branding them as a single, extended eleventh series, which then shifts subsequent season numbering accordingly. Despite this minor labeling confusion, viewers can still expect the familiar blend of gentle chaos and heartwarming comedy that defines this beloved show.

The beloved warmth of Summerisle returns with the twelfth series of *Last of the Summer Wine* on BBC One, once again penned by Roy Clarke and brought to life under the direction of Alan J. W. Bell. This season sees a familiar face welcomed back into the mix – Foggy Dewhirst rejoins the gang following Michael Aldridge’s departure, as he stepped away to care for his wife.

The beloved BBC1 comedy, *Last of the Summer Wine*, returned for its thirteenth series with Roy Clarke’s signature wit and Alan J. W. Bell at the helm as producer and director. This season marked a significant shift in production – for the first time ever, all filming was done entirely on videotape, a departure from the show's previous practice of using film for outdoor scenes and videotape within the studio. While this experimental approach proved short-lived, lasting only for this series, it paved the way for a full transition to film in subsequent seasons, continuing until 2004 when the show embraced digital High-Definition filming – though the familiar laughter track remained a cherished constant throughout.

The fourteenth season of *Last of the Summer Wine* graced BBC One screens, continuing Roy Clarke’s witty writing and Alan J. W. Bell's skilled production and direction. Marking a significant shift in the show’s visual style, this series was notably filmed entirely on film for the first time – though the final edit still came together using videotape technology. Viewers also noticed a broader picture; this season, along with the subsequent one, embraced a 16:10 aspect ratio, a welcome change from the familiar 4:3 format that had defined the show’s earlier thirteen series.

Returning for a wonderfully familiar fifteenth season on BBC One, *Last of the Summer Wine* once again delivered its signature blend of gentle chaos and heartwarming charm. Every episode, penned with characteristic wit by Roy Clarke and brought to life under the skilled direction of Alan J. W. Bell, continued the legacy of this beloved comedy classic.

After fifteen glorious years, *Last of the Summer Wine* returned for a sweet sixteenth series on BBC One, proving that life in Nether Wallop was far from over. Once again, every episode was lovingly penned by the show’s brilliant creator, Roy Clarke, and brought to vibrant life under the expert direction of Alan J. W. Bell. Expect more charming chaos, familiar faces, and wonderfully silly escapades as the trio – and their ever-expanding circle of friends – continue their delightfully mischievous adventures.

The beloved comedy *Last of the Summer Wine* returned for its seventeenth series on BBC One, brimming with the familiar charm audiences had come to expect. Every episode was once again crafted by the masterful hand of writer Roy Clarke, while director and producer Alan J. W. Bell ensured the show’s signature style shone through from start to finish.

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## Season Overview This season marks a bittersweet chapter for our beloved trio, as it sees the departure of one familiar face and a shift in another’s role. Longtime viewers will remember Compo Simmonite, whose presence sadly dwindles throughout the year, appearing only in a special episode and the first three before his character's passing. The season acknowledges this loss with warmth and respect, honoring his legacy within the community. Meanwhile, Tom Potter continues to weave himself into the fabric of the village, though his appearances are more fleeting this time around – just four episodes – as he transitions into a supporting role that will carry him through the remaining seasons. Despite these changes, the core spirit of the series endures: laughter, friendship, and the enduring charm of everyday life in the countryside. Expect familiar faces, heartwarming moments, and all the gentle humor you’ve come to expect from this cherished show.

Get ready for more mischief and mayhem! The twenty-ninth series of *The Last of the Summer Wine* charmed audiences on BBC One throughout the summer of 2008, running from June to August. As always, every episode was lovingly crafted by Roy Clarke and brought to life under the skilled direction of Alan J. W. Bell, ensuring another season brimming with the show's signature blend of humor and heart.

The beloved comedy *Last of the Summer Wine* returned for its thirtieth series in April 2009, delivering eleven half-hour episodes packed with familiar charm. A special New Year’s episode kicked off the year's adventures on December 31st, 2008, all penned by Roy Clarke and brought to life under the direction of Alan J. W. Bell. This series marked a significant shift as a fresh comedic trio – Alvin, Entwistle, and Hobbo – stepped into the spotlight, introduced in that New Year’s special. While Peter Sallis and Frank Thornton remained cherished members of the cast, their roles were adjusted; they appeared primarily in studio scenes due to logistical considerations regarding filming on location with actors of their age.