Great British Telly: As Time Goes By

“As Time Goes By” is a heartwarming British sitcom that has won the hearts of viewers since its debut in the early 1990s. The show tells the endearing love story of Jean Pargetter and Lionel Hardcastle, who are reunited after being separated for 38 years. With its charming characters, witty dialogue, and exploration of love and relationships in later life, “As Time Goes By” has become a beloved classic. The series stands out for its gentle humor, relatable themes, and the undeniable chemistry between its lead actors, Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer.

Key Facts

• Original Air Date: “As Time Goes By” first aired on January 12, 1992.
• Number of Episodes: The show consists of 67 episodes over nine series, plus two reunion specials in 2005.
• Main Cast: Judi Dench as Jean Pargetter and Geoffrey Palmer as Lionel Hardcastle.
• Writers: The series was written by Bob Larbey.
• Setting: The show is primarily set in London, with some scenes in the countryside.

A Brief History of As Time Goes By

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Show’s Conception and Development

Bob Larbey, already renowned for his work on British comedies like “The Good Life” and “Ever Decreasing Circles,” conceived “As Time Goes By” in the early 1990s. The idea stemmed from his interest in exploring mature relationships and the concept of rekindled love.

The BBC, recognizing Larbey’s track record and the potential of the premise, greenlit the project. The show’s development focused on creating a balance between humor and genuine emotional depth, a hallmark of Larbey’s writing style.

Initially, there were concerns about how audiences would respond to a romantic comedy centered on older characters. However, the BBC’s faith in the project and Larbey’s vision proved well-founded.

Cast and Characters

The casting of Judi Dench as Jean Pargetter and Geoffrey Palmer as Lionel Hardcastle was crucial to the show’s success. Dench, already a respected stage actress, was not yet the international film star she would become. Palmer, known for his deadpan delivery, was a perfect foil for Dench’s more spirited character.

Moira Brooker and Philip Bretherton joined the cast as Judith, Jean’s daughter, and Alistair, Lionel’s publisher, respectively. Their characters added generational contrast and additional romantic storylines.

Jenny Funnell played Sandy, Jean’s secretary, bringing youthful energy to the cast. Frank Middlemass rounded out the main ensemble as Rocky, Lionel’s father, providing comic relief and a touch of eccentricity.

Plot Overview and Major Storylines:

The series begins with Jean and Lionel’s chance reunion and follows their journey from awkward reacquaintance to a deepening relationship. Major storylines included:

• Lionel’s book about his life in Kenya and its adaptation into a miniseries
• Jean and Lionel’s engagement and eventual marriage
• Judith and Alistair’s on-again, off-again relationship
• Sandy’s various romantic entanglements
• Rocky’s marriage to Madge and their adventures

The show also explored themes of aging, family dynamics, and the challenges of blending lives after years apart.

Reception and Critical Acclaim:

“As Time Goes By” quickly found a loyal audience in the UK and became a staple of BBC’s comedy lineup. Critics praised the show for its intelligent writing, subtle humor, and the chemistry between Dench and Palmer.

The series received several awards and nominations throughout its run, including British Comedy Awards and BAFTA nominations. It was particularly lauded for its portrayal of mature relationships, filling a gap in television programming.

The success of “As Time Goes By” paved the way for more comedies featuring older protagonists. It demonstrated that there was a significant audience for shows that dealt with mature themes and relationships.

The series also became popular internationally, particularly in the United States, where it aired on PBS stations. This success helped to further promote British television abroad and contributed to the growing global appeal of UK-produced content.

Behind-the-Scenes Information:

The show was filmed before a live studio audience, which contributed to the energy of the performances. Many cast members have spoken about the familial atmosphere on set, which they credit for the longevity of the series.

Judi Dench’s rising film career (including her role as M in the James Bond films) coincided with the show’s run, but she remained committed to the series, often balancing film and television work.

The reunion specials in 2005 were produced in response to continued fan interest. These specials, titled “You Must Remember This” and “Life Goes On,” provided closure to the series and addressed the question of what happened to the characters after the original run ended.

Throughout its nine series and reunion specials, “As Time Goes By” maintained a high standard of quality, thanks to Larbey’s consistent writing and the strong chemistry among the cast. The show’s enduring popularity led to reruns and DVD releases, ensuring its place in the canon of beloved British sitcoms.

Cultural Impact

“As Time Goes By” resonated deeply with audiences in the UK and beyond. Its gentle exploration of love in later life was both refreshing and relatable, offering a different perspective from the many youth-centric shows on television. The series’ humor, rooted in character interactions and everyday situations, appealed to a broad demographic.

In the United States, “As Time Goes By” gained a substantial following through PBS broadcasts. American audiences appreciated its British charm and the mature romance at its heart. The show has been praised for its portrayal of older characters with dignity and complexity, contributing to a broader conversation about aging and relationships.

The show’s influence can be seen in its continued presence on streaming platforms and DVD, as well as in the affectionate references made by other media. Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer’s performances have become iconic, cementing their status as beloved figures in British television.

Places to Visit

Fans of “As Time Goes By” can visit several locations associated with the show:

• Holland Park, London: Many outdoor scenes were filmed in this picturesque area, offering fans a chance to walk in the footsteps of Jean and Lionel.
• Ealing Studios, London: The interior scenes were shot at these historic studios, a site with a rich history in British film and television production.

Where to Watch

“As Time Goes By” is available for streaming on several platforms:

• BritBox: Offers all episodes of the series, including the reunion specials.
• Amazon Prime Video: Episodes can be purchased individually or by season.
• DVD: Complete box sets of the series are available for purchase from various retailers.

Further Research

For those interested in delving deeper into the world of “As Time Goes By,” several resources are available:

• “As Time Goes By: The Complete Series Scripts” by Bob Larbey – A collection of scripts from the series, providing insight into the show’s writing and production.
• “As Time Goes By” Official Website: Features cast interviews, behind-the-scenes content, and more.
• BBC Archives: Various articles, interviews, and behind-the-scenes features are available online and through the BBC archives.

“As Time Goes By” remains a cherished part of British television history, its charm and humor continuing to delight new generations of viewers.

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