It’s genuinely surprising to learn that only twenty episodes of this beloved British comedy ever aired. Ronnie Barker, playing “Fletch,” delivers an excellent performance as the repeat offender sent to Her Majesty's Prison "Slade"—situated in northern England—for a five-year sentence. His cellmate is the well-meaning but incredibly innocent "Godber" (Richard Beckinsale), and the series follows their escapades while navigating the strict rule of “Mr. Mackay” (Fulton Mackay, who stands out) in his uniform, and “Grouty” (Peter Vaughan, hilariously intimidating) within the prison walls. Dick Clement and Ian la Frenais crafted a sharp, cynical, and thoroughly entertaining commentary on their persistent efforts to avoid being crushed by the system. A remarkable supporting cast, including Brian Wilde as the wonderfully unfortunate prison officer "Mr. Barrowclough," introduces different scenarios in each episode, such as stealing a can of (highly desired) pineapple chunks; establishing their own makeshift court with “Warren” (Sam Kelly), a thief among thieves; and continually fighting to manage the toilet paper supply! The humor is dark and forceful, whimsical and light—but there’s consistently something admirable about the characters, a sense of honesty that makes these thirty-minute comedic stories just as amusing today as they were when written nearly fifty years ago. Similar to Croft and Perry's "Dad's Army," this represents another brilliant example of a BBC sitcom you can return to time and again.

Source on TMDB