TV series

On the Buses

Name: On the Buses
Released: 1969
Cast: Reg Varney, Bob Grant, Stephen Lewis, Doris Hare, Anna Karen

1969–1973· 7 seasons· 30 min episodes★ 7.3Ended

On ITV1 · London Weekend Television — From LWT

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Where to watch

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Synopsis

On the Buses is a British comedy series created by Ronald Wolfe and Ronald Chesney, broadcast in the United Kingdom from 1969 to 1973. The writers' previous successes with The Rag Trade and Meet the Wife were for the BBC, but the corporation rejected On the Buses, not seeing much comedy potential in a bus depot as a setting. The comedy partnership turned to a friend, Frank Muir, Head of Entertainment at London Weekend Television, who loved the idea; the show was accepted and despite a poor critical reception became a hit with viewers.

Themes

mother brother-in-law sister working class sitcom workplace comedy

Episodes

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E1 The Early ShiftNext upFeb 28, 1969 · 30 min
Synopsis
The bus crews go on strike because of disagreements with the management. It causes no end of trouble at work and at home. Stan is hailed hero of the day.
Guest stars: Rudolph Walker (George), John M. East (Lofty), Fraser Kerr (TV Interviewer), Kevin Moore (TV Newsman), Michael Slater (TV Newsman)
E2 The New ConductorMar 7, 1969 · 30 min
Synopsis
When Stan sees his new clippie Iris all his nervousness goes, and they end up on a date together. He tells mum he is working an extra shift so he can take Iris out. What will Arthur and Mum think when he takes her home after the pub?
Guest stars: Gwendolyn Watts (Iris)
E3 Olive Takes a Trip (aka Olive's First Day)Mar 14, 1969 · 30 min
Synopsis
To help with the family income, Olive gets a job as a clippie. She gets put on Stan's bus, against his wishes. The trouble is Olive does not travel well!
Guest stars: Terry Duggan (Irate Passenger), Michael Slater (Family Man), Geoffrey Denton (Old Gentleman)
E4 Bus Driver's StomachMar 21, 1969 · 30 min
Synopsis
Sitting on the bus engine all day has given Stan an over acidic stomach, known at the depot as 'bus drivers stomach'. When Blakey announces medical checks for the staff, Stan has to try and get himself fit to pass the medical, even if it means giving up greasy fried food!
Guest stars: Nosher Powell (Bert), Richard Caldicot (Doctor Clark), Arthur Lovegrove (Harry)
E5 The New InspectorMar 28, 1969 · 30 min
Synopsis
Stan is in need of some extra cash, so he applies for a position as an Inspector, but soon starts to worry about what the other lads will think of him.
Guest stars: Doreen Herrington (Betty), Valerie Newbold (Jenny), Arnold Peters (Manager)
E6 The CanteenApr 4, 1969 · 30 min
Synopsis
After complaints are made about it, the bus crews decide to take over the running of the canteen and make Olive the new cook.
Guest stars: Nosher Powell (Bert), Mohammad Shamsi (Mr. Sharma), Shiranee Fullerton (Mrs. Sharma)
E7 The Darts MatchApr 11, 1969 · 30 min
Synopsis
Stan and Jack are challenged to a darts match by two clippies, Iris and Jenny. Stan feels he's a bit out of practice and so spends all his spare time practicing his darts playing. When he drops one of his darts in Olive's stew, he has to use a new set which he is not used to. His darts playing has the added problem of Iris' flirting during the match!
Guest stars: Gwendolyn Watts (Iris), Valerie Newbold (Jenny)