Only Fools and Horses
Only Fools and Horses

Only Fools and Horses (1981)

8.17 seasonsComedy

Only Fools and Horses.... Is a British sitcom created and written by John Sullivan. Seven series were originally transmitted on BBC One from 1981 to 1991, with sixteen sporadic Christmas specials aired until 2003. In working-class Peckham in south-east London, ambitious market trader Derek 'Del Boy' Trotter and his younger half-brother Rodney, explore their highs and lows in life, in particular their attempts to get rich. Initially not an immediate hit and receiving little promotion early on, it later achieved consistently high ratings, and the 1996 episode "Time on Our Hands" (originally billed as the series finale) holds the record for the biggest UK audience for a sitcom episode, attracting 24.3 million viewers. The series bears a significant influence on British culture, contributing several words and phrases to the English language.

📺 Seasons & Episodes

Specials42 episodes
Christmas Crackers

1. Christmas Crackers

30 min

It's anthracite roast potatoes and green stuff all round - Grandad's cooking Christmas dinner! Trouble is, Rodney's in danger of dying of boredom. Then the glittering attractions of the Monte Carlo Club beckon...

Christmas Trees

2. Christmas Trees

This was a comedy sketch produced for the 1982 Christmas show The Funny Side of Christmas, presented by Frank Muir, which also featured sketches from other comedies.

Diamonds Are for Heather

3. Diamonds Are for Heather

When Del meets a new woman he begins to envisage Christmas with a larger family.

Thicker Than Water

4. Thicker Than Water

A Christmas visitor throws the Trotter household into confusion.

To Hull and Back

5. To Hull and Back

Just a simple courier job says Boycie but the Trotter's life on the ocean wave doesn't go completely to plan. They run into their old friend Slater 'The Slag' but it isn't all plain sailing for him either.

A Royal Flush

6. A Royal Flush

77 min

When Rodney meets a pretty girl in the market, he fails to realise her connections. But when he is invited to her family home, Del sees his chance of making a buck.

Licensed to Drill

7. Licensed to Drill

Educational episode made in 1984 and only shown in schools/colleges. Del, Rodney and Grandad discuss oil drilling and fossil fuels. Notable as the last appearance of Lennard Pearce as Grandad.

The Frog's Legacy

8. The Frog's Legacy

60 min

Del, Rodney and Uncle Albert are at the wedding of Trigger's niece Lisa. There's a spirit of goodwill, that is until Del hears of their mother's buried treasure.

Dates

9. Dates

80 min

Del and Rodney both go on dates, but with very different results. Albert's strip-o-gram seems oddly familliar.

The Jolly Boys' Outing

10. The Jolly Boys' Outing

85 min

Del is organising the annual Jolly Boys' Outing to Margate, but Cassandra is not completely at ease with this boys' trip as she and Rodney have just celebrated their first wedding anniversary.

Rodney Come Home

11. Rodney Come Home

Del's love life picks up when Raquel moves in. However, Rodney finds marriage is not a bed of roses and Del decides to give him a helping hand whether he likes it or not.

Miami Twice: The American Dream

12. Miami Twice: The American Dream

Del and Rodney get the chance to join the glitterati and become 'transatlantic people'. It is time to leave baby Damien Trotter behind and bravely explore the New World. But could the American dream turn into a nightmare?

Miami Twice: Oh to Be in England

13. Miami Twice: Oh to Be in England

With Del handling the accommodation and transport for their week's holiday in America, it's not surprising that he and Rodney end up in a dodgy camper-van. But things get even worse when the van disappears while they are in a swish nightclub.

Mother Nature's Son

14. Mother Nature's Son

The Trotter family becomes environmentally aware and uses an unexpected inheritance to enhance its fortunes.

Fatal Extraction

15. Fatal Extraction

While Peckham is in the midst of rioting, Del Boy is having trouble with his teeth and with Raquel. She objects to him spending all night at the One Eleven Club. It is no surprise when she leaves him but Del goes straight back into dating. When he changes his mind he wants to forget about it, but will the scorned woman let him?

Heroes and Villains

16. Heroes and Villains

Del's application for a home-improvement grant has been turned down by the local council. He's had better starts to the week, but there is some sunshine on the horizon: Mike at the Nag's Head is organising a party on Saturday night, and Del is eager to get tickets.

Modern Men

17. Modern Men

Del buys a self-help book in an effort to improve his relationship with Raquel. Meanwhile, the Trotters' finances are in trouble.

Time on Our Hands

18. Time on Our Hands

Raquel, recently reconciled with her parents, is worried about inviting them to dinner chez Trotter. What will they make of Nelson Mandela House and a flat full of patio furniture and AquaNibbo underwater pens? More importantly, what will they make of the man in her life, one Derek Trotter?

If They Could See Us Now

19. If They Could See Us Now

The Trotters have lost all their money due to investment in the Central American Markets. Del decides to take part in a game show to try and win some money.

Strangers on the Shore

20. Strangers on the Shore

Del Boy and Rodney go on a nostalgic trip to France where they end up bringing back more than the booze they bargained for in the shape of an unwilling illegal immigrant.

Sleepless in Peckham

21. Sleepless in Peckham

With the bankruptcy court ordering the family home in Nelson Mandela house to be auctioned, the Trotters' financial nightmare is fast approaching meltdown.

Abbey National Advert

22. Abbey National Advert

One of the "Lost Episodes". Filmed and broadcast in 1985, the scene is set in an upper class restaurant and has a rather funny ending!

White Mice

23. White Mice

A special edition sketch of the BBC sitcom, Only Fools and Horses, first broadcast on 24 December 1985 on BBC Breakfast Time.

Royal Variety Show

24. Royal Variety Show

Del and Rodney along with Albert arrive at Drury Lane London thinking they are delivering dodgy goods to Chunky Lewis a nightclub owner in the West End. Unfortunately they take a wrong turn and end up walking into the middle of the Royal Variety performance. They mistake the Duchess of York (Fergie) for Chunky Lewis...bear in mind she wasn't too slim in those days.

The Robin Flies At Dawn

25. The Robin Flies At Dawn

Del, Rodney and Uncle Albert send a message to the troops.

Comic Relief Special

26. Comic Relief Special

A short scene, based entirely in the flat, featuring a young Damien. The first half features Del and Rodney slipping in references to other TV shows featuring David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst (e.g. A Touch of Frost, Goodnight Sweetheart) before the duo come out of character and make an appeal to camera for donations for Comic Relief.

Britain's Best Sitcom - Only Fools and Horses

27. Britain's Best Sitcom - Only Fools and Horses

"'Only Fools' proved that you can set a show in a scruffy, violent working class Peckham Council Estate without getting all Ken Loach about it. It made cockneys out of everyone born within earshot of BBC1. And put Peckham on the map". "'Only Fools' gave the world Derek Edward Trotter, the fast-talking, quick thinking whirlwind at the centre of the show who stirs up clouds of cash, sambuca, dodgy Russian video cameras and affection wherever he turns. A fool worthy of Dickens or Shakespeare". "And it gave us Rodney Charlton Trotter, the ultimate sidekick, straight man and annoying kid brother. The voice of reason, yin to Del's yang. Two GCE's and not an ounce of sense". "The show is chock full of family values, practical morality and workaday virtues. Family and friends, loyalty and decency, curry and chips. It handles the heavy stuff - thwarted dreams, miscarriage and even death. But can still turn this unpromising material into comedy gold sometimes in a single sentence". "The show and the characters have grown with the audience in real time. Del's got older, milder, then richer. Rodders has grown some sense and jowls. And it's all 'real', not padding"! "It has the single best sight gag on telly - Del falling through the bar, and the second best - the chandelier falling down". "'Only Fools' even had the perfect ending. The boys started off on their usual journey but this time came away with their dream of becoming rich realised, but only once Sullivan had realised all the dreams they didn't know they had by having them grow up, become kind to each other and everyone else and turn into fully rounded human beings". "It's cheap as chips, but worth its weight in gold"!

Rover Advert

28. Rover Advert

Filmed in 1985 and reportedly shown in New Zealand and Australia it features Boycie showing Del the latest available model.

The Story of Only Fools and Horses

29. The Story of Only Fools and Horses

77 min

How did John Sullivan first dream up Del Boy and Rodney Trotter ? Actors David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst team up with the writer to reveal how the enduring sitcom was created. Featuring celebrity fans, the stories behind the storylines and memorable scenes from the comedy.

Extended Interview with David Jason

30. Extended Interview with David Jason

26 min

Extended interview with David Jason who plays the part of Delboy in the BBC Comedy.

Extended Interview with Nicholas Lyndhurst

31. Extended Interview with Nicholas Lyndhurst

27 min

Extended interview with Nicholas Lyndhurst who plays the part of Rodney in the BBC Comedy.

Beckham in Peckham - Sport Relief 2014

32. Beckham in Peckham - Sport Relief 2014

Who knew that David Beckham was a personal friend of Delboy? All was revealed when Beckham dropped into Peckham to star in a very special Only Fools and Horses sketch in aid of Sport Relief 2014. What a plonker!

Gulf War Short

33. Gulf War Short

No description available.

We Love Only Fools and Horses

34. We Love Only Fools and Horses

A celebration of the iconic sitcom featuring classic archive material. We meet the insiders to find out exactly why this sitcom is one of the most successful TV shows of all time.

Miami Twice: The Movie

35. Miami Twice: The Movie

145 min

From 1998 onwards, the two "Miami Twice" episodes we re-edited into one episode and retitled "Miami Twice: The Movie" for home media releases. Del and Rodney get the chance to join the glitterati and become 'transatlantic people'. It is time to leave baby Damien Trotter behind and bravely explore the New World. But could the American dream turn into a nightmare? With Del handling the accommodation and transport for their week's holiday in America, it's not surprising that he and Rodney end up in a dodgy camper-van. But things get even worse when the van disappears while they are in a swish nightclub.

Secrets & Scandals of Only Fools and Horses

36. Secrets & Scandals of Only Fools and Horses

45 min

Revealing the behind-the-scenes stories of how the show was made and became Britain's favourite sitcom, as well as uncovering the secrets behind the hilarious visual gags, lost episodes of the show and how the cast could have looked very different.

A Royal Flush (Writer's Cut)

37. A Royal Flush (Writer's Cut)

59 min

The original episode of "A Royal Flush" was re-cut and a laughter track added. 18 minutes of material was removed and the new edit was overlooked by creater John Sullivan. This cut of the episode was used on home media released from 2004 onwards.

Russell Harty Sketch

38. Russell Harty Sketch

6 min

A combination of script and ad-lib form a short sketch on the 1983 Christmas Special of Russell Harty's show, Harty. At one point David Jason indirectly involves a member of the audience, and even after the sketch is thought to have ended and Russell Harty thanks the actors, they remain in character, talking to Harty like so, who in turn speaks to them as their characters.

Greatest Christmas Moments

39. Greatest Christmas Moments

67 min

In a new and exclusive interview with acting royalty Sir David Jason, the great Del Boy himself, the actor shares his secrets from the Christmas sets. We learn about the special that ran into overtime and cost the BBC big bucks because Sir David kept corpsing. Featuring classic clips alongside Sir David's interview, we are also joined by cast and crew including Tessa Peake-Jones as well as celebrity fans such as John Sergeant, Theo Paphitis, Sherrie Hewson, Krishnan Guru Murthy.

Only Fools and Horses The Musical - Comic Relief 2019

40. Only Fools and Horses The Musical - Comic Relief 2019

6 min

A special performance from Only Fools and Horses the Musical. The biggest night of live comedy and entertainment kicks off in spectacular style as a host of famous faces bring you exclusive sketches, live performances, music and stunning surprises, all in aid of Comic Relief. Red Nose Day 2019 | BBC

Radio Times advert (1985)

41. Radio Times advert (1985)

2 min

Del-Boy, Rodney and Uncle Albert are discussing what's on telly at Christmas as they look at the special edition of the Radio Times, of which they don the cover, before addressing the viewers.

Only Fools and Footballs

42. Only Fools and Footballs

2 min

With his usual patter, Del-Boy offers words of wisdom and best wishes to the England squad for the UEFA EURO 2020 Championship, while still trying to make a bit of bunce on the side!

Series 16 episodes
Series 27 episodes
Series 37 episodes
Series 47 episodes
Series 56 episodes
From Prussia with Love

1. From Prussia with Love

30 min

When a German damsel turns up in the Nag's Head, she's definitely in distress - and nine months pregnant at that. Rodney's all beer and sympathy, but Del's got an idea - could this be the answer to Boycie and Marlene's dreams of a child and a golden opportunity to make a few bob along the way?

The Miracle of Peckham

2. The Miracle of Peckham

30 min

Del Boy gets religion when the Madonna at the local church is seen to shed tears. But why does she only cry when it's raining, and where did that lead in Del's garage come from?

The Longest Night

3. The Longest Night

28 min

A burglar makes a daring raid on the local supermarket just as Del and family are out buying their weekly French stick. What's worse, Del sold him a duff watch down the local market...

Tea for Three

4. Tea for Three

31 min

Del's tampered with the sunbed controls and Rodney's seeing red - literally! His face is done to a turn. He'll hardly wow Trigger's niece, Lisa, with his handsome good looks now, which leaves the way pretty clear for Del himself. But revenge should certainly be sweet when Rodders volunteers Del for a spot of hang gliding.

Video Nasty

5. Video Nasty

29 min

Rodney gets a grant from the local college to make a film, but first he must come up with a viable screenplay. Del gets him a secondhand typewriter, and also suggests a storyline of 'A Rhino Loose in the City'. To make matters worse, the director, Mickey Pearce, fed up with waiting for Rodney to write the story, starts making porn films, only for Rodney to end up starring in one.

Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?

6. Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?

30 min

Del Boy gets the chance to make a new start (and to become a millionaire) in Australia - fronting Jumbo Mills's used car business.

Series 66 episodes
Yuppy Love

1. Yuppy Love

48 min

'80s fever is spreading fast! Del Boy's on the up and into the exciting world of red braces and yuppy sorts. Armed with his filofax and briefcase, he's ready to take on the city - well, Peckham anyway. Meanwhile, Rodney's on the pull, with a classy new bird called Cassandra. Wonder what she'll think of Nelson Mandela House...

Danger UXD

2. Danger UXD

48 min

Just faking a signature on a delivery note means that Del can take possession of 50 dolls for absolutely nothing. The only problem is that 'Lusty Linda' and 'Erotic Estelle' are not exactly what he had in mind and would seem more appropriate to Dirty Barry's dubious trade than to the local toyshop...

Chain Gang

3. Chain Gang

50 min

It's the deal of a lifetime! Faced with the opportunity to buy 250 18 carat gold chains from retired jeweller Arnie, Del can't resist. Hastily a multi-million dollar business consortium is formed - well, Mike from the Nag's Head, Trig, Boycie, Uncle Albert and a reluctant Rodney, anyway. Everything's pretty cushty until Arnie's taken ill just as the deal is about to be sealed, and Del is left feeling that all that glitters...

The Unlucky Winner Is...

4. The Unlucky Winner Is...

50 min

Rodney's won a holiday for three in the Mediterranean, courtesy of Del and the Megaflakes drawing competition. The only snag is he's got to pretend he's 14 years old all week. Should be a doddle - all he's got to do is keep his head down. Then the skateboarding and breakdancing competitions begin...

Sickness & Wealth

5. Sickness & Wealth

57 min

While excruciating stomach cramps and a constant diet of health salts might drive some people to visit the doctor, not our Del! Oh no, he's only suffering from that scourge of all yuppies, PMA - Positive Mental Attitude! So it's going to require some nifty plotting by Rodney and Uncle Albert to get Del to visit the dreaded 'D' word!

Little Problems

6. Little Problems

50 min

With his diploma in Computer Science, new job in Cassandra's father's firm and impending marriage, Rodney's certainly on the up. Del's even promised to take care of his share of the flat deposit. Only problem is, Del's gone and got himself into a bit of bother over some hooky mobile phones with the less-than-understanding Driscoll brothers, and unless he comes up with £2,000 pretty sharpish they're going to take care of him...

Series 76 episodes
The Sky's the Limit

1. The Sky's the Limit

50 min

What can Albert and Del do about Rodney leaving Cassandra and moving back in? Alan suggests that Rodney pick her up when she arrives back from her week in Spain. However, chaos at Gatwick means that the evening Rodney planned doesn't happen. Could there be some connection with Del's purchase of a satellite dish?

The Chance of a Lunchtime

2. The Chance of a Lunchtime

49 min

Raquel has an audition for a play, and Del has volunteered to help her rehearse. Rodney and Cassandra meet for supper, each thinking that the other made the first move. Things seem to be going well before Rodney gets tangled up with Trudy. Del tells Albert and Rodney that he sees two people when he looks at Raquel. Either Raquel's pregnant or Del's drunk!

Stage Fright

3. Stage Fright

50 min

With Raquel pregnant, Del 'Yuppy' Trotter's plan to achieve millionaire status must move up a gear. So the chance to supply the cabaret at the Starlight Rooms for old 'friend' Eric to the tune of 600 quid is too good to miss. With Raquel dusting off her vocal chords in the kitchen and Trig's mate Tony Angelino, the singing dustman, waiting in the wings, everything's sorted. Until Del discovers exactly who the real owner of the club is and the extent of Tony's vocal range...

The Class of '62

4. The Class of '62

49 min

A class of '62 reunion in the Nag's Head signals Roy Slater's return to Civvy Street after years in the nick. But why has the crooked ex-copper decided to come back to Peckham when he is universally loathed? Just as Trig, Del, Boycie and Denzil begin to believe that he really has changed for the better, Del discovers the real reason for his return...

He Ain't Heavy, He's My Uncle

5. He Ain't Heavy, He's My Uncle

49 min

After a night at the Nag's Head, Uncle Albert comes home beaten up and tells tales of two, three or was it four muggers. But something isn't right and he runs away from home. Finally Del Boy and Rodney realise where to find him.

Three Men, a Woman and a Baby

6. Three Men, a Woman and a Baby

49 min

Del's about to become a father, but even that can't cheer Rodney up. The Polar Cap is melting, the rainforest is dying, the sea is being poisoned, and he hasn't had 'a bit' for months. Maybe one of Del's new ponytail wigs could enhance his image in Cassandra's eyes...

Cast

David Jason

David Jason

Derek 'Del Boy' Trotter

Nicholas Lyndhurst

Nicholas Lyndhurst

Rodney Trotter

Buster Merryfield

Buster Merryfield

Uncle Albert Trotter

Gwyneth Strong

Gwyneth Strong

Cassandra Trotter (née Parry)

Tessa Peake-Jones

Tessa Peake-Jones

Raquel Turner

Patrick Murray

Patrick Murray

Mickey Pearce

Sue Holderness

Sue Holderness

Marlene Boyce

Roger Lloyd Pack

Roger Lloyd Pack

Trigger

John Challis

John Challis

Boycie

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