Best show ever, say the over 55s

Fawlty Towers has been named the greatest British TV show ever by viewers over 55.

And the poll shows the enduring appeal of comedy, with Only Fools and Horses coming second, followed by  Dad's Army and Blackadder. 

The top ten was completed with  Call The Midwife,  Doc Martin, Inspector Morse, The Good Life, Death In Paradise and Allo Allo.

Basil Fawlty was also voted the most memorable TV character, followed by Del Boy Trotter, Ronnie Barker's  Fletcher from Porridge, Hyacinth Bucket from Keeping Up Appearances and One Foot in the Grave's Victor Meldrew – again all comedy creations.

The research, for Freeview channel, Great! TV, suggests that 1976 was the golden year of television, especially for this demographic.  A total of 24 of the most-loved TV programmes could be watched that year, Great! says

Kate Gartland, marketing director at Great!, said: 'In 50 years of telly, we still haven't topped the golden year of 1976 - and TV viewers will always remember the classics that came out of that era. Reality TV is forgotten in a week, but these shows last a lifetime.’ 

Published: 2 Feb 2026