POPULAR TV sitcom Dad’s Army has disappeared from a streaming platform – 47 years after the final episode.
Dad’s Army follows the escapades of a geriatric group of volunteers in the Walmington-on-Sea Home Guard platoon during the Second World War.
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The main stars included Arnold Ridley as Private Charles Godrey, John Laurie as Private Frazer, Arthur Lowe as Captain Mainwaring and John Le Mesurier as Sergeant Arthur Wilson.
Meanwhile, Ian Lavender was Private Pike and Clive Dunn was Lance Corporal Jack Jones.
The BBC series spanned 1968 to 1977 – over 80 episodes and it was a huge hit with viewers – regularly reaching 18 million people.
It was known for witty one liners and iconic catchphrases such as “don’t panic” and “they don’t like it up ’em.”
One of the most famous episodes was “The Deadly Attachment” where Captain Mainwaring and his platoon are asked to guard a captive U boat crew.
When Pike sings ‘Hitler is a twerp”, the German officer demands to know his name and Mainwaring replies “don’t tell him Pike.”
Many fans have relived such cherished moments up until now by streaming online. However, the programme has been dropped from streaming service, Now.
Taking to Redditt, one fan alerted others to the news saying: “Dad’s army now gone from Now TV. Pity.”
Another said: “Thankfully I already have the box set.”
But, there was hope as an eagle eyed viewer returned with: “All episodes are on YouTube.
“Sometimes you need to watch Dutch subtitles, but who cares! It makes it more fun.”
Its not the first time that Dad’s Army has caused a stir.
One episode, Absent Friends, was not allowed to be shown on air for 22 years after a sketch referring to an IRA member caused offence.
Dad’s Army was adapted into a film in 1971, starring the original TV cast.
It was resurrected to a new generation in 2016 when Toby Jones played Captain Mainwaring and Bill Nighy was Sgt. Wilson.
Best BBC comedies
A BBC boss called on the industry to “save our sitcoms”, but the corporation has a history of fantastic shows.
We look back at some of the best to ever grace the screen.
Fawlty Towers (1975-1979) – Only two series were made of the beloved institution. However, the cultural impact of the series starring John Cleese and Connie Booth spans decades. It follows rude and intolerant Basil Fawlty (Cleese) as he attempts to improve the reputation of his hotel.
Only Fools and Horses (1981-2003) – The show was crowned by some as the best British sitcom of all time by a TV poll in 2004. Seven series were broadcast on BBC until 1991 with additional sporadic Christmas specials airing until 2003. Sir David Jason starred as ambitious market trader Derek “Del Boy” Trotter whilst Nicholas Lyndhurst played his younger half-brother Rodney. Set in working-class Peckham in south-east London, it follows the highs and lows of the lives of the Trotters’, in particular their brazen attempts to get rich.
Blackadder (1983 – 1989) – Four series were made of the iconic show, created by Richard Curtis and Rowan Atkinson. Each series spans a different historical period as anti-hero Edmund Blackadder (Atkinson) tries to better himself in each society. Accompanied by his dogsbody Baldrick (Tony Robinson), trouble always ensues. A TV poll in 2004 found that Blackadder was voted the second-best British sitcom of all time
Absolutely Fabulous (1992 – 2012) – Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley star as failing PR guru Edina ‘Eddie’ Monsoon and alcoholic fashionista Patsy Stone. The pair embark on heavy-drinking sessions and abuse drugs in a desperate attempt to stay ‘hip’. Eddie constantly chases bizarre fads and fails to lose weight whilst her disappointed and neglected daughter Saffy (Julia Sawalha) looks on.
Little Britain (2003 – 2006) – The premise is simple. A sketch show which features different British people from all walks of life that are engaged in all sorts of comical scenarios. Starring Matt Lucas and David Walliams, the pair created iconic pop culture characters. Viewers loved obnoxious council estate teenager Vicky Pollard, morbidly obese scrounger Bubbles Devere, slimming coach Marjorie Dawes, despondent office worker Carol Beer, disgraced politician Sir Norman Fry, of course the iconic Lou and Andy!
The Catherine Tate Show (2004-2015) – A sketch show starring the likes of Catherine Tate. She made iconic characters such as rowdy schoolgirl Lauren Cooper with her line ‘Am I bovvered?’. Other characters featured Bernie the nurse, the aga saga woman, complaining couple Janice and Ray, and of course her infamous ‘Nan’, Joannie Taylor. The last character herself spawned multiple specials and even a movie.
Gavin and Stacey (2007 – Present) The series tells the story of Gavin (Matthew Horne) and Stacey (Joanna Page). The pair embarked on an online and telephone romance for six months. But when they finally decide to be together properly, their friends and family get in the way. Ruth Jones and James Corden created the beloved show, which has been going for over a decade. The 2019 Christmas special was the most-watched comedy in 17 years and the most-viewed non-sporting event in a decade.
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