Porridge is stodgy say fans
ANGRY viewers demanded their licence fees back after watching remakes of classic BBC sitcoms.
Porridge, with Kevin Bishop, and Are You Being Served? were blasted for ruining “fond memories” of the original shows.
VIEWERS have branded the remakes of two classic comedies “sad and ghastly”.
Some demanded their licence fee back after Are You Being Served? and Porridge were revived for one-off specials.
Furious viewers said the BBC had ruined the legacy of both shows.
Refund
On Sunday night, Derren Litten, creator of ITV’s Benidorm, showcased his vision of Are You Being Served? Sherrie Hewson and Roy Barraclough starred as Mrs Slocombe and Mr Grainger.
Viewers were put off by the constant innuendo and said it lacked any charm of the original.
Carole Matthews wrote on Twitter: “BBC1 is this the best you can manage? I would like a refund on my licence fee.” Joolz Denby ® said: “If Brexit has brought us ‘British Culture’ in excruciating form of a sad rehash of truly ghastly Are You Being Served? I’m staying in Crete.”
And Brendan_Surrey said: “Commission an original comedy pilot? No. Let’s reheat a much loved comedy and ruin everyone’s fond memories of it #AreYouBeingServed.”
In Porridge, comedian Kevin Bishop played Fletch’s grandson.
Stand-up comedian Frankie Boyle twisted the knife by saying the BBC was unwilling to take risks on edgier shows.
He said: “Ratings are the main thing. Critical hits are a bonus.”
The BBC is looking at more episodes of both shows after Are You Being Served? grabbed five million viewers while Porridge was seen by 4.6m.