Are You Being Served? poster

TV series

Are You Being Served?

1972TV-PG10 seasons7.3 / 10

This comedy series, which follows the exploits of employees at London's fictional "Grace Brothers" department store, is full of sexual innuendo, slapstick, visual gags, and double entendres. Much of the show's humor parodies Britain's class system, and many of the show's characters are based on stereotypes of the period, including the effeminate Mr. Humphries and the rich, but stingy, store owner.

Streaming, rental and purchase options

Where to watch in United States

Checked Sep 1, 2026

Are You Being Served? is available to stream on Britbox and Britbox (Via Amazon Prime) in United States. Use the direct links below to open the provider.

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Synopsis

This comedy series, which follows the exploits of employees at London's fictional "Grace Brothers" department store, is full of sexual innuendo, slapstick, visual gags, and double entendres. Much of the show's humor parodies Britain's class system, and many of the show's characters are based on stereotypes of the period, including the effeminate Mr. Humphries and the rich, but stingy, store owner.

Season 1 episodes

Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.

Episode 1

Are You Being Served? (Pilot)

30m

A reorganization within the store forces the staff of the gentlemen's ready-to-wear department to share their floor space with the Ladies' Department. Mrs. Slocombe, head of the Ladies, and Mr. Grainger, head of the Gents, immediately come to loggerheads over control of the center floor display. Mr. Grainger refuses to take down his trousers and put Mrs. Slocombe's underwear in its place. Undaunted, she goes over his head to Captain Peacock, and then to Mr. Rumbold.

Episode credits

Directed by David CroftWritten by Jeremy Lloyd, David CroftGuest stars Larry Martyn, Michael Knowles, Stephanie Gathercole

Where to watch Are You Being Served?

Episode 2

Dear Sexy Knickers...

30m

Mr. Lucas attempts to send Miss Brahms a love letter suggesting an after-work "get it together". Confusion on who sent the letter and to whom it was intended sets the stage for a lot of misunderstanding. There's also the customers to contend with and Mr. Lucas has a devil of a time fitting them into clothing.

Episode credits

Directed by Bernard ThompsonWritten by Jeremy Lloyd, David CroftGuest stars Robert Raglan, Derek Smith

Where to watch Are You Being Served?

Episode 3

Our Figures Are Slipping

30m

The Department figures have taken a dive and so Mr. Rumbold decides to convene a sales conference amongst the staff. Since the meeting is taking place after hours and off the clock, no one is very motivated to provide any solutions. If something isn't done, someone might lose their job, and that someone is clearly Mr. Lucas.

Episode credits

Directed by Bernard ThompsonWritten by Jeremy Lloyd, David CroftGuest stars Peter Needham, Stephanie Gathercole

Where to watch Are You Being Served?

Episode 4

Camping In

30m

A transport strike leaves the staff stranded at the store, so Young Mr. Grace offers to let them spend the night on the floor. Tents are set up, but Mr. Lucas has trouble keeping his up. A "campfire" sing along leads to talk of the last World War and the experiences some of them had.

Episode credits

Directed by Bernard ThompsonWritten by Jeremy Lloyd, David CroftGuest stars Larry Martyn, Colin Bean, James Copeland, Anita Richardson, Pamela Manson, David Rowlands, Stephanie Gathercole

Where to watch Are You Being Served?

Episode 5

His and Hers

30m

Mr. Grainger's trousers are missing, along with the central display. The staff learns that the space was freed up for the "His & Hers" fragrance display. Mrs. Slocombe is outraged that they went her to take down her underwear and put perfume there in its place. The glamorous salesgirl causes stirrings in the trouser department. When it's discovered that free stockings and ties are given out with every scent purchase, both departments formulate a plan to oust the intruder.

Episode credits

Directed by Bernard ThompsonWritten by Jeremy Lloyd, David CroftGuest stars Larry Martyn, Joanna Lumley, Margaret Flint, Evan Ross

Where to watch Are You Being Served?

Episode 6

Diamonds Are a Man's Best Friend

30mfinale

It's pay day at Grace Brothers and the staff realize that their money just doesn't go very far. An opportunity for a bonus arises when a customer loses a diamond and offers a £100 reward. Greed gets the better of everyone, except Mr. Grainger, and soon they're conspiring behind each others backs. Mr. Mash throws a wrench in the search after he damages a jeweled dress, causing a multitude of "diamonds" within the department.

Episode credits

Directed by Bernard ThompsonWritten by Jeremy Lloyd, David CroftGuest stars Larry Martyn, Elizabeth Larner, Hilary Pritchard, Janet Davies, Vicki Woolf, Stephanie Gathercole

Where to watch Are You Being Served?

Episode information updated Sep 18, 2026

More about Are You Being Served?

Cast

Frank ThorntonCaptain Peacock
John InmanMr. Humphries
Mollie SugdenMrs. Slocombe
Wendy RichardMiss Brahms
Trevor BannisterMr. Lucas
Arthur BroughMr. Grainger
Nicholas SmithMr. Rumbold
James HayterMr. Tebbs

Credits

Created by
David Croft, Jeremy Lloyd
Written by
David Croft, Jeremy Lloyd

Production details

Status
Ended
Series type
Scripted
Episodes
69
Original language
English

Networks & production

  • BBC OneUnited Kingdom
  • BBCUnited Kingdom

Themes

campdepartment storegay themelgbtsitcomworkplace comedy