Episode 1
French Lessons
30m
Desmond thinks Shirley is playing away when she begins to brag about her French teacher.
Episode credits
Directed by Mandie FletcherWritten by Trix WorrellGuest stars David Rhule
TV series
Desmond's
1989TV-146 seasons7.3 / 10
You didn’t go there to get your hair cut!
Desmond's was a British television situation comedy broadcast by Channel 4 from 1989 to 1994. With 71 episodes, Desmond's became Channel 4's longest-running sitcom. The first series was shot in 1988, with the first episode broadcast in January 1989. The show was made in and set in Peckham, London, England and featured a predominantly Black British Guyanese cast. Conceived and co-written by Trix Worrell, and produced by Charlie Hanson and Humphrey Barclay, this series starred Norman Beaton as barber Desmond Ambrose. Desmond's shop was a gathering place for an assortment of local characters.
Streaming, rental and purchase options
Where to watch in United States
Checked Jul 24, 2026
Desmond's is available to stream on Prime Video and Tubi in United States. Use the direct links below to open the provider.
Stream
Watch free
Synopsis
Desmond's was a British television situation comedy broadcast by Channel 4 from 1989 to 1994. With 71 episodes, Desmond's became Channel 4's longest-running sitcom. The first series was shot in 1988, with the first episode broadcast in January 1989. The show was made in and set in Peckham, London, England and featured a predominantly Black British Guyanese cast. Conceived and co-written by Trix Worrell, and produced by Charlie Hanson and Humphrey Barclay, this series starred Norman Beaton as barber Desmond Ambrose. Desmond's shop was a gathering place for an assortment of local characters.
Season 1 episodes
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Where to watch Desmond's
Episode 2
The Offer
30m
Desmond considers selling the shop to retire in Guyana early, when a smooth-talking businessman enters the shop. Deciding to apply for a loan to do up the shop instead, Desmond visits the bank only to find his eldest son Michael is the one who'll make the decision.
Episode credits
Directed by Mandie FletcherWritten by Trix Worrell
Episode 3
Expansion Plans
30m
Michael decides that the shop needs more employees and he introduces Tony, who gets the job as Desmond's assistant.
Episode credits
Directed by Mandie FletcherWritten by Trix Worrell
Episode 4
Hello Aunty Susu
30m
Shirley's obnoxious older sister arrives but begins to annoy everyone when she takes without asking and does things how she wants in her sister's house.
Episode credits
Directed by Mandie FletcherWritten by Trix Worrell
Episode 5
A Surprise for Porkpie
30m
Porkpie disappoints everyone when he doesn't celebrate Shirley's birthday, because he needs a TV licence.
Episode credits
Directed by Mandie FletcherWritten by Trix Worrell
Episode 6
Sad News
30mfinale
Gloria is going on a date with a gay politician, while Desmond and Shirley get news that their old friend and former band member of The Georgetown Dreamers, Sweetsticks, has died.
Episode credits
Directed by Mandie FletcherWritten by Trix Worrell
Episode information updated Jul 25, 2026
More about Desmond's
Cast
Carmen MunroeShirley Ambrose
Norman BeatonDesmond Ambrose
Dominic KeatingTony
Kim Walker
Robbie GeeLee Stanley
Ram John HolderAugustus 'Porkpie' Grant
Geff FrancisMichael AmbroseJustin PickettSean Ambrose
Credits
- Created by
- Trix Worrell
- Written by
- Trix Worrell
Production details
- Status
- Ended
- Series type
- Scripted
- Episodes
- 71
- Original language
- English
Networks & production
Channel 4United Kingdom- Humphrey Barclay Productions
Themes
barbershopbusinessfamilylondon, englandsitcomworking classworkplace comedy
