TV series
On the Buses is a British comedy series created by Ronald Wolfe and Ronald Chesney, broadcast in the United Kingdom from 1969 to 1973. The writers' previous successes with The Rag Trade and Meet the Wife were for the BBC, but the corporation rejected On the Buses, not seeing much comedy potential in a bus depot as a setting. The comedy partnership turned to a friend, Frank Muir, Head of Entertainment at London Weekend Television, who loved the idea; the show was accepted and despite a poor critical reception became a hit with viewers.
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Checked Jul 22, 2026
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On the Buses is a British comedy series created by Ronald Wolfe and Ronald Chesney, broadcast in the United Kingdom from 1969 to 1973. The writers' previous successes with The Rag Trade and Meet the Wife were for the BBC, but the corporation rejected On the Buses, not seeing much comedy potential in a bus depot as a setting. The comedy partnership turned to a friend, Frank Muir, Head of Entertainment at London Weekend Television, who loved the idea; the show was accepted and despite a poor critical reception became a hit with viewers.
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Episode 1
The bus crews go on strike because of disagreements with the management. It causes no end of trouble at work and at home. Stan is hailed hero of the day.
Directed by Stuart AllenWritten by Ronald Chesney, Ronald WolfeGuest stars Rudolph Walker, John M. East, Fraser Kerr, Kevin Moore, Michael Slater
Episode 2
When Stan sees his new clippie Iris all his nervousness goes, and they end up on a date together. He tells mum he is working an extra shift so he can take Iris out. What will Arthur and Mum think when he takes her home after the pub?
Directed by Stuart AllenWritten by Ronald Chesney, Ronald WolfeGuest stars Gwendolyn Watts
Episode 3
To help with the family income, Olive gets a job as a clippie. She gets put on Stan's bus, against his wishes. The trouble is Olive does not travel well!
Directed by Stuart AllenWritten by Ronald Chesney, Ronald WolfeGuest stars Terry Duggan, Michael Slater, Geoffrey Denton
Episode 4
Sitting on the bus engine all day has given Stan an over acidic stomach, known at the depot as 'bus drivers stomach'. When Blakey announces medical checks for the staff, Stan has to try and get himself fit to pass the medical, even if it means giving up greasy fried food!
Directed by Stuart AllenWritten by Ronald Chesney, Ronald WolfeGuest stars Nosher Powell, Richard Caldicot, Arthur Lovegrove
Episode 5
Stan is in need of some extra cash, so he applies for a position as an Inspector, but soon starts to worry about what the other lads will think of him.
Directed by Stuart AllenWritten by Ronald Chesney, Ronald WolfeGuest stars Doreen Herrington, Valerie Newbold, Arnold Peters
Episode 6
After complaints are made about it, the bus crews decide to take over the running of the canteen and make Olive the new cook.
Directed by Stuart AllenWritten by Ronald Chesney, Ronald WolfeGuest stars Nosher Powell, Mohammad Shamsi, Shiranee Fullerton
Episode 7
Stan and Jack are challenged to a darts match by two clippies, Iris and Jenny. Stan feels he's a bit out of practice and so spends all his spare time practicing his darts playing. When he drops one of his darts in Olive's stew, he has to use a new set which he is not used to. His darts playing has the added problem of Iris' flirting during the match!
Directed by Stuart AllenWritten by Ronald Chesney, Ronald WolfeGuest stars Gwendolyn Watts, Valerie Newbold
Episode information updated Jul 23, 2026
Reg VarneyStan Butler
Bob GrantJack Harper
Stephen LewisInspector Cyril 'Blakey' Blake
Doris HareMum
Michael RobbinsArthur Rudge
Anna KarenOlive Rudge
Cicely CourtneidgeMum
Kate WilliamsDoreen
ITV1United Kingdom
London Weekend TelevisionUnited Kingdom
LWTUnited Kingdom
