Episode 1
No Smoke Without Fire
30m
After a carelessly discarded cigarette end causes a fire at the depot, it is decided that all the staff must undergo fire fighting training.
Episode credits
Directed by Derrick Goodwin
TV series
On the Buses
19697 seasons7.3 / 10
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.
Streaming, rental and purchase options
Where to watch in United States
Checked Jul 22, 2026
You can also buy it from Amazon. Use the direct links below to open the provider.
Synopsis
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.
Season 6 episodes
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Where to watch On the Buses
Episode 2
Love Is What You Make It
30m
Olive tries to make Arthur jealous by pretending to seduce another man.
Episode credits
Written by Jonathan LynnGuest stars Johnny Briggs, Aubrey Morris
Episode 3
Private Hire
30m
After a bit of unlucky gambling, Stan borrows some money off Basher, but when Basher wants it back Stan hasn't got it so Jack suggests that they borrow a bus to take the old folks out on a trip, as paying customers.
Episode credits
Directed by Bryan IzzardGuest stars Maurice Bush
Episode 4
Stan's Worst Day
30m
It's been a pretty bad week for Stan, Arthur and Olive are constantly arguing and keeping him awake which also makes him late for work and so tired that he falls asleep and crashes the bus.
Episode credits
Directed by Derrick GoodwinGuest stars Terry Duggan, Frederick Hall
Episode 5
Union Trouble
30m
When the management sacks Elsie the canteen lady, Stan stages a one man hunger strike.
Episode credits
Guest stars Marcia Ashton
Episode 6
Bye Bye Blakey
30m
Stan and Jack mistakenly think that Blakey might be dying, after he has a medical at the depot.
Episode credits
Directed by Derrick GoodwinWritten by Jonathan LynnGuest stars Garfield Morgan
Episode 7
The Prize
30mfinale
When the raffle ticket that Stan buys for Mum wins second prize of a holiday for two in Spain, the family are extra nice to her, in an effort to be the one picked to go on holiday with her.
Episode credits
Written by Jonathan LynnGuest stars Julia Breck
Episode information updated Jul 23, 2026
More about On the Buses
Cast
Reg VarneyStan Butler
Bob GrantJack Harper
Stephen LewisInspector Cyril 'Blakey' Blake
Doris HareMum
Michael RobbinsArthur Rudge
Anna KarenOlive Rudge
Cicely CourtneidgeMum
Kate WilliamsDoreenCredits
- Written by
- Ronald Chesney, Ronald Wolfe, Jonathan Lynn
Production details
- Status
- Ended
- Series type
- Scripted
- Episodes
- 74
- Original language
- English
Networks & production
ITV1United Kingdom
London Weekend TelevisionUnited Kingdom
LWTUnited Kingdom
Themes
brother-in-lawmothersistersitcomworking classworkplace comedy
