TV series
Who would have thought retirement could be so chaotic?
One Foot in the Grave is a BBC television sitcom series. The series features the exploits of Victor Meldrew and his long-suffering wife, Margaret. The programmes invariably deal with Meldrew's battle against the problems he creates for himself. Living in a typical household in an unnamed English suburb, Victor takes involuntary early retirement. His various efforts to keep himself busy, while encountering various misfortunes and misunderstandings are the themes of the sitcom. Despite its traditional production, the series supplants its domestic sitcom setting with elements of black humour and surrealism.
Availability
Checked Jul 22, 2026
One Foot in the Grave premiered January 4, 1990. We don't have a confirmed streaming, rental or purchase option yet.
One Foot in the Grave is a BBC television sitcom series. The series features the exploits of Victor Meldrew and his long-suffering wife, Margaret. The programmes invariably deal with Meldrew's battle against the problems he creates for himself. Living in a typical household in an unnamed English suburb, Victor takes involuntary early retirement. His various efforts to keep himself busy, while encountering various misfortunes and misunderstandings are the themes of the sitcom. Despite its traditional production, the series supplants its domestic sitcom setting with elements of black humour and surrealism.
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Episode 1
Victor has a new job as a window-cleaner. Meanwhile, Patrick's plans for a quiet birthday are ruined after an unfortunate misunderstanding involving a modern art painting and Pippa finds herself in an adulterous affair.
Guest stars Lorraine Kelly, Janine Duvitski, Angus Deayton
Episode 2
In Mr. Swainey's production of 'Nosferatu: The Vampire', the actor who was supposed to play the vampire doesn't show up so Nick asks Victor to take the part. He does. Later, blood is found in Victor's digestive system during a test. After fearing the worst, the doctors discover that the blood was from an under-cooked black pudding that was earlier given to Victor by Mrs Warboys! While on their way to visit the dreaded Ronnie and Mildred, the Meldrews are shocked to discover that Mildred has killed herself while playing a game of 'Happy Families' - they are even more shocked to discover that her body is still hanging outside the house!
Guest stars Owen Brenman, John Rutland, Doreen Mantle
Episode 3
Margaret regrets hiring an attractive cleaner to help around the house. Meanwhile, Mrs Warboys has a couple of nasty frights.
Guest stars Doreen Mantle, Richard Evans, David McKail
Episode 4
During a power cut, Victor realises that he had been right through the middle of an area affected by a siege as it happened. He has the misfortune to have a light fitting drop right onto his privates, a cigarette stubbed out on his cap and a mysterious pain that leads him to think that he had been shot during the siege. Things are made worse by the arrival of the incontinent, fat and irritating elderly neighbour, Mr. Smedley.
Where to watch One Foot in the Grave
Episode 5
Victor's new fishing hobby leads to an unfortunate encounter with a fly-tipper. Meanwhile, a visit from Patrick's gay twin brother leaves Pippa feeling mentally and physically exhausted, especially when Patrick sits on a cork.
Guest stars Owen Brenman, Janine Duvitski, Angus Deayton
Episode 6
In the very last episode of 'One Foot in the Grave', Victor's decision to attend a school reunion unwittingly delivers him into the hands of fate. Margaret deals with the aftermath with the help of her new friend, Glynis.
Directed by Christine GernonWritten by David RenwickGuest stars Paul Merton, Hannah Gordon, Joanna Scanlan
Episode information updated Jul 25, 2026
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