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
After a burglary Victor decides not to replace his television set in order to give him and Margaret more opportunity to get out of the house. However, a trip to the pub results in a disconcerting experience with an old friend.
Directed by Susan BelbinWritten by David RenwickGuest stars Diana Coupland, Richard Davies, Jan Ravens, Nick Ball
Episode 2
Margaret is having a recurring dream about murdering someone who looks like Victor. However, it's Margaret who is starting to irritate Victor. That is, until she disappears.
Directed by Susan BelbinWritten by David RenwickGuest stars Owen Brenman, Enn Reitel, Damaris Hayman, Annette Kerr, Doreen Mantle
Episode 3
Alfred, Victor's accident prone brother, is making his first visit from New Zealand for 25 years. Victor is not looking forward to his stay, preferring to act as a neighbourhood vigilante.
Directed by Susan BelbinWritten by David RenwickGuest stars Richard Pearson, Janine Duvitski, Angus Deayton
Episode 4
The Meldrews and Mrs Warboys get stuck in Bank Holiday traffic.
Directed by Susan BelbinWritten by David RenwickGuest stars Doreen Mantle
Episode 5
Mr Swainey has brought Victor a present back from his holiday - an unlucky charm. Victor thinks that Mrs Stebbings' TV aerial is laughing at him and his resulting misfortune. Meanwhile, Patrick and Pippa are having problems trying to sell their house.
Directed by Susan BelbinWritten by David RenwickGuest stars Owen Brenman, Janine Duvitski, Angus Deayton
Episode 6
Even a shed falling on him cannot upset Victor when he finally gets a new job. However, before starting work he must first contend with some unwanted visitors and a trip to the BBC organised by Mrs Warboys.
Directed by Susan BelbinWritten by David RenwickGuest stars John Rutland, Doreen Mantle
Episode information updated Jul 25, 2026
Available now in United States
These shows are available now and closely match One Foot in the Grave.
Richard WilsonVictor Meldrew
Annette CrosbieMargaret Meldrew
Owen BrenmanNick Swainey
Roger HammondMr Gillespie
Michael Robbins
Diana Coupland
Richard Lumsden
John Cater
BBC OneUnited Kingdom
BBCUnited Kingdom
