Watch Mapp and Lucia

Mapp and Lucia is a British television series that aired on Channel 4 from 1985 to 1986, based on the novels by E.F. Benson. The show follows the rivalry and social machinations of two formidable women, Elizabeth Mapp (played by Geraldine McEwan) and Emmeline Lucia Lucas (played by Prunella Scales), as they vie for power and position in a small town in the 1920s.

The series is set in Tilling, a fictional town on the south coast of England, and is centered around the lives of its wealthy and often eccentric inhabitants. At the heart of the show are the two main characters, Mapp and Lucia, who are constantly trying to outdo each other in terms of social standing and influence.

Mapp is a snobbish woman who is determined to maintain her position as the undisputed leader of Tilling's social set. She is a master of gossip and schemes, and is always on the lookout for ways to humiliate her rival Lucia. Meanwhile, Lucia is a newcomer to Tilling who is equally determined to establish herself in society. She is charming, witty, and always impeccably dressed, and she quickly becomes a popular figure in the town.

As the series unfolds, Mapp and Lucia engage in various plots and schemes to gain the upper hand, including throwing elaborate parties and organizing elaborate theatrical productions. Along the way, they are aided and abetted by a cast of colorful characters, including Lucia's devoted sidekick Georgie Pillson (played by Nigel Hawthorne) and Mapp's loyal lieutenant Major Benjamin Flint (played by Denis Lill).

The series is notable for its sharp wit and the deftly drawn characters of Mapp and Lucia, who are both simultaneously comical and relatable. The show's portrayal of the social mores and customs of 1920s England is also a highlight, with the characters constantly adhering to strict rules of decorum and etiquette.

Despite its period setting, Mapp and Lucia remains a timeless and engaging comedy that is sure to delight audiences of all ages. With its memorable characters, clever writing, and gorgeous period costumes and settings, it is a must-see for fans of classic British television.

Overall, Mapp and Lucia is a delightful and engaging comedy that is sure to entertain viewers with its sharp wit, memorable characters, and engaging depiction of 1920s English society. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the show's enduring appeal and its status as a true classic of British television.

Mapp and Lucia is a series that is currently running and has 2 seasons (10 episodes). The series first aired on April 14, 1985.