Waiting for God

Watch Waiting for God

  • TV-14
  • 1990
  • 5 Seasons
  • 7.8  (1,969)

Waiting for God is a British sitcom that originally aired on BBC America in the early 1990s. The show’s main stars were Stephanie Cole and Graham Crowden, who played Diana Trent and Tom Ballard respectively. The premise of the show revolves around Diana and Tom, two elderly residents of the Bayview Retirement Village, who find themselves living together in the same flat. However, their personalities are like chalk and cheese, and they can’t stand each other.

Diana Trent is a former journalist, who has a sharp tongue, an acidic wit, and a cynical view of life. She’s a hard-hitting woman who is not afraid to speak her mind, and her main goal is to make her stay at Bayview as comfortable as possible. On the other hand, Tom Ballard is a retired accountant, who is more mild-mannered and reserved. He is constantly battling against the institutional rules of Bayview and feels a sense of duty to ensure the other residents are taken care of.

The primary source of conflict arises between the two characters as they have contrasting views of life. While Diana is always trying to push boundaries and live life to the fullest, Tom is set in his ways and reluctant to change. As a result, they are constantly at odds with one another. However, despite their differences, they eventually form an unlikely bond and even begin to enjoy each other’s company.

Apart from the two main characters, the show features a variety of supporting characters who add to the comedic elements of the show. The chief authority figure at Bayview is Manager Harvey Bains, who is constantly bending the rules for Diana and Tom. There is Sarah, the sheltered and uptight daughter of Tom’s deceased best friend, who is initially at odds with Diana. There is also Jane, a young caretaker and nursing student, who is often caught up in the schemes of Diana.

With a running time of approximately 30 minutes per episode, Waiting for God is an excellent example of British sitcoms that deliver comedic punch lines with understated humor. The show is less physical and slapstick and more about the witty dialogue and acerbic exchanges between characters. Even when the jokes miss the mark, the performances by Stephanie Cole and Graham Crowden are of such high caliber that it’s hard not to be entertained.

The show’s attention to character development is also worth noting. Throughout the series, we see Diana and Tom grow as people, despite their age, and face various obstacles that challenge them to better understand themselves and appreciate life even more. The supporting characters are well-developed as well, with their own quirks and motivations, often adding to the humorous scenarios.

Waiting for God also touches on important issues related to aging, such as isolation and loneliness. The writers of the show are not afraid to tackle tough subjects, but they do it sensitively and with a light touch, creating a balance between humor and heart. This makes the show an excellent choice for anyone looking for a lighthearted comedy with some real-world themes.

Overall, Waiting for God is a timeless British sitcom that is worth watching for the exceptional performances of its leads and supporting cast, witty writing, and relatable themes. The show’s endearing characters and subtle humor set it apart from other comedies of its time, making it a modern classic.

Waiting for God is a series that is currently running and has 5 seasons (47 episodes). The series first aired on June 28, 1990.

Waiting for God
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Seasons
A Double Wedding
8. A Double Wedding
October 20, 1994
There are two weddings about to take place at Bayview as Tom and Diana and Harvey and Jane prepare to tie the knot. Both couples are surprised to find that they are sharing their ceremony with a funeral.
Bungee Jumping
7. Bungee Jumping
October 13, 1994
Following Diana's rejection of his marriage proposal Tom decides to go bungee jumping. As he prepares to leap, Diana withdraws her refusal but lays down strict ground rules for their future married life.
Harvey the Priest
6. Harvey the Priest
October 6, 1994
Tom lands in jail after a driving lesson goes awry while Jane grows increasingly more religious and Harvey orders a mail-away ordination in order to become a priest.
Trouble with Men
5. Trouble with Men
September 29, 1994
Diana is surprised to find she has something in common with Jane - they are both being driven to distraction by men. Rather peculiarly, Jane is being pursued by Harvey.
Diana's Diet
4. Diana's Diet
September 22, 1994
With no sign of improvement to her suppurating foot, Tom presses Diana into a trip to the doctor. The prognosis is not good and neither is her mood when she is told to adopt a new diet.
After A Royal Visit?
3. After A Royal Visit?
September 15, 1994
Diana is less than thrilled with the prospect of a Royal visit to Bayview. Her stern views on the British class system and the Royal family are directly opposed to Tom's pronounced sense of patriotism.
The Bayview Conservation Society
2. The Bayview Conservation Society
September 8, 1994
Harvey asks a Japanese designer to look at Bayview with a view to 'packing in more oldies per square foot', leading to an immediate confrontation with Tom and the newly formed Bayview Conservation Society.
After the Operation
1. After the Operation
December 23, 1993
After a spell in hospital with prostate trouble Tom returns to Bayview to discover that his ineffectual son Geoffrey has finally left his awful wife and wants to stay with him and Diana. They will have none of it.
Description
Where to Watch Waiting for God
Waiting for God is available for streaming on the BBC America website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Waiting for God on demand at Apple TV Channels and Amazon Prime.
  • Premiere Date
    June 28, 1990
  • IMDB Rating
    7.8  (1,969)
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