Keeping up Appearances

Watch Keeping up Appearances

  • TV-PG
  • 1990
  • 6 Seasons
  • 7.8  (17,680)

Keeping up Appearances is a British sitcom that originally aired on BBC from 1990 to 1995. The show starred Patricia Routledge as Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced "Bouquet"), a middle-class woman who constantly strives to impress her neighbors and maintain a certain image of herself.

Hyacinth's obsession with appearance and social status is the main focus of the show, and leads to many of the comedic situations throughout the series. Her long-suffering husband, Richard (played by Clive Swift), is often caught up in her schemes and forced to go along with her plans.

Other recurring characters in the show include Hyacinth's sisters, Rose and Daisy (Josephine Tewson and Judy Cornwell, respectively), who are more laid back than their uptight sister, and her neighbors, Elizabeth and Emmet (played by Shirley Stelfox and George Webb), who are often the unwitting victims of Hyacinth's attempts to impress them.

Geoffrey Hughes played the role of Onslow, a lazy and slovenly relative of Hyacinth's who often visited her home uninvited, much to her dismay. David Griffin played the part of Emmet's brother, who also had a crush on Hyacinth and often tried to impress her with his knowledge of the upper classes.

Mary Millar joined the show in later seasons as Hyacinth's sister Violet, a wealthy socialite who often clashed with her sister's attempts at social climbing. Anna Dawson also appeared in later seasons as Emmet's girlfriend, who also found herself caught up in Hyacinth's schemes.

Throughout the show's run, Hyacinth remains determined to keep up appearances and maintain her image, often to hilarious effect. The show was praised for its sharp writing and excellent performances, and became a popular and enduring comedy classic in the UK and beyond.

Overall, Keeping up Appearances is a charming and funny sitcom that offers a unique look at the quirks and foibles of British society. Fans of classic British comedy will find plenty to enjoy in this delightful series.

Keeping up Appearances is a series that is currently running and has 6 seasons (48 episodes). The series first aired on October 29, 1990.

Keeping up Appearances
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Seasons
Keeping Up Appearances Christmas Special 1995
4. Keeping Up Appearances Christmas Special 1995
December 25, 1995
Hyacinth decides to organize and direct a local pageant titled "Our Town in the Civil War." She also, naturally, casts herself in the starring role of Queen Henrietta Maria and coerces various members of her family to play assorted Cavaliers and Roundheads. The Church Hall is soon in pandemonium.
Keeping Up Appearances Christmas Special 1994
3. Keeping Up Appearances Christmas Special 1994
December 25, 1994
A minor fungal infection of the feet leaves Richard walking like Long John Silver. Hyacinth prefers to let everyone think it's gout, a more aristocratic ailment. Meanwhile, she's been planning a new kitchen and discussing color choices with the vicar. "When you have to choose between Angel Gabriel Blue and Lucifer Grey, you need a spiritual advisor!" Daisy informs Hyacinth that someone other than Daddy has been found in his bed.
Keeping Up Appearances Christmas Special 1993
2. Keeping Up Appearances Christmas Special 1993
December 26, 1993
Hyacinth buys tickets for a holiday cruise on the QE2 so that she can hobnob with a better class of people. After loading their matching set of executive luggage with the genuine leather embellishments and initials into the car, Richard heads for Southampton, via the scenic route, which causes them to miss the boat. Fortunately, they manage to book a flight to Copenhagen and pick up the luxury liner there. Little does Hyacinth know, Onslow has won tickets for that very same trip.
Keeping Up Appearances Christmas Special 1991
1. Keeping Up Appearances Christmas Special 1991
December 25, 1991
Hyacinth invites Richard's boss and family to the church social. After being coaxed into wearing a Santa costume, Richard goes next door where Emmet plies him with Christmas spirit, leaving him in no condition to drive or play Mr. Claus. Donning the costume herself, Hyacinth arrives at the church social where a drunken Daddy is making passes at the parish ladies, and Onslow, Daisy and Rose have come to collect him. To make matters worse, Onslow succumbs to a case of mistaken identity that results in him kissing Hyacinth under the mistletoe, twice!
Description
Where to Watch Keeping up Appearances
Keeping up Appearances is available for streaming on the BBC website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Keeping up Appearances on demand at Apple TV Channels, Amazon Prime, Amazon, Vudu, Google Play and Apple TV.
  • Premiere Date
    October 29, 1990
  • IMDB Rating
    7.8  (17,680)