Last of the Summer Wine

Right now you can watch Last of the Summer Wine in Australia on Foxtel Now, and in the US on Amazon Prime Video and Britbox Apple TV Channel — and it is funnier than its reputation suggests. 31 seasons is a serious commitment, but one that pays off episode after episode. A 7/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. Peter Sallis sets the tone, and the rest of the cast matches it scene for scene. Put it on tonight on Foxtel Now and see for yourself.

Part of the current wave of titles people are actually watching, Last of the Summer Wine earns its spot. The jokes in Last of the Summer Wine land because the characters underneath them are worth caring about. Unencumbered by wives, jobs or any other responsibilities, three senior citizens who've never really grown up explore their world in the Yorkshire Dales. They spend their days speculating about their fellow townsfolk and thinking up adventures not usually favored by the elderly. Last of the Summer Wine premiered as an episode of Comedy Playhouse in 1973. Peter Sallis and Frank Thornton lead a cast with the timing to make it work. It ran for 31 seasons (1973–2010), and the writing holds up across every one of them. The timing in Last of the Summer Wine is precise enough that even the throwaway lines land on a second watch. It knows exactly what it is, and does not try to be anything else.

If you need a comedy that actually makes you laugh, Last of the Summer Wine is a strong candidate. The tonal similarities to Open All Hours are real, though Last of the Summer Wine carves out its own identity quickly. The 31-season run rewards the patience it asks of you. Peter Sallis is funny in a way that holds up on rewatch. Put it on when you need something guaranteed to land.

Last of the Summer Wine wrapped up in 2010, created by Roy Clarke — and 31 seasons are available to watch from start to finish. Find exactly where it's streaming below, and TV Butler Pro makes it effortless to track your progress as you go. Just search the name, and Butler finds it instantly, tells you which service has it, and remembers exactly where you left off.