The BBC Story

The BBC Story

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First episode of Fawlty Towers 19 September 1975

The first episode of Fawlty Towers aired on 19 September 1975. Audiences were keen to see what John Cleese would do after Monty Python, but at first the situation comedy received some less than enthusiastic reviews. However the strength of the writing and casting - with Cleese as hotelier Basil Fawlty - ensured the series was a great success.
 
From Fawlty Towers to Gavin and Stacey, our slideshow celebrates the best of BBC comedy programmes. For details of the featured programmes click here.

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"It ran for two series, with six episodes in each, and was possibly the funniest thing on telly ever."
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History of Innovation

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History of Innovation

Learning Resources

The BBC and children The BBC and children
From Children's hour, first broadcast in 1922, to Teletubbies, children have always been at the heart of the BBC's public service remit. The BBC has been responsible for a number of iconic children's programmes which over the years have become household names. Find out more.
Fascinating Fact: Which Olympic bronze medallist wore her Blue Peter badge as she windsurfed to victory at the Bejing Olympics 2008?
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