Only Fools And Horses First Episode Date

Alright, gather 'round, gather 'round! I've got a tale to tell you about a certain sitcom that's as British as a cup of tea and a soggy sarnie. You might have heard of it - it's called Only Fools and Horses. Now, you might be thinking, "When did this classic first grace our screens?" Well, buckle up, because I'm about to take you on a trip down memory lane.

Back in the Day

Picture this: it's the late 70s, disco is booming, and the nation is still reeling from the Queen's Silver Jubilee. The BBC, in their infinite wisdom, decided it was high time they introduced us to the Trotters. But when, you ask? Well, let me set the scene.

It was a chilly evening on the 8th of September, 1981. The streets were quiet, the pubs were packed, and in living rooms across the country, TVs flickered to life. The nation was about to meet Del Boy, Rodney, Grandad, and the rest of the gang in the very first episode of Only Fools and Horses.

A Surprising Fact

Now, here's where it gets interesting. You might think that this sitcom was an instant hit, but you'd be wrong! The first episode, titled "Big Brother," only attracted a modest 9 million viewers. I know, right? It's like finding out that the first time the Beatles played at the Cavern Club, only a handful of people showed up. Madness!

But don't worry, our beloved Trotters didn't stay under the radar for long. Word spread, and by the time the second series rolled around, they were a national sensation. The rest, as they say, is history.

The Trotters Take Over

So, what was it about this ragtag family that captured our hearts? Was it Del Boy's dodgy deals and even dodgier catchphrases? Was it Rodney's eternal struggle with his brother's schemes? Or perhaps it was Grandad's, well, grandad-ness?

Whatever it was, one thing's for sure - the Trotters were here to stay. They brought us laughter, they brought us tears (okay, maybe not tears), and they brought us some of the most iconic moments in British comedy history. Who could forget Del's famous "Lovely Jubbly" catchphrase? Or the time he fell through that bar? Or the time he... well, you get the picture.

An Iconic Moment

Speaking of iconic moments, did you know that the first episode featured one of the show's most famous scenes? That's right, the very first time Del Boy uttered his immortal words, "You know what it is, Rodney? It's a funny old game, isn't it?" And with that, a legend was born.

So there you have it, folks. The first episode of Only Fools and Horses aired on the 8th of September, 1981. It might not have been an instant hit, but it didn't take long for the Trotters to become a beloved part of British comedy history. And the rest, as they say, is history.