What Year Did Only Fools And Horses Start

Ever found yourself chuckling along to the antics of Del Boy and Rodney, wondering, "When did this classic British sitcom first grace our screens?" Well, grab a cuppa and let's take a little trip down memory lane, shall we?

Rewind to the '80s

Picture this: it's 1981, the year when the first episode of Only Fools and Horses aired. Now, that might not seem like ancient history to some of you whippersnappers, but stick with me, I'm setting the scene here!

Imagine the world back then. The Prince of Wales was still waiting for his fairytale ending, the first mobile phones were the size of a brick (and just as heavy), and the average house price was a mere £17,000. And in the midst of all this, a little sitcom called Only Fools and Horses was about to make its debut.

Meet the Trotters

So, who were these Trotters chaps, and why were they about to become so darned popular? Well, let me introduce you to the family if you haven't already met them. There's Del Boy, the eternal optimist and market trader with a penchant for dodgy deals and get-rich-quick schemes. Then there's Rodney, his long-suffering younger brother, who's always trying to keep his feet on the ground. And let's not forget Uncle Albert, the senile old dear who's always reminiscing about his days in the Navy.

Now, you might be thinking, "That sounds like a recipe for disaster!" But somehow, these loveable rogues managed to capture the hearts of the nation. And it all started with that very first episode, "Big Brother," on Christmas Day, 1981.

Why was it such a hit?

Well, for starters, it was a breath of fresh air. The '80s was a time of great social change, and Only Fools and Horses tapped into the spirit of the age. It was a sitcom that didn't shy away from the realities of working-class life, but it did so with warmth, humor, and a healthy dose of self-deprecation.

Plus, it was just plain funny! From Del's infamous catchphrases ("You know it makes sense!") to the slapstick comedy of the chandelier scene, it was a show that had you laughing out loud one minute and wiping a tear the next.

Legacy of laughter

Fast forward to today, and Only Fools and Horses is still going strong. It's been voted the best British sitcom of all time, and it's not hard to see why. It's a show that's stood the test of time, a testament to the power of laughter to bring us together.

So, the next time you find yourself quoting Del Boy or singing along to the theme tune, remember: it all started back in 1981. And isn't it about time you raised a glass to the Trotters? Cheers!