Reasons Why Only Fools and Horses is the Best 80s Comedy

If there has been one constant the past few weeks, the ongoing pandemic lock-down has taken TV binge-watching to new levels. This has not only helped take stressed minds off of the steady stream of bad news, it has also led to the re-visitation of old TV treasures. Among these is a legendary series from the BBC, known as Only Fools and Horses, which stands out as perhaps the best comedy of all time. But an argument can be made that in the decade during which it was born, it certainly tops its competition.

And during the 80s, the competition for comedy excellence was solid! Imagine being put up against US television classics that include such legends as Cheers, Growing Pains or Family Ties. The pressure to compete versus hilarious UK programs like Yes Minister, Blackadder or Bread is stiff. And, what about Canadian TV gold like Check it Out? Actually, scratch that last one…

No question the period between 1979 and 1990 was a great one for TV hilarity. But, for any refined comedy-watcher, Only Fools and Horses is the undisputed leader of its genre during the 1980s. The show that regaled viewers with French-speaking market stall trader Del-Boy Trotter, his politically-savvy brother Rodney, master-chef of a grandfather and war veteran Uncle Albert (alongside various wacky friends) truly ruled the airwaves, for reasons that can be categorized in the 5 following buckets:

• It encapsulated what was happening in the 80s – from the moment that the show kicked off, not only were Del, Rodney, Grandad and Uncle Albert providing us with moments of levity, they were also responding to what were contemporary events of the time. This ranged from reacting to Cold War anxiety by building a nuclear bomb-shelter on the roof of their tower block (named Nelson Mandela House, aptly referencing the anti-apartheid struggle of the period) to Del-Boy’s embracing of late-80s success culture, replete with his ever-present FiloFax and a bad dose of the Yuppie Flu. Sadly, a common theme throughout the first few series was the extent to which economic events were hurting people across the UK. 
• It embraced the music of the time – any serious watcher of Only Fools and Horses will delight in the various musical references in many of its episodes, which provide a glimpse into the top artists of the decade. Who will forget hearing West End Girls on Denzel’s boombox during To Hull and Back and seeing Rodney carry his Duran Duran Rio LP into his latest girlfriend’s apartment? Or, the mashup medley of early 80s gems at the disco during Go West Young Man? Fans of 80s music were well looked-after when they watched Only Fools and Horses.
• It had the fashion down pat – styles in the 1980s ranged from the sublime to the ridiculous in the 80s, and these were reflected on the screens of Only Fools and Horses viewers. Who will forget Del’s late-80s Gordon Gekko red braces or Rodney’s perennial skinny leather tie? These were complemented by Mickey Pearce’s trilby hat and Trigger’s aqua-marine double-breasted suit. Only in the 80s…
• Christmas specials – it may sound nostalgic but television truly does not produce TV Christmas specials anymore like what was found in the 1980s. And Only Fools and Horses had these episodes down to a science. Whether it was tales of lost love (Diamonds are for Heather), poorly cooked turkey (Christmas Crackers) or family upheaval (Thicker Than Water), you could always count on a sentimental tear and a good laugh during Only Fools and Horses’ yuletide specials.
• Optimism – Encapsulating that sense of positivity that reigned in the 1980s, no matter what the challenge, Del Boy, the glue that held the show together, was always convinced better days were just around the corner. His mantra, ‘at this time next year, we’ll be millionaires’ carried the show through until that day actually arrived (in 1996, of all years). Del never gave up hope, and no matter how wild his schemes, the public loved him for it. Any wonder Only Fools and Horses was voted the best loved sitcom in UK history?

Luckily, Only Fools and Horses lives on streaming TV options the world over and is readily found on DVD through various e-commerce ordering sites. If you haven’t seen it in a while, take the time to relive some great memories. If you have never seen it, book off a weekend and prepare to laugh like never before. And, if you are a real fan, stay at the Only Fools and Horses themed hotel in Peckham!