Steptoe and Son is a British sitcom that aired on BBC from 1962 to 1974. The show follows the lives of two rag-and-bone men, Albert Steptoe (played by Wilfrid Brambell) and his son Harold (played by Harry H. Corbett), who live and work together in a rundown house in London.
The series was created by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson, who had previously worked on other successful comedies such as Hancock’s Half Hour. Steptoe and Son was a groundbreaking show, as it was one of the first British sitcoms to feature working-class characters and tackle social issues such as poverty, class, and family dynamics.
The show was an instant success, and quickly became one of the most popular and beloved sitcoms in British television history. The characters of Albert and Harold Steptoe became iconic, and their catchphrases and mannerisms are still remembered and imitated today.
Throughout its twelve-year run, the show dealt with a range of topics, from the mundane (such as the daily struggles of the Steptoe’s rag-and-bone business) to the more serious (such as Albert’s declining health and Harold’s desire to break free from his father’s influence and start a new life).
Despite its popularity, the show was not without controversy. Some critics accused it of perpetuating negative stereotypes of working-class people, while others argued that it was a groundbreaking and important work of social commentary.
Today, Steptoe and Son is remembered as a classic of British television, and its influence can be seen in countless other comedies and sitcoms that have followed in its wake. The show’s legacy continues to be celebrated, and it remains a beloved and cherished part of British pop culture.