Only Fools and Horses has been dubbed the “greatest British sitcom of all time”, but after viewing it for the first time, I’d argue it’s the worst.
Since its debut in 1981, the show has been celebrated as one of the country’s most cherished programmes. (Just ask any middle-aged bloke!).
As to why the show, which produced 10 series and 16 Christmas specials, has gathered a devoted fan base, I’m clueless. Despite my family members spending countless hours engrossed in the show, I’ve never watched a single minute of it.
Even though the programme hasn’t aired for over 20 years, it seems impossible to escape. A few channel surfs and you’re bound to stumble upon a man named Del Boy and his brother Rodney, reports .
So, in the spirit of good journalism, I decided to sit down and watch it. With a cuppa in hand, I fired up the inaugural episode on my television and reluctantly hit play – and let’s just say I wish I hadn’t.
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I watched the BBC sitcom for the first time (Image: BBC)
Immediately, I found myself rolling my eyes (and not because of the grainy quality and cheesy theme tune). Within moments, the characters are spouting off offensive sexist and racist comments.
*Cilla Black voice* surprise supriiiiseeeee!
After watching a black man on the TV, the grandad character struggles to pronounce his name correctly. Moreover, after arguing with Rodney, it’s revealed that they are actually discussing another black man.
The offensive remarks just don’t stop. After being waited on by a barmaid, Del Boy refers to her dismissively as an “old dog”.
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I found it offensive so switched off (Image: Getty Images)
Shortly afterwards, Rodney makes an insensitive comment about a woman, calling her “some Chinese tart.” To which Del Boy chimes in: “Chinese, Japanese, it’s all the same to me.”
I can almost understand that this was from another era, where such remarks were tossed around thoughtlessly. Yet, one wonders why they needed to be said at all.
Why couldn’t they have poked fun at Rodney’s hairstyle? Or mocked Del Boy for his short stature? Why aim the punchline at a minority group?
One scene left me disgusted (Image: BBC)
However, it was during episode five of series six that I witnessed what could possibly be one of the most disgusting moments on television.
In a scene set in the hospital, Del Boy expresses his unfounded concern that he has contracted AIDS from his homosexual hairdresser… Seriously?! Although the illness isn’t named directly, it’s blatantly obvious what he’s implying as he speaks to Rodney about his experience.
Del Boy recounts a visit to a unisex salon, saying: “I went in there last month for a trim, expecting one of the attractive ladies in mini skirts… and who ends up cutting my hair? Some guy named Jason!”
The show has been dubbed the ‘greatest British sitcom of all time’ (Image: BBC)
Rodney points out that Del Boy is blaming someone without any basis, and reassures him that getting the disease from a comb is highly improbable. But the tactless laughter playing in the background only amplifies the distaste of the scene.
I’ve had enough of watching. It feels like I’ve just sat through an awkward conversation between 60 year old men, the type who assert they “can’t be racist because their neighbour is black”. You know the sort.
While many viewers (somehow?) leave with a grin after watching Only Fools and Horses, for me it was quite the contrary. Let’s hope there are no plans for a comeback, right?