This is an episode list of the British sitcom Steptoe and Son. All episodes were originally shown on what is now known as BBC One, although the station was simply called BBC Television until April 1964 when BBC2 began broadcasting (between the third and fourth series). Dates shown are the original broadcast dates. Series 1–4 were produced in black and white, and series 5–8 in colour. However, the series 5 episodes, and all but two of series 6, only survive in black and white.
Series 1–6 were produced and directed by Duncan Wood, series 7 by John Howard Davies (apart from "Divided We Stand" which was directed by David Croft as Davies was ill), the 1973 Christmas Special by Graeme Muir, and series 8 and 1974 Christmas Special by Douglas Argent (with "The Seven Steptoerai" being co-directed by Mike Crisp). All episodes were written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson. As of 2023 the entire run (including the pilot episode that was shown as part of the "Comedy Playhouse" series) has been broadcast and repeated on the "That's TV" channel - although the Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) frequently mislabels episodes.
Series overview
Episodes
Series 1 (1962)
Series 2 (1963)
Series 3 (1964)
Series 3 would see the highest recorded audience viewing figures, with the episode The Lodger being watched by 21.54 million.
Series 4 (1965) The first series where the creator's names came before the actor's name in the opening titles but still saying "By Alan Simpson and Ray Galton"
Series 5 (1970) Produced in colour, but all currently exist only in black and white. Now with the "By Ray Galton and Alan Simpson" byline at the beginning.
Series 6 (1970) Second series produced in colour. With two episodes excepted (indicated), this series now exists only in black and white.
Series 7 (1972) Produced in colour. This is the first series to survive completely in colour.
Christmas Special (1973)
Series 8 (1974)
Christmas Special (1974)
Sketches part of other shows Christmas Night with the Stars Christmas Night with the Stars was screened annually on Christmas night when the top stars of the BBC appeared in short versions, typically five to ten minutes; The programme ran from 1958 to 1972 and Steptoe & Son appeared twice in 1962 and 1967.
However the 1962 Christmas segment no longer exists. Only sequences from the 1967 Christmas segment remain and still exist on the original film in the archives. An audio recording for the 1967 sketch exists.
Royal Variety Performance The Royal Variety Performance is a variety show held annually to raise money for the Royal Variety Charity consisting family entertainment that includes comedy, music, dance, magic and other speciality acts. It is attended by senior members of British royalty. The 1963 edition included a Steptoe and Son sketch and was broadcast on ITV on 10 November 1963. The audio of this sketch was also released by Pye Records. A film recording of this sketch exists.
The Ken Dodd Show The Ken Dodd Show was a variety show presented by Ken Dodd broadcast live from Blackpool. This July 1966 edition featured a Steptoe and Son sketch. A film recording of this sketch exists.
Radio series Between 1966 and 1976, 52 episodes of Steptoe and Son were adapted for radio; these were remakes of the TV episodes specifically tailored for a radio audience (not TV soundtrack recordings). Series 1 & 2 were broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in 1966 and 1967. Series 3–6 and a final Christmas Special were broadcast on BBC Radio 2 between 1971 and 1976. All radio episodes produced by Bobby Jaye.
Series 1 (1966)
Series 2 (1967)
Series 3 (1971)
Series 4 (1972)
Series 5 (1974)
Series 6 (1976)
Christmas special (1976)
Films (1972–73) Two spin-off films were released in 1972 and 1973.
Records
Steptoe and Son Pye/Golden Guinea (GGL 0217), 1963, with new audio recordings produced by Gale Pedrick: Side A The Bird Side B "The Gentle Art of Totting" - extract from The Diploma "Choppers for Sale" - extract from The Economist The Holiday - condensed version
More Junk from Steptoe and Son Pye/Golden Guinea (GGL 0278), 1964, with new audio recordings produced by Gale Pedrick: Side A The Stepmother Side B The Musical Evening
Steptoe and Son Ride Again Pye/Golden Guinea (GGL 0465), 1970, with new audio recordings: Side A The Joys of Smoking - adapted from T.B. or Not T.B.? Side B A Pregnant Situation - adapted from Steptoe and Son – and Son!
Other
When Steptoe Met Son (2002) Title First broadcast Notes When Steptoe Met Son 20 August 2002 Documentary about the personal lives of Harry H. Corbett & Wilfrid Brambell.
The Curse of Steptoe (2008) Title First broadcast Notes The Curse of Steptoe 19 March 2008 Television play about the relationship between Wilfrid Brambell and Harry H. Corbett.
Steptoe and Son in Murder at Oil Drum Lane (2005) Title Notes Steptoe and Son in Murder at Oil Drum Lane Stage play that brings the Steptoe saga to an end.
Notes
References
External links