20 Best British TV Comedy Characters Of All Time

Porridge took a heavy setting of prison and added both humour and humanity to the story. Unlike other sitcoms which rely on slapstick or misunderstandings, this particular show is character driven and looks closely at the journey of Norman Stanley Fletcher. Serving a five-year prison sentence, Fletcher strives to bide his time and keep his nose out of making his record worse.

The sitcom greatly resonated with audiences because Ronnie Barker was more than a comedian but a great actor who knew how to bring depth and layers to the lead character. Fletcher has quick wit and cunning skills to make imprisonment easier. Even the facial expressions and mannerisms of Barker’s performance are well remembered because of their great comedic timing.

Fletcher may have a tough exterior but inwardly is a man who boasts a big heart, showing a great brotherly nature to his cellmate Lennie Godber (Richard Beckinsale). The two actors are an example of opposites attract as they display great on-screen chemistry - each line of dialogue bouncing off each other.

Ronnie Barker has gone done in history as a legendary comedian and his role in Porridge is a defining reason why.