Storyline

This comedy series, which follows the exploits of employees at London's fictional "Grace Brothers" department store, is full of sexual innuendo, slapstick, visual gags, and double entendres. Much of the show's humor parodies Britain's class system, and many of the show's characters are based on stereotypes of the period, including the effeminate Mr. Humphries and the rich, but stingy, store owner.

First Aired

1972-09-08
Last Aired

1985-04-01
Creator

David Croft
Genre

Comedy
Seasons

10
Episodes

69
Status

Ended
Language

English
Network

BBC One

Keywords:

department store camp sitcom workplace comedy

Stream and watch Are You Being Served?

Season 1

Season 2

Season 3

Season 4

Season 5

Season 6

Season 7

Season 8

Season 9

Season 10

1. Are You Being Served? (Pilot)

A reorganization within the store forces the staff of the gentlemen's ready-to-wear department to shar...More

A reorganization within the store forces the staff of the gentlemen's ready-to-wear department to share their floor space with the Ladies' Department. Mrs. Slocombe, head of the Ladies, and Mr. Grainger, head of the Gents, immediately come to loggerheads over control of the center floor display. Mr. Grainger refuses to take down his trousers and put Mrs. Slocombe's underwear in its place. Undaunted, she goes over his head to Captain Peacock, and then to Mr. Rumbold.Less

30mins 1972-09-08

2. Dear Sexy Knickers...

Mr. Lucas attempts to send Miss Brahms a love letter suggesting an after-work "get it together". Conf...More

Mr. Lucas attempts to send Miss Brahms a love letter suggesting an after-work "get it together". Confusion on who sent the letter and to whom it was intended sets the stage for a lot of misunderstanding. There's also the customers to contend with and Mr. Lucas has a devil of a time fitting them into clothing.Less

30mins 1973-03-21

3. Our Figures Are Slipping

The Department figures have taken a dive and so Mr. Rumbold decides to convene a sales conference amon...More

The Department figures have taken a dive and so Mr. Rumbold decides to convene a sales conference amongst the staff. Since the meeting is taking place after hours and off the clock, no one is very motivated to provide any solutions. If something isn't done, someone might lose their job, and that someone is clearly Mr. Lucas.Less

30mins 1973-03-28

4. Camping In

A transport strike leaves the staff stranded at the store, so Young Mr. Grace offers to let them spend...More

A transport strike leaves the staff stranded at the store, so Young Mr. Grace offers to let them spend the night on the floor. Tents are set up, but Mr. Lucas has trouble keeping his up. A "campfire" sing along leads to talk of the last World War and the experiences some of them had.Less

30mins 1973-04-04

5. His and Hers

Mr. Grainger's trousers are missing, along with the central display. The staff learns that the space ...More

Mr. Grainger's trousers are missing, along with the central display. The staff learns that the space was freed up for the "His & Hers" fragrance display. Mrs. Slocombe is outraged that they went her to take down her underwear and put perfume there in its place. The glamorous salesgirl causes stirrings in the trouser department. When it's discovered that free stockings and ties are given out with every scent purchase, both departments formulate a plan to oust the intruder.Less

30mins 1973-04-11

6. Diamonds Are a Man's Best Friend

It's pay day at Grace Brothers and the staff realize that their money just doesn't go very far. An o...More

It's pay day at Grace Brothers and the staff realize that their money just doesn't go very far. An opportunity for a bonus arises when a customer loses a diamond and offers a £100 reward. Greed gets the better of everyone, except Mr. Grainger, and soon they're conspiring behind each others backs. Mr. Mash throws a wrench in the search after he damages a jeweled dress, causing a multitude of "diamonds" within the department.Less