Keeping Up Appearances (1990–1995) User Reviews (99)

And all Richard wanted was a quiet life . . .

[IridescentTranquility · 9/10 · 13 February 2006]

Poor Richard Bucket. You know what he thinks of his home life right at the start of the series. Now old enough to retire, the long-suffering husband of the woman who makes such a show of her "Royal Doulton with the hand-painted periwinkles" would get on his knees and clean the carpets in his old workplace if it meant he could spend more time away from Hyacinth.

Hyacinth Bucket ("that's Bouquet . . . B-U-C-K-E-T") is a woman possessed. She'll stop at nothing to propel herself up the social ladder. She'll spend the weekend in a country cottage that isn't big enough to turn around in if it makes her look a bit more upwardly mobile. What with the unseen Sheridan constantly on the phone for more money that his father can't afford to give him or bothering Elizabeth next door to join her for coffee in ten minutes, Hyacinth certainly has her life worked out. And everyone else's, for that matter.

What I particularly like is everything that holds Hyacinth back. Her sister Violet has a swimming pool, sauna and room for a pony (I've seen Keeping Up Appearances so many times I can rattle that one off without thinking) and a cross-dressing husband named Bruce. Her other sister Rose is possibly two steps away from being a prostitute - she's always got at least three men on the go and doesn't know what to do with any of them - and lives in what Hyacinth would consider squalor with the fourth sister, Daisy, and Daisy's carefree slob of a husband Onslow. I always love it when Daisy tries to get a bit romantic with Onslow and he just thinks she's mad.

At least Violet and Bruce, and Daisy and Rose and Onslow have the compensation of living far away from Hyacinth. Poor Elizabeth next door has had her nerves shattered by Hyacinth's glass-shattering voice (which has often led poor Liz to shatter several dozen pieces of Hyacinth's crockery) and her brother Emmet vents his frustration out on his piano. One wonderful scene when Hyacinth volunteers to help at the church hall sees Richard, Onslow, Emmet and Michael the Vicar hiding in the basement in the dark as they try to fix the electrics. Everyone needs a place to hide from Hyacinth.

This is Britain's Best EVER!

[Midsomerlover · 8/10 · 13 April 2007]

Keeping Up Appearances has always been a personal favorite of mine. It has everything a good comedy needs: catch phrases, good stories, classic plots, extraordinary characters,... The actors are all first class and especially Patricia Routledge, who plays Hyacinth, is outstanding. I mean, has an actress ever been so good in playing her role? I don't think so.

The series also have a 'happy atmosphere' around them. From the first minute, when you see Hyacinth appear dusting her books, it almost makes you laugh immediately. She can say 'The Bouquet Residence, Lady of the house speaking' 1000 times, it still makes you laugh. And apart from those many catch phrases and some predictable stories it feels so 'real'. They drink real coffee, when she cleans her thee pot it is actually filled with real hot water, ... I bet thousands of people have such a neighbor like Hyacinth.

This is the only good comedy of the '90, absolutely. Brilliant television filled with all sorts of comedy: dry, subtle, physical,... They can make as many sitcoms as they want, not any will ever come near 'Keeping Up Appearances'. Congratulations to Roy Clarke, Patricia Routledge, Clive Swift and the rest of the cast & crew who made this a wonderful series.

"This is not the Chinese restaurant. This is a residential number and you are speaking to the lady of the house on a white, slim line telephone with last number redial facility!" BRILLIANT! I LOVE KEEPING UP APPEARANCES!

I wish you'd smile more when you're gardening, Richard

[ahopefulhobbit · 8/10 · 21 January 2020]

My parents watched this show when I was a kid and I distinctly remember thinking how sad it was that adults found this funny. I guess I grew into my own worst nightmare, because this show is a good laugh

Outstanding entertainment

[tpendleton · 9 March 2005]

I've been watching this British comedy for about 10 years now; first on PBS and then recently on BBS. I'm sure I've seen all 44 episodes; most of them more than once; some of them three times or more. And I've never gotten bored with a single one. It's true that some of the plots were pretty much repeated over and over. But, still, watching Hyacinth, Richard, Daisy, Onslow, and all the others always gave me a chuckle. I've seen them so many times now that I feel I know each character personally. I wish I could have attended one of Hyancith's candlelight suppers, or spent an afternoon watching TV with Onslow, or gone for an afternoon drive with Hyancith and Richard. It would have been a scream. Situation comedies, British or American, don't get much better than "Keeping Up Appearances".

Funniest woman on the planet

[crazyanimals · 10/10 · 19 November 2006]

I have been watching "KuA" faithfully for a few years now. I have to say that Great Britain has produced the two best actors in recorded history: Ricky Gervais,of "The Office," and this wonderful lady. I apologize ahead of time to all of Lucille Ball's fans,but in my opinion,for what it's worth,there is no comparison between the two women. "Hyacinth" wins hands down.I never tire of her voice,or her physical comedy.Just tonight I was watching an episode,and actually choked on my drink because I was laughing so hard. Thank you BBCA,for airing this show daily. I understand Ms. Routledge is a national treasure in England,as well she should be. I only wish she was appearing in new episodes...it would have been interesting to see how Hyacinth changed,if at all.I simply adore her,and poor Richard,too. All of the regular actors who appear on the show are marvelous.I intend to buy every DVD set or single special episode of the series.

Very Funny!

[frncsbrennan · 10/10 · 9 September 2010]

This series is perhaps the funniest I have ever seen. Patricia Routledge (Hyacinth Bucket) is brilliant (to use a British phrase.) She is not only that-but darn hilarious. The supporting cast matches her along way. Geoffry Hughes is great as Onslow, who plays Hyacinth's slob brother-in-law who can care less about every and anything. And then there is Daisy, his desperate wife and Hyacinth's sister, who is desperate to get Onslow to show some interest in her. And then there is the man crazy sister Rose (Mary Millar) who will do anything to get a man and to swear off them of them as well (including donating her undies to Charity.) And, of course, there's Hyacinth's poor suffering husband Richard and her neighbor, Elizabeth, who is so nervous in Hyacinth's presence that she continually breaks Hyacinth's Periwinkle China every time she is asked (forced to)come to tea. This is a hilarious series, every episode is enjoyable.

Quick Richard, it might be someone important!

[kclambeth · 10/10 · 7 May 2007]

Definitely one of my favourite sitcoms, Keeping up appearances is funny because of it's characters rather than its jokes.

Hyacinth Bucket (Pronounced Bou-kay) is a middle class snob who lives with her long suffering husband Richard. Patricia Routledge is perfectly cast as Hyacinth and really makes the part her own, her facial expressions are hilarious, especially when she blinks her eyes erratically when something catastrophic has happened (Mainly her brother in law Onslow in a dirty vest) and she loves to sing.

The supporting cast are crucial to make Hyacinth appear even worse, she annoys them like mad but they can't tell her how they feel, she never listens. sister Daisy and bro in law Onslow are the opposite of Hyacinth, slobby and lazy and her sister Rose in her hotpants loves all the men in the area.

Elizabeth and her brother Emmet are the terrified next door neighbours, Elizabeth can't be in Hyacinth's company without breaking the bone china and Emmet will do anything to avoid Mrs. Bou-kay.

As he puts it:

"She'll sing at me"

I also like the local vicar (The one Hyacinth dies to impress) he calls her the bucket woman!

This programme is a simple idea that works, it doesn't give us weeks of wonderful, trivial plot lines, it's pretty much the same; Hyacinth tries to impress someone important but her plans ate thwarted by her Daddy or Daisy or Onslow, but this is why it's funny. People are the same as they were last week and the more we watch the character's eccentricities the more we grow to love them. it's great to see how Hyacinth will react in the situations she's placed in.

Overall it never lost its spark and even though it finished a while back it still brings a smile to my face.

Outstanding British comedy at its best

[garyrawlings-1 · 10/10 · 4 March 2007]

Hyacinth Bucket, or should I say, "Bouqet", is one of TV's greatest ladies. Patricia Routledge plays the part extremely well, allowing us to enter middle-Britain every time we tune in.

Keeping Up Appearances is truly delightfully written. With a talented cast; each episode unfolds into another problem for Hyacinth and her family. Her estranged son Sheriden, who never appears on screen is her true treasure. She is so proud of him and his achievements but is forever missing the signs that he is doing a drama and arts course and living with another man. Hilarious! Hyacinth's ever so hard efforts to climb the social ladder are so funny. Each and every episode she is trying to better herself and her long-loving and long-suffering husband, Richard.

The essence of the programme is how different from Hyacinth her two sisters are. Rose and Daisy, from the nearby council estate give Hyacinth nothing but grief and embarrassment! From their old Ford Cortina parked on the driveway on bricks, with a dog on the back seat to Rose's new man, Hyacinth is forever worried about what the upper classes will think of her.

Excellent script writing makes the on-screen chemistry between Hyacinth and her family truly remarkable. I love the true British style to this comedy drama. There's a Hyacinth in every village and that's what makes it so funny to watch.

An outstanding programme, with good and very good acting throughout. Well done to all those associated with Keeping Up Appearance.

Dry yet funny

[bg11215 · 6/10 · 19 November 2013]

After reading some other reviews which criticize this show, I agree that the writing is at times trite and repetitive to the point of being downright tiresome after one or two episodes. But no sooner do I roll my eyes and think "is this the best the writer could come up with?", Hyacinth does something that makes me laugh out loud--like when she climbs a wall in a stranger's back yard, or is in the back of a parked truck when the driver gets in and drives off, leaving a frantic Hyacinth trying to get his attention (to no avail), or gets drunk off gooseberry wine ("wooseberry gine", as she puts it).

So yes, the writing of this show is often dull and repetitive, an yes Hyacinth Bucket drives everyone around her absolutely crazy, but despite this, there's something eminently likable about her, endearing even. As an American, the British sense of humor seems quite dry and restrained by comparison. But once you immerse yourself in that world, you see how hysterical some of her antics can be. I guess Hyacinth Bucket is Britain's answer to Lucille Ball. It's definitely worth checking out this show!

Fun With The English Class System!

[vintageTVaddict · 10/10 · 9 February 2008]

Hyacinth Bucket was a first class snob and a great eccentric. She came from an eccentric family - lazy Daisy and her passion for philosophising layabout husband Onslow; rampant Rose - always seeking Mr Right, or Mr Anybody; Daddy - well past the height of his mental powers; and Violet - married to a cross-dressing turf accountant.

Hyacinth's adored son, Sheridan, was never seen on screen, but it was established that the lad was very much his mother's son! Why did long-suffering husband Richard and neighbours Liz and Emmett put up with Hyacinth? Wherever she went, she caused chaos in her endless pursuit of a refined and elegant existence.

This is the most English of comedies: on the island of Britain, no nation takes class more seriously than England - and this series also demonstrates the wonderful ability of the English to laugh at their own peculiarities.

A wonderful series - and one of the last truly great English sitcoms.

Classic British Comedy

[Ruskington · 7/10 · 11 September 2020]

I loved watching this show back in the early 90s. It's as wonderfully English as you could hope for and the cast are great. Patricia Routledge makes the show what it is but Clive Swift is the perfect complement to her and deserves enormous credit.

My main problem with the show is that it stayed within the same formula from start to finish. After a dozen or so episodes it becomes very predictable and loses it's edge. It's not a massive problem as the formula is clearly a success, plus back in those days we had to wait a week for a new episode so it managed to stay a bit fresher. However, much like Last of the Summer Wine, the lack of differentiation holds the show back a little bit and it doesn't reach the heights of One Foot in the Grave or other classic sitcoms from the era.

A piece of British history and a fine example of what comedy should be.

[extremesteamkeys · 10/10 · 24 April 2019]

Keeping Up Appearances is quite simply my most favourite television program of all time. Bar none. Writer Roy Clarke has taken his enormous talent, which he exhibited throughout 'The Last of The Summer Wine' and amplified it 10-fold.

It's the only show I've ever watched in it's entirety well over 20 times, and still I find it absolutely hilarious. I make a point of re-watching it at least once per year, and it has been a staple in my TV diet since I was an adolescent. (I'm 33 Now).

Some people, particularly those not fond of British Class-based humour may find it dull and boring, but for those of us that love this style of comedy this is the epitome of entertainment.

To say I love the show would be a severe understatement, and I don't make this claim lightly - if a show is bad, I say so - this isn't - it's brilliantly written and performed with perfect comic timing.

The only downside is there just isn't enough episodes - because for me, even if there was 1000 I don't think I could ever grow tired of "The Bucket Woman's" antics.

Patricia Routledge and Clive Swift are amazing actors and the supporting cast do more than provide justice for this ranking as absolute all-time number one.

Now if you don't mind, I must go and answer my phone...it'll be my Sheridan of course...I can tell by the psychic pain between my shoulder blades :p

Very funny sitcom

[DavidYZ · 7/10 · 1 May 2017]

This BBC sitcom is about a pretentious middle-class suburban woman who is from an underclass background. She pretends to be cultured and sophisticated - and desperately tries to impress various people.

She is frequently embarrassed by her family, including her senile father, lazy slob brother-in-law Onslow, slutty sister Rose, cross-dressing brother-in- law Bruce and polyamorous niece Stephanie.

Overdone

[bigverybadtom · 2/10 · 2 September 2013]

This is a series about a social-climbing woman named Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced "bouquet") and her long-suffering husband and neighbors. The show's humor is based on how Hyacinth goes into temper tantrums, or is oblivious to other people's feelings, or puffs herself up about important she is, or soon will be.

Patricia Loughridge is a talented actress, but her role is awful. She is artificial and extremely annoying, and I could imagine anyone around her wanting to avoid her like the plague. One could compare her with Lucille Ball of the "I Love Lucy" show, but Ball wasn't quite so irritating, and her family and neighbors had quirks of their own. Here everyone's character is simply a reaction to how Hyacinth is and what she does.

Some people may find "annoying protagonist" sitcoms funny; this wasn't the case for me.

Funnier than America's current sitcoms

[davilbr · 12 July 2005]

My wife and I discovered "Keeping up appearances" several years ago on PBS and we've been hooked ever since. As many times as we watch it, we never tire of Hyacinth's relentless efforts to climb the social latter within the backdrop of her less-than-classy family. KUA is certainly funnier than any sitcom produced in America today. The humor is an excellent mixture of traditional brit, old-fashioned slapstick and numerous sight gags and with facial expressions that are often more telling than dialogue. Patricia Routledge is the greatest comedic actress since Lucille Ball and couldn't possibly be more realistic in this hilarious role. She and her supporting cast lend such an element of realism to the show, one is almost tempted to look outside to see if they may be lurking next door! kudos and cheers to the Brits for this classic.

So many good lines

[ddsteg · 10/10 · 29 July 2018]

Everyone knows a "Hyacinth."

I would like to know who played Stephanie, daughter of Daisy and Onslow. When Hyacinth was dressing for the Baptism, she said " what kind of a name is Kylie for a Christian person? It sounds like a foreign vegetable!" Stephanie had two boyfriends, each of which thought he was the father.

A Funny British Classic

[Celeste_1977 · 10/10 · 24 March 2021]

I've watched this tv series during my childhood on PBS, it was very amusing and very funny. The stereotypes can make you laugh, and some very funny moments - usually when Hyacinth is up to something (and it goes wrong or there's a faux pas) or when she visits her siblings. It is always funny to watch.

THE STORY OF MY OWN OIK PSEUDO-MIDDLE-CLASS UPBRINGING !

[alleywayambush · 10/10 · 20 February 2018]

For me, hilarious as it was, this show wasn't even a laughing matter ! When I was growing up, this is EXACTLY what my mother was like; a working-class oik desperately trying to 'better' herself, not realizing everyone could see straight through it like an open book ! (Funnily enough she's from suburban Northampton where this was shot; no coincidence in my opinion !) As her son, I know exactly how Richard felt in this show; a persistent mascot of a non-existing social sector, tormented with demands of 'perfection' and 'superiority'! I mean, in the same way Mrs. bucket pronounces brochure 'broshere' and expects people to be convinced she's the aristocracy, my parents bought some second-hand Dorchester Hotel glasses - think the 'D' logo with laurel wreath - and thought people would mistake them for the (non-existent) family Crest ! (My surname is Ducker)

Anyway, enough about myself, that Patricia Routledge was superb as arrogant Mrs. Bucket, while Mary Millar, Judy Cornwell (think Mrs. Claus in Santa Claus Movie !) + Geoffrey Hughes were brilliant as the oik slob relatives ! The banal suburban setting reflected the reality of the socio-cultural orientation perfectly ! The humour at worst mediocre, but at best BLOODY HYSTERICAL ! ! They don't make this sort of comedy anymore, but thankfully I believe it still bets repeats on UK TV !

Towers over all

[robertspaul-99548 · 10/10 · 28 May 2018]

Certainly one of the best ever sitcoms. No matter how many time one watches this show, there will always be that moment when you fall about in humorous agony. Laughs from the start - never stopping til end of closing credits. Definitely the greatest 90's tv comedy. All American shows pale in comparison. Dad's Army was the 60's top British comedy and KUA rightly holds the 90's crown. The cast is perfect, love or hate them.

5 years of it?

[myspecialparadise · 6/10 · 21 September 2013]

The first year was funny. The second year was funny. By the middle of the third year I was ready to put this woman out of everyone's misery! The show is no "Are You Being Served!" Basically, some poor writing/scripting.

The "Bucket" name/joke is done to death. The biggest problem with that is ... no Priest is going to continue calling the woman "Mrs. Bucket" when she's corrected him a thousand times already! No business is going to put up with a man constantly getting calls from his wife during meetings! Actually, the show should have been called "The Onslow Show", because the happening around this guy, brother-in-law to Hyacinth, were actually funny! Which, I assume, is why they had Onslow (Geoffrey Hughes) do the final segments of the series! I do have the DVD set and I am glad I bought the set, and watched it. But I doubt it will be watched a second time. However, never say never!

excellent

[farvardin · 10/10 · 7 February 2008]

A shake of laughter with ingredients of class and comedy. An excellent choice of TV series for all members of family. Talented actresses and actors, interesting and smart scripts. All series have been directed and shot very well. Patricia Routledge as Hyacinth Bucket performs natural in a stylish comedy way bringing laughter to all ages audience. Clive Swift as Richard, Judy Cornwell as Daisy, Geoffrey Hughes as Onslow, Josephine Tewson as Elizabeth, Mary Miller as Rose, and David Griffin as Emmet are all inseparable ingredients to this family oriented television series. The forty three episode between 1990 to 1995 each has its own fresh and charming appeal.

Don't "Binge" It

[jamison0601 · 7/10 · 10 June 2020]

We always have a 30 minute comedy on hand to fill in gaps when it's too late, or we don't have time for a longer show. Yes..we watch a lot of TV. After taking over a year to watch every episode of MASH, we turned to Keeping Up. The first three seasons are so great. The casting and acting are perfect. Patricia Routledge can speak volumes with just an eyebrow raise or lip twitch! Especially on the phone. She picked up the torch from Bob Newhart when it comes to hilarious one-sided phone "conversations". The problem with binging is that it is easy to pickup the common repetitiveness of situations and dialogue. This isn't talking about the great "catch phrases", such as how Hyacinth describes Violet. After so many times, that one still makes me chuckle. But basic dialogue is very repetitive. Something we may not pick up on if we weren't watching it almost daily. By season 4, I was ready to give up. Hyacinth's silly perfectionism turns into delusional cruelty. What was fairly smart and cute comedy turned very slapstick and annoying. I would have loved to see Richard, Elizabeth and the Vicar have more of a backbone. That being said, the genius of Patricia Routledge really shows in the last two seasons because she is SO good at being awful that it makes you yell at the TV for Elizabeth to finally freak out, trash Hyacinths kitchen, and storm out in a rage. Overall...It's impossible not to enjoy the show. It truly is perfectly cast. Each actor owns their character and are all lovable in their own right. Patricia Routledge is a force of comedic nature, but ironically her character is my least favorite! The characters become familiar and comforting to see each episode. Great one-liners, even the recurring ones. Onslo's dog in the car never gets old. Speaking of Onslo...he owns the greatest line of the entire series...be sure to catch his last line with Hyacinth as they dance on the QE2! Keeping Up is classic, very British television. Enjoy...but maybe not binge!

Absolutely Hysterical!

[Sylviastel · 10/10 · 28 March 1999]

This show is Britain's greatest export since Faulty Towers. Patricia Routledge is truly a great physical comedienne to the like of Lucille Ball. Her character, Hyacinth, is one of a kind creation by Harold Snoad. He deserves all the kudos for creating a show with such intelligent humor about the class and family. Clive Swift compliments Routledge as her long suffering husband who takes orders from his wife. Why? She doesn't listen to anyone. Her neighbors, Elizabeth, have understood her. Elizabeth is terrified of spilling coffee in her friend's kitchen or living room. She is so nervous of ruining her friend's table. Not that Hyacinth makes a fuss about it. She'll only say "we were thinking of getting another table anyway." Emmett, Elizabeth's brother who runs the local operatic society and plays the piano. Hyacinth believes her voice is great enough to belong but rather break glass and cause him to hide from her. She believes he has a crush on her. Did I mention her sisters, Daisy, Violet, and Rose. Violet is the wealthiest sister with a cross-dressing husband who shapes ice in the form of naked ladies. Rose has been with almost every married man in town. She wears mini skirts to the disapproval of her big sister, Hyacinth. Daisy is the married sister with a strong sexual drive and a bone idle lazy sloppy husband, Onslow, who prefers to drink beer and watch racing on the tele. They live to the embarrassment of Hyacinth. She says "50 years after the blitz...what do the garbage men know what to take." Rose, Daisy, Onslow and Daddy all live together with a broken car sitting in front of the yard and a dog living in it. Daddy is senile and a dirty old man. He is picked up by Richard at a department store wearing a spacesuit one day while Hyacinth ditches the Councillor Nugent. Daddy says little but he is always going back to the war. He digs trenches in the yard and the commands the house. He even becomes a naturist or nudist. He goes after women all the time. He likes Mrs. Zbygn, a Polish immigrant who speaks no English. Why? He says there's something mysterious about her. Hyacinth tells a huge dog that he can't sit in front of her house. "Go. You can't stay here. Go." Hyacinth experiences with a horse aren't much better. Watch this show!!!

Totally repetitive but LOVE PAT ROUTLIDGE

[lopezpatricia-06139 · 6/10 · 9 September 2020]

Patricia Routlidge makes this comedy 100% however Rose's romantic with a string of Mr so and so and Onslow's character is a little weak. But binge watching this after all these years alerted me to the fact that each episode is a carbon copy of the last: Hyacinth plans a social occasion that ultimately crashes and burns when the brash part of her family turns up at the nick of time to spoil her delusional doo.

Every episode is the same!

[mdf-87936 · 3/10 · 2 January 2021]

There are many dull and unfunny sitcoms out there, but Keeping Up Appearances ranks among the dullest and unfunniest of the lot. It's also the most predictable as well.

Let me briefly summarize what to expect from each and every episode:

First) The postman approaches Hyacinth's front door. He quietly attempts to place the mail in the door slot; only to be confronted by her to be asked if her mail is more important than others on his route. Second) We cut to her neighbors house to see the man peeking out the window worried if she will spot him. The neighbor woman also has a fear that Hyacinth will invite her over for tea. Will she be able to finally decline the offer? Of course not, yet it's usually a main point of every episode. Third) Hyacinth receives a phone call from her son. No need to hear what he says, because Hyacinth repeats every word he tells her. Fourth) Cut to Hyacinth's sisters house where we see Daisy and her husband Onslow sitting on the couch watching TV. In comes her other sister Rose to discuss either the new man in her life or what crazy incident happened to their father. Fifth) The neighbor lady comes over for tea (I know, I'm as shocked as you). Hyacinth offers her tea and biscuits, but the neighbor is nervous and shaky.... wackiness ensues. Sixth) Her husband has to drive her somewhere. She's constantly telling him how to drive and what to do if they were to run into anyone she feels the need to impress. It usually includes a man falling off a bicycle as they pass him by. Seventh) She winds up running into her sisters somewhere in public. In a vain attempt to get rid of them to try and avoid embarrassment, she ends up making a fool of herself in front of the person or people she tried to impress. The show ends with her running down the sidewalk. Oh yeah, I nearly forgot. She's called "Bucket" numerous times throughout each episode. Only to give the offending party a stern look until they correctly call her "Bouquet". Her actual last name is Bucket....ha ha! Hilarious! You can expect that gag at least half a dozen times per show.

There. No need to waste your time. I've just summarized the entire series for you. If you wish to see for yourself go right ahead. But you've been warned.