As Time Goes By (1992–2005) User Reviews (67)

This ages well

[safenoe · 9/10 · 17 February 2020]

I discovered As Time Goes By when visiting my parents and they tuned in to watch the one where Lionel and Jean go to Paris. I really enjoy watching As Time Goes By, and maybe it's because I'm getting older I guess. Some of the storylines have some real twists that one never really expects. All credit to Bob Larbey for writing every episode! Geoffrey Palmer and Judi Dench are superb, and I love seeing the London streets.

If you're into Fast and Furious or Hobbes and Shaw or that kind, then As Time Goes By ain't for you. But you're missing out on something worth savoring.

Viewing "As Time Goes By" is time well spent

[mlafontaine01 · 9/10 · 28 November 2008]

I can't remember exactly when I first became acquainted with Jean, Lionel, and the rest of their extended family. It doesn't matter. I thoroughly enjoy spending time with them whenever possible. As a matter of fact, I bought the entire DVD series, including the reunion specials, for myself as a personal Christmas present last year. So, whenever they're not on PBS, I have the option of popping in a DVD and catching up with old friends.

As many posters have mentioned, it's easy to spot the chemistry between Jean (Judi Dench) and Lionel (Geoffrey Palmer), whether it be a shared sideways glance, or Lionel/Geoffrey squeezing Jean's/Judi's shoulders as they stand together. The warmth and mutual admiration these two share is evident in the manner with which they interact.

Watching episodes of ATGB is, to me, like watching reruns of the M*A*S*H series. With each subsequent viewing I spot, or hear, something I hadn't noticed before. Yes, there are inconsistencies, or goofs, but I'm willing to overlook them in favor of the subtle comedy...Lionel's "Oh God" comment when Jean says something he dreads, the looks Jean gives Lionel when they spar with words, or their shared reaction to the 'townies' at the country barbecue.

The supporting cast of Judith (Moira Brooker), Sandy (Jenny Funnell), Alistair (Philip Bretherton), Rocky (Frank Middlemas), Madge (Joan Sims), Mrs. Bale, Penny and Stephen add to the mix and make it all the more enjoyable. I found Mrs. Flack a bit of an irritant, but enjoyed watching how Lionel dealt with her. Don't we all have a 'Mrs. Flack' in our lives?

By watching ATGB, I've developed a following for Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer. Thankfully, they appeared together in a couple of movies, most notably "Her Majesty, Mrs. Brown" and the James Bond movie "Tomorrow Never Dies"

gentle delight

[n-naqib · 8/10 · 27 March 2009]

"As Time Goes By" is heir to the finest tradition of British situation comedy: fully realised characters (Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer are terrific as the couple who find each other again in late middle age), scintillating dialogue, understated, witty humour and the kind of self deprecating irony that never spills over into bleakness or cynicism. And like another well-loved comedy, "Fraiser", it enshrines the bonds of family, always in the subtlest of ways. Add to that the pace (gentle and modulated) and the fine supporting cast and you have a show that is a delight to watch. It is also ultimately what it says it is -- a musing about time: time lost, time re-gained, and the power of memory.

As Time Goes By hits close to home.

[kandm718 · 7 February 2006]

I grew up with my wife as the 'girl next door', but our lives took different paths after HS graduation. Almost 35 years later we crossed paths and both were alone. Six months later we married and are approaching our 13th anniversary. We have seen every episode...many several times...and continue to laugh and cry together at so many of the situations. We really just wanted to let those responsible for such an outstanding production know how deeply they have affected our lives in a positive manner. We are indebted to the actors and all others who put this show together for bringing such an absolute joy and contentment into our lives.

Long-time TV watcher of American TV

[g_ann · 10/10 · 21 April 2008]

Someone said on the board here that Americans love this show because of the steady diet of slop the American television industry feeds us. That may well be true; I am almost 48 years old and have watched television since I was a child, with the exception of the early to late 80's, when I didn't own a TV (for obvious reasons).

Maybe if I grew up on BBC programs I wouldn't give "As Time Goes By" such high marks. But in my book, it is better than any comedy ever shown on forty years of American TV. Geoffrey Palmer and Judi Dench are the best couple in a comedy I have ever seen. They are funny, sexy, and believable.

My highest praise is this: It inspires me to higher ideals of personal behavior. These are honorable characters, in sometimes challenging situations, using grace, good humor, selflessness (sometimes) and good will to resolve their problems. Could this be why this show enjoys such a fervently adoring following? Because some of us would actually like to be give something to aim toward in our entertainment? Wouldn't be the worst thing.

My Favorite British Show

[tomhunter8 · 10/10 · 18 August 2007]

While my wife and I enjoy many British shows, this is by far our favorite. The characters are so likable, the dialogue so authentic and the ambiance so warm. The genuine care the characters share for each other is very refreshing. Not to mention the quality of the actors that bring it to life.

This show does not resort to site gags or lame one liners to get its laughs. It's a sitcom in the truest sense because it derives its humor from the situations the characters find themselves in. However, I believe the thing that really sets this series apart from all the others is the love, respect and dedication each character shows for one another. This is a good show about good people and it just doesn't get any better than that.

If there is such a thing as a perfect TV show, this is it.

We own the complete set on DVD and watch them as we sit down for dinner. I mean after all, who wouldn't want to have dinner with Lionel and Jean? Pass the custard tarts please.

Best sitcom ever!

[dotjames · 10/10 · 16 July 2001]

Charming, soft, slow-paced, believable, delightful. This is one sitcom which never jumps the shark. Dench and Palmer are excellent, of course, but so are the supporting players. (What a shock it must have been to each to have his/her agent call with good news/bad news: "You've got a continuing role in a sitcom, BUT you have to chew scenery with Dame Judi and Geoffrey Palmer.")

Former sweethearts Lionel Hardcastle and Jean Pargetter try to re-ignite the flame after 38 years of separation

[BeesKnees4444 · 10/10 · 6 July 2006]

Viewing "As Time Goes By" is like visiting with family and close friends. I feel comfortable sitting in their living room, tagging along to their country home in Hampshire or having dinner with them. It makes me think I've known Lionel and Jean (played by Geoffrey Palmer and Judi Dench) for a very long time. I empathize as they get their long-ago derailed romance back on track, grapple with retirement and groan with the aches and pains of aging. Family and friends, wry humor and upbeat resignation seem to get them through it all.

Moira Brooker as Jean's hopelessly romantic, twice-divorced daughter,Judith, Jenny Funnell as the ever-sensible Sandy and Philip Bretherton as Lionel's whipper-snapper publicist make up an excellent supporting cast. They keep their characters real without making them cliché. Judith is not ditzy, Sandy has a soft side and Alistair---hey, hey---you gotta love him. He shows his vulnerability often enough to redeem himself.

An Extreme Favorite!

[maxcellus46 · 10/10 · 28 February 2013]

How many shows on TV, and especially "sitcoms", of the last 15-20 years can you consider as being actually funny but also well written and intelligent? Not many by my count: about only two, "Seinfeld" and "As Time Goes By." I watch this series over and over again and never tire of the characters or the stories. A great performance happens when you forget that these are all actors performing and begin to follow and listen to them as real people. Advice from Spencer Tracy "Never act" and this cast does just that. They are so natural and the chemistry amongst them is so perfect, that you forget that you're watching a TV show and feel like you're privy to people's personal lives. And the stories and writing are superb! Nothing that's done or said just for a cheap quick laugh or gag but something that not only amuses but stimulates your brain as well without being "brainy." "As Time goes By" deserves, if hasn't already received, some sort of an award or testimonial to its brilliance. ALL of the cast/writers/directors/producer deserve a "Royal" recognition of some kind for their lovingly approach to this wonderful show! A major and heartfelt thanks to Jean/Judi Dench & Lionel/Geoffrey Palmer for their performances!!!

Why we Americans like this so much

[arturus · 10/10 · 7 December 2005]

I've just watched the "reunion" show, the newest episode of the series, made in early 2005. Judi Dench in an interview said that it was the enthusiasm of the American audience that convinced the cast and creators to continue the series.

And why? Why do we like, even love, this show so much? First, the deft, brilliant writing, the believable situations and character interactions. It's just that the laughs come from situations that all of us can recognize. He never will answer a ringing telephone, which drives her crazy; she just can't fill the dishwasher properly, in his opinion,and that drives him bananas. We recognize this in our own situations, our own relationships. And don't count out the romance, the idea that two people lose track of each other (it turns out, due to a misunderstanding!) and, after 38 years apart, fall in love all over again.

Don't misunderstand: this is a sex comedy, a sexy show! But it's not in your face, it's just presented as a delicious part of life.

Then of course it's the way British actors play comedy, always with style and panache, never going for cheap laughs, never overstated or self-indulgent. No smutty asides and improvisations, either, as "Method" trained American actors tend to do, on television, stage and film, when they try to play comedy. There's a wonderful sense of generosity in the playing, too: "We're doing this for YOU, the audience, not just for ourselves. Isn't it fun?"

The newest episodes introduced a new character and left the door open for further developments. I look forward to more!

Perfect Match

[ygwerin1 · 7/10 · 16 October 2018]

I particularly like this program, only partly because I tend to enjoy most shows that Geoffrey Palmer is in, and who can't appreciate seeing Judy Dench in anything? One of the things that I like about Geoffrey Palmer in his acting and the parts he plays, is that its nuanced, full of quirks and idiosyncrasies, above all nothing cloying or sentimental, if anything quite the opposite. Palmer and Dench work together very well gelling as a couple finding each other after so long apart. It's a nice easy going comedy, with a good good cross section of over lapping characters, all of whom fit together well to create likeable and realistic story lines. Personally there is a pleasing lack of sentimentality, that is one thing that I can't abide in any program, any sense of cloying emotional content. This is something that has too often marred my appreciation of TV programs and films.

a feel good comedy

[stormygail50 · 10/10 · 7 April 2009]

i found this to be one of my favourite series from the UK, and have enjoyed every minute. Judi drench and Geoffrey palmer are excellent together and compliment each others performances. it is hard to believe that they are not jean and Lionel. these shows have brought me hours of laughter, a few tears and a lot of warm fuzzy feelings. the entire cast was a work of art, they all seemed to fit so perfectly.

each character has so much to give the show, Lionel's father rocky and his wife Madge, Mrs. bale, Judy, sandy and Allister. penny and Stephen are a hoot, i love Stephen and how oblivious he is to what is going on around him and penny who has to do all the talking and tries to take control. this is a show that everyone should take the time to see, it offers hope to those who think romance and love are over at a certain age. these shows are so funny that i have my 23 yr. old son enjoying them too

if you get a chance to watch this show, DO IT!!

Sweet, funny little sitcom

[barbrickey17 · 7/10 · 12 August 2020]

I like this show because it's a sweet little, funny comedy. It's not too much to handle, it's beautiful and sometimes hilarious, it's the perfect show. Later on in the show there are some episodes that tend to drag a bit, or have weak storylines, but they are still very enjoyable. Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer never fail, they are perfect as their characters, and the chemistry they have is sweet and very natural. They are backed up by a stellar supporting cast, not just Judy and Alistair, but the actors who play Rocky and Madge are excellent, as with Sandy and the characters of Penny and Stephen are way too good, and you can't forget Mrs Bale, oh and Lol Ferris. Loads of characters to fall in love with, the storylines are always so beautifully written and so well done. I love this show very much because it's so calm, and such a relaxing show to watch at anytime with anyone. As Time Goes By is an underrated british sitcom, and it's so sweet and funny in it's own way, and it's very unique. Also, who wouldn't want to watch endless hours of Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer desperately trying to fall in love at their age, that sounds like the most wonderful thing.

Kind of whiny

[englishtnscones · 4/10 · 27 April 2014]

For a long time I really liked this series, but the more I watched it, I found myself tired of listening to Lionel. He's very whiny and doesn't seem to appreciate joy; actually a very negative character. For example, when Alistar is trying to cheerfully promote his mediocre book and make him a success, Lionel basically bucks him the whole way; as though he being dragged to fame kicking and screaming and complaining the whole time. It seemed as though all the characters were focused on cheering him up and it became exhausting to watch. I prefer other Britcoms to this one. For example, Red Dwarf, The IT Crowd, etc. I'm just find some characters in Britcoms quintessentially "British" or happy to be cynical and full of negative gloom. Cheer up mates! You won the war!

Wonderful Life

[cdelacroix1 · 21 August 2005]

My mother and I have watched this on PBS every Sunday night for the past several years. And we both absolutely love it. The characterizations are perfect, the characters credible and amiable, the dialog VERY well written, the entire series reliably funny and likable and just plain delightful.

My mother and I always say at the end of each episode something like this: "They're such nice people ... wouldn't it be wonderful if we could have them for neighbors?" How many characters in either movie or TV can that be said of? I can't find a rating opportunity for this one. Darn. I would give it a 9 out of 10.

Love the program, but I have a question

[CPImmanuel · 10/10 · 4 July 2006]

I love this program and watch it almost every night...I never get tired of it... WE have all the episodes on DVD including the reunion episode. I have several favorite scenes: Stephen saying "I am not a psychiatrist....That's Brilliant!!!"; Expressions on Lionel's face, Allister trying to figure out how Lionel could give Daisy a garter and get away with it,etc. The plot is so realistic to life, and it is easy to forget that what we see in the program is not a real family. All of them play their parts so well, and operate like a real family...including Alister, Sandy and Harry I. The second Harry is not in enough programs to integrate fully, but he plays the part well also. I do have a question though....What is a coropothist? (Spelling?) In some episodes I have heard Jean say something about a coropothist, but I have no idea who that is or what it means!

Romantic- uh- comedy doesn't fit for me...

[ctmccul1 · 10/10 · 27 October 2009]

I realize that this show is billed as a romantic-comedy, but I just can't quite put the comedy title on the show myself. Sure, I laugh hard at a lot of the show, but I can't believe a "comedy" would put tears in the eyes of an old man (and sometimes cause out-loud, though muffled, sobs to escape his lips! (Sometimes it is good that I watch TV alone.)) I am not quite sure what word should come after the "Romantic-" part.

I do believe that most of the quality of this show is centered directly on the actors (and maybe the Director). In many other shows these days, if there are characters in a scene that are just there to take up space and have no "active" part, the actor seems to have no idea how to play the part. If they react to the scene at all it is sometimes ahead of the dialog!

But in this show they always react to the scene appropriately. A glance in the right direction at the right time, a facial expression that matches the situation and does not occur until just the right amount of time AFTER the line being reacted to is delivered!

I hope this is not too much of a spoiler for anyone but, my favourite example of this "inactive part" acting is during the wedding scene. A couple of rows behind the happy couple is a woman that really seems to be only semi-interested in the wedding... I suppose she is a "business acquaintance" of Jean. When Lionel deliberately miss-announces his name, the reaction by this woman is priceless and in perfect relationship to the dialog. A few seconds later a man just in front of her and to the right also has the "correct" reaction to a piece of dialog. This typifies the quality of all the acting done on the show.

Excellent show!

One Of The Best Britcoms Ever!

[etodd-4 · 10/10 · 7 October 2013]

I'm from America and I absolutely LOVE As Time Goes By. I discovered the show on PBS, and was not at all interested at first, but I was drawn in by the endearing characters of the show. At first I had a hard time understanding the dialog because of the English accent, but after watching the show for years, I now understand every word that is spoken. I get a kick out of the different British idiom like "bell me", which in America we would say: Call me. Alistair Deacon is a riot! Always a fun character. At I love the straight laced Lionel, always trying to make sense of how women react and think. Jean is so spontaneous and and sweet. They play off of each other perfectly. I now have all of the episodes on DVD and I never tire of watching it, which I am quite sure that the show will always be a classic! I find that the series transcends all generations. I am 54 and my son is 32 and we both love the show.

I love the show....

[stanleybanjo · 10/10 · 25 May 2008]

and I am a 60 year old male,disabled Vietnam veteran residing in Estonia. I love the peace, and slow pace, of the plots and the love shared between all of the cast members. I watch this show every weekday of my life , Monday thru Friday, at 2pm, Estonian time, on BBC PRIME. Thank you very much BBC for producing such a delightful and loving show! and I especially thank Mr. Palmer and Ms. Dench for their excellent acting and beautiful love, and respect, for each other.There is a wonderful balance with the other characters and no filth and no social agendas, unlike on the often horrible USA TV shows. ( I have recently seen Ms. Dench in different movies and I must say, I always wonder when Lionel will appear on screen.)

One of the Best

[cockezville · 10/10 · 27 April 2021]

I always forget how much I loved this series until I watch it again Geoffrey Palmer and Judi Dench are wonderful together in this gem, their timing is impeccable. Love the supporting characters as well. Just a wonderfully written light comedy, not slapstick.

Great show!

[danvschaefer · 10/10 · 20 June 2008]

This is probably the most engaging comedy series ever made. Great dialog and acting. Perfect chemistry among the actors and fantastic locations in England. Lets put it this way, I have seen all the episodes at least 4 times each and still watch it when it comes on PBS. If it's on I will watch it again. I've followed the show since an episode where Jean and Lionel go to visit Lionel's father's estate and end up having to entertain the locals. I loved the concept of fish out of water city folks in the country. Then the next episode they were back in town and the whole story became clear and I was hooked, watching it again from the beginning to the latest episodes in 2005.

A strange mixture, even stranger adulation

[pawebster · 6/10 · 5 May 2007]

This series is OK. The amazing adulation it receives on IMDb from American viewers is mysterious, however. It think we must put it down to that famous American sentimentality (remember the Waltons, anyone?) and the roses-round-the-door England of their imaginations.

Dench and Palmer are extremely good, and would be good even if you just told them to read out the phone book. Their characters are realistic and believable, and they act in a naturalistic fashion. They and the two girls are almost the only cast members who do this, however.

Philip Bretherton seems miscast. Although he plays the part well, it always stands out a mile to me that he is very much acting against type. I think they needed someone just a little showier for the role. And let's face it, Alistair is not a realistic character.

When we get to Rocky and Madge and their world in the so-called 'country', we are suddenly on a completely different planet. Total overacting is the order of the day. It's as if we were seeing a drawing-room comedy on the London stage of a long bygone era, complete with voices designed to reach the back of the auditorium. The plot equally loses all touch with reality as soon as they and their coterie appear.

As for Aunt Penny, words fail me.

I am a "late-bloomer" but soooo glad I found this nice little program!

[suessanderson · 10/10 · 16 December 2006]

I actually just recently discovered this wonderfully entertaining program just this past year when they were running some sort of special about it during our local PBS' usual telethon deal.

They always seem to choose their programming VERY well during "their sweeps" (haha), but when I saw it, I couldn't believe that it had been on so many years and I had never seen it. Now, I have a continuous series recording of it via my DVR on the BBC-America channel here and I do NOT miss an episode. Just like the first lady commented above, regarding her husband...DO NOT TALK TO ME DURING "AS TIME GOES BY" OR ELSE!" :) Of course, I can rewind and such, but still....I'm sure all of you fans can understand why. You can miss a second of it and miss the best lines or jokes.

I love the entire cast, but I have to be honest here. I was never the largest Judi Dench fan. I liked her okay in movies and the like, but OMG...she is a GREAT COMEDIENNE! I actually like her comedy better than her dramatic works, but now, I appreciate those too, especially knowing her background, training, etc.

As far as "Lionel", the kind, loving and adorable husband...he reminds me of so many people, one of which being my father(except my father was a WW2 soldier:), that I just have an utter fondness for the man.

They are SOO convincing as a couple....it would not have surprised me if someone told me that they happened to be married in real-life, because their chemistry is just right-on.

As far as the rest of the cast, I really enjoy Alistair and then the girls, but the sister and bro-in-law, I believe their characters' names are Penny(Pen?) and Stephen maybe? They are a hoot. Then of course that older couple that I believe are friends of theirs. I can't recall their names as I have just started watching, but I'm learning. They were the couple that helped them in that episode where they donated their time to the "aged" and had a "tea party" for them at that meeting/ballroom where Alistair was the "DJ".

Oh gosh...I could go on forever, but guess what! The episodes running right now have all been from 97' and 98'....BUT...tonight, they are running one from 92' apparently before.....okay...I don't like to spoil things, but if any of you are reading this, you know WAY more than I do, so I am sure I haven't typed any spoilers. If I have, I apologize in advance.

Anyhow, this show is probably one of my all-time faves of programs-any genre, and I am so glad I found it. KUDOS to all of you britties and your lovely talents.

Did not age well....

[elizabethblackwellID · 6/10 · 26 March 2023]

I loved this series in the 90s. I was in my twenties and found it comforting and amusing. Watching it 30 years later I wonder why I didn't find it disturbing.

The mother's boyfriend hits on the daughter, the daughter's boyfriend hits on the mother and every older man on the show makes mildly to very creepy comments about young women. The daughter clearly has some kind of granddaddy weirdness in that she flirts with her stepfather and dates a series of elderly men.

The Lionel character is so curmudgeonly he's inexplicably rude to nearly all the nice reasonable people with whom he comes in contact. The Jean character, who runs a modestly successful typist temp agency and carries on as though she's running the NHS, is rude and imperious to her staff, discriminatory to her temps and seems to be operating on 80s tech.

The 35-year-old daughter and her friend move into the mother's place and never leave. 8 seasons later both are still boyfriend-less and both working in the same dismal temp agency in which the mother, long past retirement age, still interferes.

Fantastically, both the daughter and her friend are still hopeful of happy marriages and children and the show pretends that this is still possible for these, now, middle-aged women.

The daughter is shrewish and endlessly complaining and, as the series progresses, becomes chubbier and more matronly. Her on/off boyfriend, who is written like a cartoon character, is a playboy with a very successful business. We are expected to believe that he has been pining for this unpleasant, portly lump for ten years. Unlikely.

Add to this a series of silly, poorly written characters who I assume are to pass for English eccentrics. A sister-in-law and her long-suffering idiot husband and a gardener character are all fantastically well written and acted. The rest of the eccentrics are cartoonish and unbelievable. English actors acting as Americans are woefully bad.

There's a bit of a mean streak that runs through the series narrative. Every person with which the couple becomes involved is either an idiot or weird or are something to be mocked. Weirdly, none of the four members of the household seem to have any friends outside of the four.

Does not Age Well

[wisewebwoman · 2/10 · 10 July 2021]

In the early 90s when this series was first released I would have given it maybe a 7. Most of that for the character of Alistair who seemed the only lively one of the whole bunch. Including Judi whom I have long admired.

Judi comes across as a harridan and busybody poking her nose where it doesn't belong. Everywhere. She's mean and petty.

Lionel is peevish and complaining and I wonder why he sticks with her..

I don't know what they see in each other.

The script focuses on relationships and gets a bit creepy with Alastair trying to make it with Judi originally. More creepy with Lionel ogling the women and actually dating Judi's daughter before he recognizes Judi herself.

No progression of characters whatsoever.

It jumped the shark really quickly on the original premise which had great possibilities.

2/10.