Overview

• The BBC Two sitcom debuted on September 19, 1975, introducing John Cleese’s Basil alongside Prunella Scales, Andrew Sachs and Connie Booth.
• After a West End run, Cleese’s two-hour stage adaptation—drawn from The Hotel Inspector, The Germans and Communication Problems—tours the UK later this month.
• The series comprised two six-episode runs in 1975 and 1979, a brevity the writers maintained to preserve quality.
• It won the BAFTA for best scripted comedy in 1976 following growing audience popularity.
• Half a century on, it continues to top best-of lists and holds a 100% Rotten Tomatoes score.