Still Open All Hours (2013–2019) User Reviews

Granville returns

[Prismark10 · 7/10 · 18 January 2014]

The final series of Open all Hours was broadcast in 1985 when it also got its largest audience. Two years later Ronnie Barker retired from show business.

After the failure of The Royal Bodyguard, David Jason has gone back to one of his past comedy vehicles while writer Roy Clarke is hoping to recapture his past magic. That seemed to have been frittered away in endless recycling of plots in the latter years of The Last of the Summer Wine.

Here we have an older Granville never having flown the nest with his youthful dreams. He has taken over his uncle's shop and also inherited his uncle's miserly traits.

Assisting him is his more wayward son who was abandoned by his mother. So in a bit of role reversal, Granville has become Arkwright. Fans of the late Ronnie Barker will have to make do with a large picture of Arkwright who David Jason talks to.

This one off was largely a series of sketches with a host of guest stars popping in and some of the older cast members as well. So you have one of the Chuckle brothers, Nina Wadia, Johnny Vegas and old stalwarts such as Maggie Ollerenshaw, Stephanie Cole and Lynda Baron.

The episode was one of the highest rated shows at Christmas 2013 and a regular series followed.

Unfortunately writer Roy Clarke who is in his 80s set his word processor in Auto Recycle mode when the new episodes followed!

Just a copy of Open all hours

[debbieobrien · 5/10 · 14 February 2020]

Why did the writers make Granville exactly like Arkwright, Granville wouldnt be like that he was carefree, he was the complete oppersite to his uncle, they even made him look like him just without a stutter, it might as well just have been called Open all hours again, just a shame they didnt write for Granville instead of Arkwright

Still open

[studioAT · 6/10 · 5 January 2014]

Like I'm sure a lot of Open All Hours fans I was dubious about this revival,but it is reassuring to see it hasn't been something that has been just cobbled together to fill a slot in the Christmas schedules - Still Open All Hours not only stands up as strongly as the original but also begs the questions as to why this sort of comedy isn't on our screens more regularly.

Yes, it's not all perfect and some of the jokes don't do a lot for me (though the studio audience seem to get them) but with the great Sir David Jason back as Granville (but with a hint of Arkwright) and the welcome sight of some old faces combined with the lovely gentle humour of Roy Clarke's writing I see no reason why this show shouldn't return for a full series. Stay open a bit longer Granville.

Brilliant

[Munstrum_Ridcully · 27 December 2013]

Terrific revival of the classic sitcom, with much the same cast, a plausible follow up scenario and the same gentle but genuinely funny sense of humour. Roy Clarke has lost none of his genius for turning a good line in to a killer joke, simply by tailoring his humour to the character and actor's strengths. Sir David Jason, ages the character of Granville to perfection and in doing so gives us a whole new insight in to why his Uncle was the way he was, by putting the pathos at a perfect pitch, never straying in to sentimentality. The new character of Leroy, is a modern equivalent of the Granville of old who much to his father's chagrin has everything he would have wished for in his youth. The father's half hearted attempts to "slow the lad down" only really serve to show how much he loves his boy as there is none of the genuine meanness of Arkwright senior behind the plans. All in all this demonstrates admirably how modern comedy has lost it's way, by showing HOW TO DO IT PROPERLY.

Sunday teatime telly.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 6/10 · 14 January 2016]

As a lifelong fan of the original series I was delighted when they announced this was being made. I can't lie and say I find it scream out loud humour, but it is funny enough, it's the kind of show that fills the void left by Last of the Summer Wine. A nice floaty light, humorous show to have chicken sandwiches and cheesecake while watching. It has glimpses of the original magic, there are times when it's quite funny, the true laughs come from the original cast members, Lynda Baron and Stephanie Cole are still great. Maggie Ollerenshaw still manages to inject a bit of magic as Mavis.

I think the first episode remains the funniest, since then we've had a few duffs, and a few good ones, it's one of those shows I'm glad is still on.

It's watchable enough, but it's massively missing Ronnie Barker. 6/10

Series 7

[joshuafrith-46810 · 10/10 · 7 February 2020]

Is there going to be a season 7 of still Open All Hours I want to know what happens with Leroy and Beth please, please please please continue.

Missed Opportunity

[bob-1135 · 3/10 · 22 April 2017]

Roy Clarke had a chance here to write another winner, unfortunately he chose to simply re-hash the original. What was needed was a completely new approach. How about Granville inheriting a fortune from his mysterious father who actually was a Hungarian count, and starting a string of supermarkets and finding himself up against Arkwrights son by Nurse Gladys , who has inherited the corner shop. This series is a very pale copy of the brilliant original.

Endearing!

[lovesmylhasa · 10/10 · 22 June 2018]

This show is as enchanting as the original open all hours. We all miss arkwright but this cast is fabulous! Dont let negative reviews stop you from enjoying a wonderful show! I couldnt love it more!! Im so sick of shows with violence and foul language, this is a welcome oasis! Thank you to all involved with this show!

About as funny as watching a rat eat your leg...

[enochsneed · 1/10 · 15 January 2018]

...which was a form of medieval torture. This has now been brought into the modern era by 'updating' a classic sitcom. The word 'updating' is in quotation marks for a reason - the setting may be the 2010's, but the scripts are determinedly dated. Where Ronnie Barker reigned supreme as the t-t-t-tur-tightfisted Arkwright, we have nephew Granville in charge, a Granville who has ditched his dreams and settled for being a grasping shopkeeper like his uncle.

This really is pitiful stuff. As another reviewer has said, the programme seems to be trying to re-capture 'Last of the Summer Wine' territory (a staple of Sunday night on BBC1 from the year dot). So we have a cast of familiar but much older faces filling the roles of Northern stereotypes and caricatures - battleaxe women versus feckless, lazy or ineffectual men. I know actors have to eat, but surely they can read, too? I can only point to the 'Memorable Quotes' section here as evidence for the dire, forced quality of this show.

It seems appropriate Ronnie Barker's portrait scowls from the wall of the back room of his beloved shop. He must be thinking about his legacy being destroyed by this junk.

Granville turns into Arkwright!

[Rabical-91 · 8/10 · 14 August 2017]

The tail end of 2013 saw three of Britain's best loved sitcoms being revived - 'Rab C. Nesbitt', 'Birds Of A Feather' and 'Open All Hours'. The nation was initially in doubt when a remake of 'Open All Hours' was put to the BBC. My initial dread was relieved somewhat though when I learned that some of the original cast would be involved and that Roy Clarke would be providing the scripts. On Boxing Day 2013, a pilot entitled 'Still Open All Hours' went out on BBC1 and, contrary to all expectations, it was a ratings success.

Albert Arkwright has died and his nephew Granville has inherited the shop, as well as his tight-fistedness and knack for conning his customers. Working as his lackey is his illegitimate son Leroy, who came about as the result of a one-night stand in Blackpool. Leroy has the same relationship with his father as his father had with Arkwright, though Leroy seems to have more success with the opposite sex than Granville. Some of the original gang are still around such as the now retired Nurse Gladys Emmanuel ( Lynda Baron ), Stephanie Cole's Mrs. Featherstone ( a.k.a The Black Widow ) who seems to have softened with age as is evident by her apparent crush on Granville and Maggie Ollrenshaw ( looking better than she did in the original series ) as Mavis whose indecisiveness has not improved over the years. New characters include Wet Eric and his fiery wife Kath ( Johnny Vegas and the gorgeous Sally Lindsay ), the long suffering Gastric ( Tim Healy ), Mavis' over-protective sister Madge ( Brigit Forsyth ), gullible Cyril ( Kulvinder Ghir ) and fluttery Mrs. Hussein ( Nina Wadia ).

And, of course, ever present is the over-aggressive cash register ( the very same one used in the original series ).

David Jason is nowhere near as impressive as Barker was in the title role but then I don't think Jason was even trying to be better than his predecessor, for a start Clarke wisely chose not to have Granville inherit Arkwright's stammer. Had he tried so, the result would have been frightful. That said, he still managed to bring the same likability to his character. James Baxter was annoying as Leroy but all the same his presence was still needed. The original surviving cast members still haven't lost the knack either. Of all the new characters, my favourite was Johnny Vegas' Wet Eric whose relationship with his fearsome wife was hilarious.

Whilst unsurprisingly never comparing in terms of popularity with the original, 'Still Open All Hours' was amusing and well enough received to run to a decent three series. Another wise movie was the retaining of Ronnie Hazelhurst's brilliant theme tune.

Terrible series based on one of the best

[darrenhutchison · 1/10 · 18 December 2018]

I have tried a few times to like it, but i just can't. I love David Jason, but it's just such a terrible series. One thing that really boils my blood is the transformation of granville. Somehow Granville has turned into Arkwright, even though Granville was absolutely the opposite when he was younger. Let's face it, not even the great David Jason can step into Ronnie barkers shoes, but to try to keep the tight-fisted owner alive by making us believe Granville, the lovely dreamer with high hopes could morph into his horrible uncle is just plain ridiculous. This is probably the main thing I hate about the series, but then again, they did alllow Johnny Vegas on the series. Tim Healy I can live with, but his character development is quite frankly stupid. Vegas though, is utterly terrible. Why is he acting like an old man when he's quite clearly in his forties? Also the black widow is now after granville?? That's just weird. She was after his uncle before and wouldn't even be served by granville, now she's trying to bed him??? Who comes up with this crap. Let it go folks, it's dead already.

Great British comedy

[bazmuz1946 · 2 May 2014]

I am from Oz and have been a fan of Ronnie Barker and David Jason in man if not most of their respective series. I find British humor the best the yanks would not know how to make comedy, yes some is just passable but most is great, Open all hours was a very matter of fact comedy and I have seen every episode, I love it as do many Australians (who have a sense of humor). The rehash is great, I do not agree with the previous comments, written by a cretin obviously, this is funny and especially if you can relate to the old characters, I found it so very entertaining I could watch as many episodes as they make, keep it going, Jason is great as are the old characters they brought back, I will be disappointed if no more are made as you have definitely whet my appetite, go British comedy never let it die, and David Jason well done, from 'Only fools and horses' to 'Frost', you were great and still are.....

Awesome!!

[riley_b7 · 10/10 · 1 December 2015]

I don't know why some of you think this is insulting! Although it's a spin off from the original you have to see it as an entity all its own. David keeps Ronnie's character alive with the great photo and periodic stammer. A lot of the original cast is back joined by many fantastic newcomers. To you naysayers I say nay! This is an excellent show with many funny and warm moments. The old hand eating cash register is still having a go at Granville and the bosomy nurse Gladys still pays a visit. What more do you need?! The British have always been the masters of situation comedy and this is apparent in this show. Don't let the comments steer you away. This show is definitely worth watching. Great job!

The magic is largely drained out of this

[ian-199-126642 · 4/10 · 30 December 2014]

The original show was brilliant. Mrs and me have watched and re- watched episodes down the years and still have time for them.

The problem is not so much that the humour is dated. The 'dated' humour of the originals works very well for us and most recent stuff leaves us cold. We can watch Miranda Hart for hours and never smile once. We can watch Dad's Army, Blackadder, Porridge, Fawlty Towers and Open All Hours repeatedly and just keep laughing and loving them.

No, the problem is that Ronnie Barker has gone. He was a comic genius that lifted Open All Hours out of the ordinary, along with the fantastic cast around him and the strong interplay of characters of which he was the hub.

David Jason may or may not be in quite the same class as Ronnie, but he certainly has class and does a great job of being an older Arkwright-like Granville. The trouble starts with Granville's son, who seems to be a characterless non-entity who doesn't function as a comic foil and counterweight in the way that Granville played on near equal terms against Arkwright.

Nurse Gladys has been reduced to an appendage, since the 'relationship' with Arkwright is no longer there to give the part its special place. Nice to see her again, but what's she for now?

And I'm afraid I keep smelling whiffs of Last of the Summer Wine in the dialogue and run of casting.

Still, if enough people like this new incarnation, then it justifies itself, but it isn't the jewel that it was.

Retains a lot of the charm of the original and is consistently funny as well

[jimbo-53-186511 · 8/10 · 2 February 2015]

Like many other people I was a little bit concerned when I heard that there was going to be a revival of Open All Hours. I wondered how well the premise would work in the modern age of supermarkets and online shopping. I also couldn't imagine it working without the great Ronnie Barker. But have no fear because with Roy Clarke still writing it, it's still proving to be a winning formula.

I mentioned that it retains a lot of the charm of the original and that's mostly because many of the characters from the original series have returned for this new series; we have Mavis, Mrs (Delphine) Featherstone & Nurse Gladys. I think it's great that Roy Clarke has retained so many of the original characters, but what I also think is great is that he has actually expanded on some of the original characters (Mrs Featherstone's character shift is probably the most surprising, but for this very reason it also made her one of the best and funniest characters in this new series). Mavis' character is perhaps a little less dizzy in this new series, but again we still get a few laughs from her character. Writing Nurse Gladys back into the new series was clearly the biggest challenge for Clarke as she was an integral part of the story in the original (as Arkwright's fiancée). In this new series, without Barker, she did feel like a bit of a spare part in this at times. Having said that, Clarke still manages to get a few laughs from her character so it's not a major criticism.

Clarke also introduces some new characters including Gastric, Eric & Cyril. Although sometimes we get a sense of 'deja vu' with their characters (they have certain traits of some of the original characters). Clarke still makes these characters funny in their own right and like the characters in the original series they are endearing and likable and they all have a certain charm and warmth about them.

It was always going to be a big ask for even a great comedy actor such as David Jason to fill the shoes of the arguably greater Ronnie Barker - this is something he does admirably and whilst I don't think he's quite as good, he comes damn close. Baxter is good as Granville's put upon son (he effectively is the new Granville). Whilst Baxter does a good job, he isn't as interesting as Granville was in the original series - Granville had a sort of quirky weirdness about him which made him a fun and interesting character on his own. Leroy isn't a particularly strong character, but again he was still funny and his interplay with David Jason was a joy to watch. Perhaps Leroy's character will expand and develop if they do another series - I really hope to god that they do!!!!

One of the things I loved the most about this series were the scenes where Granville was discussing Arkwright and talking to his picture; I'm assuming that Clarke wrote these scenes into the series more obviously for laughter, but I also thought that it was a really nice way to show a bit of homage and respect to the late Ronnie Barker - that really is what I call classy writing.

In some ways, that's why I thought that the last episode of the series was the best as not only was it laugh out loud funny, but it also felt that it showcased how much respect Clarke had for Ronnie Barker.

Whilst Still Open All Hours isn't quite as funny as the original (there are some sub plots that don't really go anywhere) it is a very funny series and it is much better than I expected it to be. If you loved the original series then you won't be disappointed. Roll on Series 2 hopefully....

Painfully bad and outdated

[tonygriffiths-56991 · 1/10 · 28 July 2017]

Has there ever been a more deserving example of pay per view? Shockingly unfunny... Script from the 70s..canned laughter... Oh, did I mention shockingly unfunny. Trip over the cucumber - cue hysterical laughter... Spare me this absolute garbage. David Jason, hang your head. What absolute tosh

Stands up excellently in its own right

[andrewpeel-11060 · 8/10 · 22 October 2018]

The very idea that David Jason could star in a 3 or 4 star series for several seasons is itself a joke. This is an excellent Brit comedy series the type of humour which is simply lost on some countries and possibly more recent generations.

Very, very poor.

[john-70-690278 · 3/10 · 31 December 2014]

Once upon a time, there was a brilliant television series called "Open All Hours". It starred the great Ronnie Barker, ably supported by David Jason and numerous other fine performers.

Sadly, Ronnie Barker is no longer with us but the BBC, in its infinite wisdom and using licence payers' hard earned money. has decided to resurrect the programme under the title "Still Open All Hours". David Jason is still present, taking the place of Arkwright, the shopkeeper previously played by Barker, but who has now died. Jason's character, Granville, is supported by his son, Leroy, and a mixed bag of others, some of whom were in the originals and some of whom are newcomers. Mostly, the oldies now seem too old and largely irrelevant while the newcomers simply appear to be have little to offer.

The 2 programmes to date, a special broadcast at Christmas 2013 and the first of a new series shown on Boxing Day, have been pretty awful. Shockingly poor scripts, rehashed story-lines, and a lot of very uncomfortable looking actors. This is a truly disappointing offering. The original was an example of great television comedy, brilliantly written and performed. This revisiting of an old favourite simply doesn't work on any level and why David Jason agreed to do it has to be one of the mysteries of the age, along with why the BBC has paid good money for it. I certainly won't be wasting any more of my time watching it.

Good Family Entertainment, suitable for all.

[dorothy-kazer · 10/10 · 26 January 2015]

I have thoroughly enjoyed each episode, and am only sorry that the series has ended. Please BBC can we have more. Can we see how Granville and his lady love are getting on? It is good northern humour and suitable for family viewing; something very rare these days. Sir David Jason as always is a delight to see as are Nurse Gladys, the black widow, and Mavis. I was glad to see they have kept the till as I am sure that Arkwright is. All praise to Roy Clarke for his wonderful scripts. I miss "Last of the Summer Wine" and "Keeping Up Appearances", but this latest offering is a joy to see. Could he please bring Hyacinth back, and her Royal Doulton with the hand-painted periwinkles. MORE MORE MORE MORE PLEASE.

Should shut up shop for good!

[via-helena · 1/10 · 29 November 2019]

What utter drivel, atrocious and as funny as Jimmy Savile in an orphanage. Arkwright would be spinning in his grave.

Every one of the stellar cast of respected and accomplished British luvvies who appears in this monstrosity is sullying their legacy.

Awkwardly dated and episodic – even nostalgia and festive cheer aren't enough to help it

[bob the moo · 21 January 2014]

The overfed comatose state that comes with overindulging at Christmas tends to provide some cover for television specials that maybe wouldn't get away with it during the rest of the year. Still Open All Hours was screened during this period and just at a glance it seemed like it just the type of thing that needs that festive goodwill. Out of curiosity I decided to give it a go but unfortunately I do not think I would ever have had enough festive cheer for this to work. This special sees Granville now running Arkwight's corner store, with his lad Leroy filling the errand boy role. During the normal working day we see the colorful locals coming and going while Granville uses some old Arkwright trickery to shift a load of fish paste.

I did used to watch Open All Hours many years ago and I remember doing so more than once, so I must have enjoyed it but this rehashed special makes me doubt whether it was actually any good or not, because this 30 minute special certainly wasn't. The episodic nature of the show means we have locals coming and going and preventing any flow in the writing. On top of this the focus is on throwbacks and references to the original series, whether they work or not. Mostly the comedy is very dated which I guess comes with the territory but isn't really an excuse; it all seems very stiff and awkward as well. I think I laughed twice in 30 minutes, and those laughs were more chuckles than anything else – a Chuckle Brother being pulled around by a dog got me and the Johnny Vegas about "solo trumpet". Luckily the canned audience track had a much better time than I did – although their laughter at almost nothing and their "awww-ing" over a dog just reminded me that I wasn't making any noise.

The cast features a lot of faces and names; Jason is so-so, he overworks his lines as if the audience is slow and he really doesn't have the material anyway. Baxter's delivery is pretty poor and seems to be hamming it up a bit, perhaps assuming that this makes whatever he does funnier. Cole, Vegas, Williams and others all provide side characters and also contribute to the fragmented feel to the show. Maybe you have enough nostalgia to laugh because of what they are referencing (as opposed to laughing at the reference, which I think was the goal) but for me this was a pretty awkward and dated 30 minutes with a couple of chuckles amid a sea of poor writing and even festive cheer and nostalgia aren't enough to make me forgiving enough for this to work.

Almost Holds Up Against the Original

[dna100 · 8/10 · 21 October 2018]

So it isn't Open All Hours but it is a pretty good homage to it. Some may hate it because it isn't the original but for me it holds pretty true to the original, keeping to the cheesy spirit. The cast, some original, some new do a good job. Having enjoyed the original, I'm enjoying this too.

Time to close?

[ygwerin1 · 5/10 · 28 October 2018]

Open All Hours still stands as one of my favourite TV comedy shows. I had never really been interested in even checking out the rerun series. And I can't believe that its actually run now for 5 series. Curiosity however finally got the better of me, and I have now seen a couple of episodes. I can't believe that David Jason is trying to emulate Ronnie Barker, in his portrayal of the mature Granville. But it's like a rerun of their original dynamic, with Granville acting towards the young assistant, as Arkwright had towards him. I hope this is not the case, as with the best will in the world, David Jason is no Ronnie Barker. In the rerun we have some of the same characters from the original series. Granville of course, with Wavy Mavis, as uncertain as ever. And the Black Widow as predatory as ever, now with a glint in her eye for Granville. I can't really speak that much of the rerun as I have not watched that many episodes. But here goes anyway, it seems to have become something of a Mecca for comedy actors. With a range from the older through to the younger, that I can't help but recognise. It always makes for an entertaining view for someone my age, in remembering actors, and what they have appeared in. But this hardly compensates for what should be there anyway, and its not to my mind as funny as the original. Even the peerless Roy Clark has his work cut out, to hope to emulate his previous success.

Simply awesome!

[lovesmylhasa · 10/10 · 12 January 2019]

We all miss arkwright but this beloved cast delivers! Ill never tire of this show! I love it!!

insulting

[digdog-785-717538 · 4/10 · 3 January 2015]

My mom used to say, "don't write film reviews when you are angry" and oh boy, she was right.

So, with a calm head, beckons the question: what on earth made them think this was worth filming.

Still Open is a pretend-60s com..ermm.. no its not a comedy. If it were, they wouldn't need to use a laugh track to tell me where i'm supposed to laugh, as i'd be doing my own laughing.

Oh, they wish they were The Two Ronnies, but they are dreaming. Not only the cast isn't up to snuff, but the material is dreadful. I'd forgive them (maybe even enjoy) if there was some sound writing, but the lack of the aforementioned, added to the insult of the laugh track telling me "that was a joke we just said, you were supposed to laugh" is just unforgivable.

Anyway, thats enough typing for this pile of rubbish; rest of the review: "Dont watch it, it's awful."

My vote: 4/10 - Penguins Of Madagascar is 100x better