About this season
Nearest and Dearest is a British television sitcom that ran from 1968 to 1973. A total of 46 episodes were made, 18 in monochrome and 28 in colour. The series, produced by Granada Television for ITV, was set in Colne, Lancashire, in the North West of England. Nellie and Eli Pledge may be siblings, but their personalities are polar opposites. If not for inheritance, they would never even think of becoming business partners for five years.
Episodes (7)
1. What Seems to Be the Trouble?
Aired 9 October 1969 • 30 min
Nellie takes Eli to the doctor, who is far more interested in Nellie's behaviour than in Eli's cough.
2. The Birds and the Bees
Aired 16 October 1969 • 30 min
Nellie and Eli agree to look after their teenage nephew Nigel, who Nellie believes it's time he learns the goings-on of the birds and the bees.
3. Get Up Them Stairs
Aired 23 October 1969 • 30 min
When Lily discovers that she and Walter aren't legally married, Nellie takes it upon herself to put matters right.
4. The Power Behind the Throne
Aired 30 October 1969 • 30 min
Eli installs an executive toilet in the factory and faces industrial action as a result.
5. Getting to Know You
Aired 6 November 1969 • 30 min
Eli plans an away weekend and Nellie wants to decorate the cellar, but an error strands the siblings together.
6. Two Pennies to Rub Together
Aired 13 November 1969 • 30 min
With growing competition, the factory faces closure, leaving Eli and Nellie penniless, starving, and staffless.
7. The Ghost of Picklers Past
Aired 26 December 1969 • 30 min
Boxing Day in the Pledge house: Lily and Walter join Nellie and Eli in a seance.