About this season
On the Buses is a British comedy series created by Ronald Wolfe and Ronald Chesney, broadcast in the United Kingdom from 1969 to 1973. The writers' previous successes with The Rag Trade and Meet the Wife were for the BBC, but the corporation rejected On the Buses, not seeing much comedy potential in a bus depot as a setting. The comedy partnership turned to a friend, Frank Muir, Head of Entertainment at London Weekend Television, who loved the idea; the show was accepted and despite a poor critical reception became a hit with viewers.
Episodes (13)
1. First Aid
Aired 2 January 1970 • 30 min
Blakey decides that all the Bus Crews, including Stan and Jack, must pass a first aid course .
2. The Cistern
Aired 9 January 1970 • 30 min
A noisy cistern in the Butler household is just the start of the troubles. Buying a new loo isn't the problem, it's how to get it home from the shop!
3. The Inspector's Niece
Aired 16 January 1970 • 30 min
Sally is the Inspector's niece and is put on Stan's bus as the new clippie. How will Stan cope with her Uncle Blakey watching?
4. Brew It Yourself
Aired 23 January 1970 • 30 min
Stan plans on brewing his own beer to save money. Trouble is, once he's tested it, he also goes back to work, where Blakey spots him and notices he's drunk. So when Blakey pulls Stan in for a breath test, it's up to Jack to find a way for him to pass the test without being caught.
5. Busman's Perks
Aired 30 January 1970 • 30 min
Arthur and Olive's bedroom needs decorating, so the Butlers decide to paint the room the same colour as the Luxton Town and District Buses to save money.
6. The Snake
Aired 6 February 1970 • 30 min
A social night at the depot by the overseas busmen's club invites everyone to their evening. With an exotic dancer on the bill Stan and Jack are sure to enjoy themselves.
7. Mum's Last Fling
Aired 13 February 1970 • 30 min
Mum gets a new boyfriend and starts to go out a lot, leaving the family to fend for themselves.
8. Radio Control
Aired 20 February 1970 • 30 min
Blakey comes up with the idea of installing a two way radio system on the buses to keep tabs on where they are at all times, so Stan and Jack have to come up with a plan to get rid of it.
9. Foggy Night
Aired 27 February 1970 • 30 min
Stan and Jack's bus is caught in thick fog which causes problems for them, especially as Blakey and the Butler family are also on board.
10. The New Uniforms
Aired 6 March 1970 • 30 min
Stan and Jack have been chosen as guinea pigs for the Company's tasteful new grey uniform. They are set against the idea until they realise it's just the job for pulling the ladies!
11. Going Steady
Aired 13 March 1970 • 30 min
Stan has been seeing Blakey's niece, Sally. When Stan announces that he wants to marry her, Blakey insists that he and Sally meet Stan's family. So when Stan invites them round for dinner, all the family act posh, until Sally starts criticizing everything that Stan does and says.
12. The Squeeze
Aired 20 March 1970 • 30 min
Money is so tight in the Butler household, that they decide to sell various things to raise some cash, including Arthur's motorbike and side car.
13. On the Make
Aired 27 March 1970 • 30 min
Edna the clippie has been thrown out of her home by her landlady. Feeling sorry for her, Stan persudes his family to take her in as a lodger. But his intentions are not entirely honourable as he hopes that it means that they might get closer. However he does not bargain on Edna bringing Coco her great dane!