List of Steptoe and Son episodes

This is an episode list of the British sitcom Steptoe and Son. All episodes were originally shown on what is now known as BBC One, although the station was simply called BBC Television until April 1964 when BBC2 began broadcasting (between the third and fourth series). Dates shown are the original broadcast dates. Series 1–4 were produced in black and white, and series 5–8 in colour. However, the series 5 episodes, and all but two of series 6, only survive in black and white.

Series 1–6 were produced and directed by Duncan Wood, series 7 by John Howard Davies (apart from "Divided We Stand" which was directed by David Croft as Davies was ill), the 1973 Christmas Special by Graeme Muir, and series 8 and 1974 Christmas Special by Douglas Argent (with "The Seven Steptoerai" being co-directed by Mike Crisp). All episodes were written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson. Series 7–8 are regularly repeated on Gold.

Series overview

Series Episodes Premiere Finale DVD
Region 2 Region 4
Pilot 1
4 January 1962
13 September 2004 10 November 2004
1 5 14 June 1962 12 July 1962
2 7 3 January 1963 14 February 1963 8 August 2005 2 March 2006
Royal
Variety
1
10 November 1963
N/A
3 7 7 January 1964 18 February 1964 13 February 2006 6 July 2006
4 7 4 October 1965 15 November 1965 15 May 2006 7 March 2007
5 7 6 March 1970 17 April 1970 24 July 2006 1 August 2007
6 8 2 November 1970 21 December 1970 8 January 2007 5 March 2008
7 7 21 February 1972 3 April 1972 26 March 2007 7 August 2008
Christmas
special
1
24 December 1973
29 October 2007 6 November 2008
8 6 4 September 1974 10 October 1974 14 May 2007 3 March 2009
Christmas
special
1
26 December 1974
29 October 2007 6 November 2008

Pilot

Ep. Title Director Written by Airdate
0"The Offer" (pilot)Duncan WoodAlan Simpson, Ray Galton5 January 1962
Rpt:7 June 1962

Harold's been offered a job elsewhere, so when he discovers Albert has been drinking out of the cocktail cabinet, he begins to pack up his belongings and leave his dad for good.

(Episode of Comedy Playhouse.)

Series 1

No.
overall
No.
for series
Title Director Written by Airdate
11"The Bird"Duncan WoodAlan Simpson, Ray Galton14 June 1962
Harold is going out every night, so Albert suspects that he must be seeing a girl. Determined to put a stop to the romance, he gets Harold to invite the girl back to the house for dinner. Meanwhile, Albert puts the clocks forward so when she fails to show up at the right time, Harold thinks she has stood him up.
22"The Piano"Duncan WoodAlan Simpson, Ray Galton21 June 1962
Harold is offered a piano, providing he moves it himself. He gets Albert to help, only to find out that it is on the top floor of a block of flats. The 12th of 16 stories adapted into an episode of Sanford and Son renamed "The Piano Movers".
33"The Economist"Duncan WoodAlan Simpson, Ray Galton28 June 1962
Harold tries to teach Albert about the economics of running a business. Using his new-found knowledge of bulk buying, he then ends up buying 4000 sets of false teeth for £40, hoping to make a killing. Harold puts an advert in The Times, but when they don't sell, he takes their last £10 and tries again, this time bringing home 400 World War 2 gas masks. Featuring Frank Thornton.
44"The Diploma"Duncan WoodAlan Simpson, Ray Galton5 July 1962
Harold decides to get out of the rag and bone trade, and get a diploma in TV repair, only for Albert to prove that he knows more about it than Harold.
55"The Holiday"Duncan WoodAlan Simpson, Ray Galton12 July 1962
For the first time Harold plans to go on holiday abroad instead of Bognor with his dad Albert fakes a heart attack to stop him going and the doctor advises Harold to take him to Bognor.

Series 2

No.
overall
No.
for series
Title Director Written by First broadcast Recorded
61"Wallah-Wallah Catsmeat"Duncan WoodAlan Simpson, Ray Galton3 January 1963 (1963-01-03)20 December 1962
Hercules, the Steptoes's horse, is sick so the local rag and bone men pitch in to help.
72"The Bath"Duncan WoodAlan Simpson, Ray Galton10 January 1963 (1963-01-10)13 December 1962
Albert decides to have a bath while Harold's latest companion is due to come round for pre-bingo cocktails. Features Yootha Joyce.
83"The Stepmother"Duncan WoodAlan Simpson, Ray Galton17 January 1963 (1963-01-17)3 January 1963
Albert plans to re-marry, but Harold will do everything in his power to prevent it. The 10th of 16 stories adapted into an episode of Sanford and Son renamed "The Barracuda".
94"Sixty-Five Today"Duncan WoodAlan Simpson, Ray Galton24 January 1963 (1963-01-24)10 January 1963
Albert's 65th birthday comes as a joke to Harold, who pretends to forget in order to wind him up. Featuring Frank Thornton. The 2nd of 16 stories adapted into an episode of Sanford and Son renamed "Happy Birthday, Pop".
105"A Musical Evening"Duncan WoodAlan Simpson, Ray Galton31 January 1963 (1963-01-31)17 January 1963
Harold has picked up some old gramophone records, which he's keen to add to his classical music collection.
116"Full House"Duncan WoodAlan Simpson, Ray Galton7 February 1963 (1963-02-07)24 January 1963
Harold plans an evening of cards with a group of friends. The 13th of 16 stories adapted into an episode of Sanford and Son renamed "The Card Sharps".
127"Is That Your Horse Outside?"Duncan WoodAlan Simpson, Ray Galton14 February 1963 (1963-02-14)4 February 1963
Harold falls for a rich married woman (Patricia Haines) and thinks it's love.

Series 3

No.
overall
No.
for series
Title Director Written by First broadcast Recorded
131"Homes Fit for Heroes"Duncan WoodAlan Simpson, Ray Galton7 January 1964 (1964-01-07)12 December 1963
Harold plans to go on a sailing trip around the world, and bung Albert in an old peoples home. The 15th of 16 stories adapted into an episode of Sanford and Son renamed "Home Sweet Home for the Aged".
142"The Wooden Overcoats"Duncan WoodAlan Simpson, Ray Galton14 January 1964 (1964-01-14)19 December 1963
Harold comes home with a cartful of coffins, much to Albert's horror. The 9th of 16 stories adapted into an episode of Sanford and Son renamed "Coffins for Sale".
153"The Lead Man Cometh"Duncan WoodAlan Simpson, Ray Galton21 January 1964 (1964-01-21)2 January 1964
The business is doing badly and the Steptoes are having to break into their savings to keep their heads above water, and then a dealer in lead comes round and sells them tons of lead at a cheap price, they then find out the lead was stolen when the police visit the yard. Featuring Leonard Rossiter. The 4th of 16 stories adapted into an episode of Sanford and Son renamed "The Copper Caper"
164"Steptoe à la Cart"Duncan WoodAlan Simpson, Ray Galton28 January 1964 (1964-01-28)9 January 1964
Harold meets a French girl, and falls for her When she meets Albert they talk about her family history and it becomes apparent that Albert may have dated her grandmother while on leave during the first war with all its ramifications. Featuring Frank Thornton.
175"Sunday for Seven Days"Duncan WoodAlan Simpson, Ray Galton4 February 1964 (1964-02-04)16 January 1964
Albert and Harold are getting ready for an evening at the pictures.
186"The Bonds That Bind Us"Duncan WoodAlan Simpson, Ray Galton11 February 1964 (1964-02-11)23 January 1964
Albert has a windfall on the Premium Bonds. Featuring June Whitfield.
197"The Lodger"Duncan WoodAlan Simpson, Ray Galton18 February 1964 (1964-02-18)30 January 1964
Albert decides to get in a lodger to earn some money, but Harold announces that when the lodger steps in, he steps out, then Albert catches Harold taking the advert out the shop window, tells him and Harold walks out, but Albert can't get a lodger anyway.

Series 4

The first series where the creator's names came before the actor's name in the opening titles but still saying "By Alan Simpson and Ray Galton"

No.
overall
No.
for series
Title Director Written by First broadcast Recorded
201"And Afterwards At..."Duncan WoodAlan Simpson, Ray Galton4 October 1965 (1965-10-04)12 September 1965
Harold's getting married, but what will the bride say? The 3rd of 16 stories adapted into an episode of Sanford and Son renamed "Here Comes the Bride, There Goes the Bride".
212"Crossed Swords"Duncan WoodAlan Simpson, Ray Galton11 October 1965 (1965-10-11)19 September 1965
The Steptoes take a porcelain vase to a West End antiques expert's shop. Featuring Derek Nimmo. The first of 16 stories adapted into an episode of Sanford and Son.
223"Those Magnificent Men and Their Heating Machines"Duncan WoodAlan Simpson, Ray Galton18 October 1965 (1965-10-18)26 September 1965
Harold installs central heating in the house, but Albert's views of his bad workmanship turn out to be right as he pulls the house down.
234"The Siege of Steptoe Street"Duncan WoodAlan Simpson, Ray Galton25 October 1965 (1965-10-25)3 October 1965
Harold notices that the fishmonger and the butcher are providing luxurious delicacies that he's never eaten. The 8th of 16 stories adapted into an episode of Sanford and Son renamed "The Great Sanford Siege".
245"A Box in Town"Duncan WoodAlan Simpson, Ray Galton1 November 1965 (1965-11-01)10 October 1965
Harold moves into an attic bed-sit flat. Features Yootha Joyce. The 7th of 16 stories adapted into an episode of Sanford and Son called "A Pad for Lamont".
256"My Old Man's a Tory"Duncan WoodAlan Simpson, Ray Galton8 November 1965 (1965-11-08)17 October 1965
Harold and Albert clash over their opposing political views. Exists as a Shibaden VT recording.
267"Pilgrim's Progress"Duncan WoodAlan Simpson, Ray Galton15 November 1965 (1965-11-15)24 October 1965
Albert asks Harold for him to take him back to the Great War battlefield to think of the memories of the war, but whilst on the plane, he upsets and insults the fighting legion of the French and the American, then gets into a fight with them. Featuring Frank Thornton.

Series 5

Produced in colour, however all currently only exist in black and white. Now with the "By Ray Galton and Alan Simpson" byline at the beginning.

No.
overall
No.
for series
Title Director Written by First broadcast Recorded
271"A Death in the Family"Duncan WoodRay Galton and Alan Simpson6 March 1970 (1970-03-06)15 February 1970
Hercules the Horse succumbs to a heart attack at the grand old age of 39.
282"A Winter's Tale"Duncan WoodRay Galton and Alan Simpson13 March 1970 (1970-03-13)22 February 1970
Albert and Harold once again clash over the destination for their annual holiday. First reel of a b/w telerecording recovered in 2008. Colour version may be possible.
293"Any Old Iron?"Duncan WoodRay Galton and Alan Simpson20 March 1970 (1970-03-20)8 March 1970
Harold makes a new friend out of sophisticated antique dealer Timothy Stanhope (Richard Hurndall). However, Albert suspects that Timothy's interest in Harold is something other than friendship.
304"Steptoe and Son — and Son!"Duncan WoodRay Galton and Alan Simpson27 March 1970 (1970-03-27)15 March 1970
Harold is believed to be the father of an illegitimate son.
315"The Colour Problem"Duncan WoodRay Galton and Alan Simpson3 April 1970 (1970-04-03)22 March 1970
Albert wants a colour television set... The 11th of 16 stories adapted into an episode of Sanford and Son renamed "TV or Not TV".
326"T.B. or Not T.B.?"Duncan WoodRay Galton and Alan Simpson10 April 1970 (1970-04-10)5 April 1970
Albert is wrongly thought to have tuberculosis. The 5th of 16 stories adapted into an episode of Sanford and Son renamed "A Matter of Life and Breath".
337"Men of Property"Duncan WoodRay Galton and Alan Simpson17 April 1970 (1970-04-17)29 March 1970
Harold and Albert find out that they don't actually own their house, and have to borrow £750 to buy the property, but the bank don't agree to lend them the money after Alberts gambling ways get the better of him.

Series 6

Second series produced in colour. With two episodes excepted (indicated), this series now only exists in black and white.

No.
overall
No.
for series
Title Director Written by First broadcast Recorded
341"Robbery with Violence"Duncan WoodRay Galton and Alan Simpson2 November 1970 (1970-11-02)18 October 1970
After accidentally knocking over Harold's porcelain collection, Albert pretends they have been robbed to cover it up. The 6th of 16 stories adapted into an episode of Sanford and Son renamed "We Were Robbed".
352"Come Dancing"Duncan WoodRay Galton and Alan Simpson9 November 1970 (1970-11-09)25 October 1970
Harold has a lady friend who enjoys dancing, but Harold himself cannot dance, so Albert teaches Harold the steps that he needs. Survives in colour.
363"Two's Company"Duncan WoodRay Galton and Alan Simpson16 November 1970 (1970-11-16)1 November 1970
Albert reveals to Harold that he has asked a woman (Jean Kent) to marry him. When Albert brings her to the house, Harold realises that the very same woman was an old flame of his. The 14th of 16 stories adapted into an episode of Sanford and Son renamed "The Infernal Triangle"
374"Tea for Two"Duncan WoodRay Galton and Alan Simpson23 November 1970 (1970-11-23)8 November 1970
Harold and Albert's support for rival parties in the Shepherd's Bush by-election has drawn battle lines between them.
385"Without Prejudice"Duncan WoodRay Galton and Alan Simpson30 November 1970 (1970-11-30)15 November 1970
Harold is desperate to move from Oil Drum Lane after a noisy new motorway flyover causes irritation. However, the residents of the street that the Steptoes plan on moving to object to the possible lowering of standards of the residents, not to mention the lowering of property prices...
396"Pot Black"Duncan WoodRay Galton and Alan Simpson7 December 1970 (1970-12-07)22 November 1970
Harold buys a snooker table, but after paternal resistance encounters a more fundamental obstacle.
407"The Three Feathers"Duncan WoodRay Galton and Alan Simpson14 December 1970 (1970-12-14)29 November 1970
Albert gets stuck in a painful yoga position, while Harold reveals a new commode he has just picked up for a bargain price. The last of the 16 stories adapted into an episode of Sanford and Son renamed "Pot Luck".
418"Cuckoo in the Nest"Duncan WoodRay Galton and Alan Simpson21 December 1970 (1970-12-21)6 December 1970
Albert's long lost Australian son turns up from out of the blue and causes Harold to be very jealous. Survives in colour.

Series 7

Produced in colour. This is the first series to survive completely in colour.

No.
overall
No.
for series
Title Director Written by First broadcast Recorded
421"Men of Letters"John Howard DaviesRay Galton and Alan Simpson21 February 1972 (1972-02-21)13 February 1972
After a disturbing and rude game of Scrabble, Harold and Albert argue over who will write an article for the church's centenary edition of the parish magazine, in front of the vicar (Anthony Sharp).
432"A Star Is Born"John Howard DaviesRay Galton and Alan Simpson28 February 1972 (1972-02-28)20 February 1972
Harold joins an amateur dramatic society for their latest play, Guilt: The White Man's Burden. Guest stars Margaret Nolan of Carry On films fame and Trevor Bannister who went on to fame as Mr Lucas in 'Are You Being Served'. (The basic plot of this episode is lifted from one of the 'Classic 39' episodes of The Honeymooners titled "On Stage", in which Ralph Kramden in order to raise money for his lodge (The Racoons) takes part in a play directed by a Mr Faversham, the "polo-ponies" joke is identical.)
443"Oh, What a Beautiful Mourning"John Howard DaviesRay Galton and Alan Simpson6 March 1972 (1972-03-06)27 February 1972
Albert's eldest brother, George, has died, and the thought of another Steptoe funeral depresses Harold, but by the end of all the aggro, Harold and Albert agree that the funeral was worth going to.
454"Live Now, P.A.Y.E. Later"John Howard DaviesRay Galton and Alan Simpson13 March 1972 (1972-03-13)5 February 1972
Harold discovers that Albert has "forgotten" to inform the tax department that his wife has died and has been cashing her pension. They need to get their story straight before the taxman visits.
465"Loathe Story"John Howard DaviesRay Galton and Alan Simpson20 March 1972 (1972-03-20)13 March 1972
After he tries to murder Albert in his sleep, Harold visits a psychiatrist to get to the root of his antagonism towards his father. Joanna Lumley guest stars.
476"Divided We Stand"David CroftRay Galton and Alan Simpson27 March 1972 (1972-03-27)19 March 1972
After Harold and Albert argue over the decorations, Harold builds a Berlin wall through the house to separate himself from Albert, but they end up falling out with each other even through a wall, then disaster strikes putting Harold and Albert in hospital.
487"The Desperate Hours"John Howard DaviesRay Galton and Alan Simpson3 April 1972 (1972-04-03)26 March 1972
Harold and Albert struggle to keep warm in the freezing house, until they get some unexpected visitors. Guest starring J. G. Devlin and Leonard Rossiter.

Christmas special (1973)

No.
overall
Title Director Written by First broadcast Recorded
49"The Party"Graeme MuirRay Galton and Alan Simpson24 December 1973 (1973-12-24)3 December 1973
Harold books a Christmas holiday in Majorca, but when it's cancelled, he decides to have a Christmas party instead. Featuring Frank Thornton. Originally transmitted in a 46 minute edit. A 42 minute edit exists on DVD.

Series 8

No.
overall
No.
for series
Title Director Written by First broadcast Recorded
501"Back in Fashion"Douglas ArgentRay Galton and Alan Simpson4 September 1974 (1974-09-04)31 August 1974
A photographer wishes to use the Steptoes' yard as a set for a fashion shoot.
512"And So to Bed"Douglas ArgentRay Galton and Alan Simpson11 September 1974 (1974-09-11)7 September 1974
Planning to bring his new girlfriend home, Harold invests in a waterbed.
523"Porn Yesterday"Douglas ArgentRay Galton and Alan Simpson18 September 1974 (1974-09-18)14 September 1974
Harold discovers Albert's "dirty" past.
534"The Seven Steptoerai"Douglas Argent and Mike CrispRay Galton and Alan Simpson25 September 1974 (1974-09-25)21 September 1974
Albert gets assistance from the over 65 kung-fu club, when local villain Frankie Barrow (Henry Woolf), starts a protection racket.
545"Upstairs, Downstairs, Upstairs, Downstairs"Douglas ArgentRay Galton and Alan Simpson3 October 1974 (1974-10-03)28 September 1974
Albert is suffering (or so he says) from a bad back and is bedridden, so Harold has to take care of him on doctor's orders.
556"Seance in a Wet Rag and Bone Yard"Douglas ArgentRay Galton and Alan Simpson10 October 1974 (1974-10-10)5 October 1974
Clairvoyant Madame Fontana (Patricia Routledge) at Albert's request holds a seance at the Steptoes.

Christmas special (1974)

No.
overall
Title Director Written by First broadcast Recorded
56"A Perfect Christmas"Douglas ArgentRay Galton and Alan Simpson26 December 1974 (1974-12-26)26 October 1974
Final episode. Harold's last attempt to get away abroad for his Christmas Holiday, but he has a cunning plan in mind. Originally transmitted as a 42 minute edit, but also exists as a longer 46 minute edit which was accidentally released by the BBC on home video, before being withdrawn. (Original Radio Times title: "A Christmas Holiday", although Galton and Simpson's original script reused the series 1 title "The Holiday")

Christmas Night with the Stars

Christmas Night with the Stars was screened annually on Christmas night when the top stars of the BBC appeared in short versions, typically five to ten minutes; The programme ran from 1958 to 1972 and Steptoe & Son appeared twice in 1962 and 1967.

However the 1962 Christmas segment no longer exists. Only sequences from the 1967 Christmas segment remain and still exist on the original film in the archives.

Title Recorded First broadcast Notes
1962 Untitled Sketch 23 December 1962 25 December 1962 lost
1967 Untitled Sketch 23 December 1967 25 December 1967

Radio series

Between 1966 and 1976 52 episodes of Steptoe and Son were adapted for radio, these were remakes of the TV episodes specifically tailored for a radio audience, (Note:they are not TV soundtrack recordings), Series 1 & 2 were broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in 1966 and 1967. Series 3-6 and a final Christmas Special were broadcast on BBC Radio 2 between 1971 and 1976.

Series 1

Series 2

Series 3

Series 4

Series 5

Series 6 and Christmas special

Other

When Steptoe Met Son (2002)

Title First broadcast Notes
When Steptoe Met Son 20 August 2002 Documentary about the personal lives of Harry H. Corbett & Wilfrid Brambell.

The Curse of Steptoe (2008)

Title First broadcast Notes
The Curse of Steptoe 19 March 2008 Play about the relationship between Wilfrid Brambell and Harry H. Corbett.

Steptoe and son in Murder at Oil Drum Lane (2005)

Title Notes
Steptoe and Son in Murder at Oil Drum Lane Play that brings the Steptoe saga to an end.

References

    External links

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