Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads?

Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads? brings back Bob Ferris and Terry Collier in colour, portraying two old friends navigating the 1970s as work, romance, and ordinary mishaps test their bond. It’s the official colour sequel to The Likely Lads, created and written by Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais. Broadcast on BBC1 from 9 January 1973 to 9 April 1974, it ran for two series and 26 episodes, plus a 45 minute Christmas special in December 1974. The pair’s easy banter and stubborn loyalty anchor a comedy that looks at a changing Britain without losing the spirit of the earlier run. It balances nostalgia with a sharper look at class, work, and pride. Its humor stays rooted in character and shared history rather than chasing gimmicks.

A colour sequel to The Likely Lads, it was created and written by Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais and aired on BBC1 from January 9 1973 to April 9 1974, spanning two series including a Christmas special.

Critics and audiences accepted it as a faithful continuation that kept the warmth and dry wit of the early series while letting its leads grow into more mature situations. The show centers on friendship, everyday effort, and adapting to a Britain that has changed since the 1960s. The show also digs into work life and changing gender roles as the men try to move forward.

Off screen the legacy includes a 1975 BBC radio adaptation of series 1 and a 1976 feature film spin off, expanding the duo beyond television. The on set friendships and later public rift between Bewes and Bolam also became part of the show’s lore.

Awards wise there are no major nominations on record for Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads? It was a solid critical and audience favorite in its run, though it did not collect significant industry recognition.