Only When I Laugh

Only When I Laugh (1979-1982)

EndedScripted showComedy

Only When I Laugh is a British television sitcom made by Yorkshire Television for ITV. It aired between 29 October 1979 and 16 December 1982 and was set in the ward of an NHS hospital. The title is in response to the question, "Does it hurt?"

It starred James Bolam, Peter Bowles, and Christopher Strauli as patients Roy Figgis, Archie Glover, and Norman Binns. Mr. Gordon Thorpe, their consultant surgeon, was played by Richard Wilson; and Gupte, the staff nurse from Delhi, was played by Derrick Branche.

The show was one of many successes for writer Eric Chappell, and has been repeated onI TV3 since 2007.

Roy, Archie and Norman are long-term patients in a British hospital ward. Though they don't seem terribly ill, neither do they seem to be getting better and going home. So they pass their days side by side in the hospital ward, chatting and occasionally getting on one another's nerves.

Network
Scheduleevery Thursday (30 min)

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
S04E07The Reuniondéc. 16, 1982
S04E06When Did You Last See Your Father?déc. 9, 1982
S04E05Escapedéc. 2, 1982
S04E04In Sickness and in Healthnov. 25, 1982
S04E03All in the Mindnov. 18, 1982
View all episodesView all seasons

Frequently Asked Questions  Warning: Spoilers

When did Only When I Laugh premiere?

Only When I Laugh premiered on October 29, 1979.

Who created Only When I Laugh?

Only When I Laugh was created by Eric Chappell.

What was the genre of Only When I Laugh?

Only When I Laugh was a sitcom.

Who starred in Only When I Laugh?

Only When I Laugh starred James Bolam, Peter Bowles, and Christopher Strauli.

What was the premise of Only When I Laugh?

Only When I Laugh followed the lives of three hospital patients who shared a room.

What was the name of the hospital in Only When I Laugh?

The hospital in Only When I Laugh was called the Nightingale.

Who played the character of Roy Figgis in Only When I Laugh?

Peter Bowles played the character of Roy Figgis in Only When I Laugh.

Who played the character of Norman Binns in Only When I Laugh?

Christopher Strauli played the character of Norman Binns in Only When I Laugh.

Who played the character of Archie Glover in Only When I Laugh?

James Bolam played the character of Archie Glover in Only When I Laugh.

What was the name of the nurse in Only When I Laugh?

The nurse in Only When I Laugh was named Sister.

What was the relationship between Roy and Norman in Only When I Laugh?

Roy and Norman were best friends in Only When I Laugh.

Who directed Only When I Laugh?

Vernon Lawrence directed Only When I Laugh.

How many episodes were there in the first season of Only When I Laugh?

There were seven episodes in the first season of Only When I Laugh.

Where was Only When I Laugh filmed?

Only When I Laugh was filmed at The London Studios in London, England.

Cast

View all cast

Characters

View all characters

Recently Updated Shows

Recently updated shows that might be of your interest.
The Studio
Running

The Studio

As movies struggle to stay alive and relevant, Matt and his core team of infighting executives battle their own insecurities as they wrangle narcissistic artists and craven corporate overlords in the ever-elusive pursuit of making great films. With their power suits masking their never-ending sense of panic, every party, set visit, casting decision, marketing meeting, and award show presents them with an opportunity for glittering success or career-ending catastrophe. As someone who eats, sleeps, and breathes movies, it's the job Matt's been pursuing his whole life, and it may very well destroy him.

GenreComedy
The Last of Us
Running

The Last of Us

After a global pandemic destroys civilization, a hardened survivor takes charge of a 14-year-old girl who may be humanity's last hope.

MobLand
Running

MobLand

With the most powerful clients in Europe, MobLand will see family fortunes and reputations at risk, odd alliances unfold, and betrayal around every corner; and while the family might be London's most elite fixers today, the nature of their business means there is no guarantee what's in store tomorrow.

MobLand follows two generations of gangsters, the businesses they run, the complex relationships they weave and the man they call upon to fix their problem.

GenreDrama, Crime
The White Lotus
Running

The White Lotus

A social satire set at an exclusive tropical resort, The White Lotus follows the exploits of various guests and employees over the span of a week.

Daredevil: Born Again
Running

Daredevil: Born Again

Matt Murdock finds himself on a collision course with Wilson Fisk when their past identities begin to emerge.