The first episode of The Likely Lads was shown on 大象传媒 Two on 16 December 1964. Written by Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais, it was one of several programmes made for the new channel, and was intended to offer a fresh approach to the situation comedy by featuring the lives of two best mates from the North East.
The Likely Lads starred James Bolam as Terry Collier and Rodney Bewes as Bob Ferris. Terry was working class and secure in his life, whereas Bob was more aspirational, determined to work his way to a better place. Both friends viewed the others worldview with disdain, but they were united by events, generally revolving around the pursuit of women.
In the first episode, "Entente Cordiale", the lads return from holiday in Spain determined to continue relationships they made there.
The Likely Lads ended in 1966 after three series. It returned in 1973 as Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads?, and picked up the story with Terry returning from the army to find Bob settled into a domesticated life with Thelma.This series was even more successful than the original.
Its legacy can be traced in sitcoms such as Men Behaving Badly. Clement and La Frenais went on to create Auf Wiedersehen Pet and Porridge.
December anniversaries
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Ireland: A Television History
2 December 1980 -
Start of The 大象传媒 Television Shakespeare
3 December 1978 -
The World About Us
3 December 1967 -
Edward VIII Abdication speech
11 December 1936 -
1984 Broadcast
12 December 1954 -
bbc.co.uk is launched
12 December 1997 -
Jackanory first broadcast
13 December 1965 -
Comedy Playhouse
15 December 1961 -
Culloden
15 December 1964 -
The Likely Lads
16 December 1964 -
大象传媒 World Service launches
19 December 1932 -
Zoo Quest, first on-screen appearance by David Attenborough
21 December 1954 -
Just a Minute first transmitted
22 December 1967 -
A Close Shave
24 December 1995 -
First Empire Address by King George V
25 December 1932 -
Morecambe and Wise Christmas Shows
25 December -
Only Fools and Horses 1996 Christmas Specials
25 December 1996 -
大象传媒 Reith Lectures
26 December 1948 -
Alice in Wonderland
28 December 1966 -
Big Ben chimes broadcast at New Year for the first time
31 December 1923