Norman Stanley Fletcher (Ronnie Barker) is a habitual criminal who's spent much of his adult life 'doing porridge' (serving time) in various prisons.
His latest 'stretch' is five years in Slade Prison, where he shares a cell with Lennie Godber (Richard Beckinsale).
It's young Godber's first spell in prison and he's initially very unhappy and apprehensive about his situation. Fletcher "takes him under his wing" and teaches him how to cope with prison life.
Fletcher spends most of his time trying to 'get one over' on prison officers Mr Barrowclough (Brian Wilde) and Mr Mackay (Fulton Mackay). Mackay is a tough prison officer of the "old school", while Barraclogh is much more tolerant and easy-going.
Series: 3
Episodes: 21
Transmitted: 1973-1977
Channel: BBC1
BBC Television