Despite the popularity of On the Buses with sections of the public, TV reviewers and historians have generally held the show in lower regard. [7] In its section on situation comedies, The Guinness Book of Classic British TV describes On the Buses as ITV's "longest running and most self-consciously unfunny series". [7] TV reviewer Victor Lewis-Smith later criticised the then head of London Weekend Television, Frank Muir, for green-lighting the programme, which Lewis-Smith called "the wretched On the Buses". [8] The Daily Telegraph journalist Max Davidson, discussing 1970s British comedy, listed On the Buses as one of the "unfunny sitcoms of the time", [9] while The Guardian 's David Stubbs referred to On the Buses as "a byword for 70s sitcom mediocrity". [10] Madeleine Mills and Sandra Miller as the inspector's niece. She was played twice by Mills and twice by Miller. In her first two appearances, she and Stan are in a relationship; in the second they are engaged, but split up after a tea party at Stan's house. In her third appearance she married Bill, a bus driver at the depot. She also appeared in the episode "The New Nurse". Despite Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross, comedy still needs to risk giving offence" Daily Telegraph, 1 November 2008. Retrieved 20 March 2014. In addition, two five-minute Christmas specials were made by LWT as part of an All Star Comedy Carnival in 1969 and 1972, ITV's answer to the BBC's Christmas Night with the Stars programme. The 1969 edition has been lost, but the 1972 edition – featuring a goose that the cast are chasing for Christmas dinner – exists in the Thames Television archive, which is now owned by FremantleMedia. Characters from On The Buses appeared in two other series. A spin-off, Don't Drink the Water (1974–75), ran for thirteen episodes, featuring Blake retiring to Spain with his sister Dorothy ( Pat Coombs - who also played one of the female bus drivers in the first On The Buses film). Anna Karen reprised her role as Olive in LWT's revival of The Rag Trade, which ran for two series in 1977–78.

Michael Sheard as the general manager of the bus depot who is seen frequently throughout the seventh and final series. He often argues with Blakey about something that the latter has done. He was also the judge at the gardening competition in the episode "Gardening Time". Sheard also played the general manager in the Holiday On The Buses film. Of course every time Blakey (Lewis) opens his mouth it is pure gold. Far and away the character that makes this show for me. Additionally the characters of Arthur (Michael Robbins) and Olive (Anna Karen). Olive is funny straight away in the first episode and the interaction between the two gets better the longer the show is on. Arthur's obvious contempt for his wife who clearly adores him is simply well played and always funny. Walker, Craig (2012). The On The Buses Quiz Book. Andrews UK Limited. p.267. ISBN 978-1-909143-11-1. I was torn between 3 or 4 stars for this show, but in the end, it makes me happy and makes the characters seem like old friends rendering it both watchable and re-watchable. So I give 4. I would not give it 5 stars because it pales when compared to shows like The Good Life, To The Manor Born or Dad's Army where the writing and character development and even acting is far more sophisticated. This show views much more like a filmed play than a polished show. There are a lot of fluffed lines, but there is also genuine live audience reaction.Having the complete series on DVD is a treasure trove of laughter. The box set contains all the episodes and specials, allowing me to binge-watch the entire series at my leisure. It's a wonderful way to unwind and escape into a world of humor and amusement.

The original series was repeated on Granada Plus in 1996 and until the channel closed in 2004, and was later repeated on UK Gold and then from 2004 onward on ITV3, where it was still seen as of November 2023. [5] Fox Classics on the Australian Fox cable network and New Zealand's Jones channel on Sky regularly show the series. As of August 2018, the series is broadcast by Dutch 'oldies' cable channel ONS. [ needs update] Home media [ edit ] Region 1 [ edit ] Sandra Bryant as Sandra, a clippie at the bus depot. Her character is seen frequently throughout the seventh and final series. In the first episode of the seventh series, she goes on a date with Stan to the cinema, until Olive comes along too. This DVD release also includes a number of extras, including a couple of Reg Varney variety shows, and also the opening episode to the follow up series 'Don't Drink The Water' (starring Stephen Lewis' character Blakey), all of which perhaps have fairly limited appeal. Hop on board with comedy legends Reg Varney, Doris Hare, Michael Robbins, Anna Karen, Bob Grant and Stephen Lewis in all three films, presented on Blu-ray for the very first time worldwide.In the first episode of series 6, former London Transport bus Leyland Titan PD2 RTL1557 (OLD666) is featured and burnt out. Reg Varney reaches the end of the line David Stubbs, The Guardian 17 November 2008. Retrieved 20 May 2014. Get that bus out! - British Comedy Guide". British Comedy Guide. 6 September 2011 . Retrieved 1 June 2018.