Grundy (ITV 1980, Harry H. Corbett, Lynda Baron)

Sitcom Grundy focused on divorced single parent (to a teenage daughter) and paper shop owner Leonard Grundy who has a strong dislike for the loose morals he sees all around him but at the same time is pursued by a loose divorcee, Beryl Loomis, who has designs on his body.

The show was made in 1979 but held up by an industrial dispute and there was an un-broadcast pilot made called Injured Party. It turned out to be Harry H. Corbett’s final TV series. He had had a heart attack before the series started and was not in the best of health during filming and afterward.

The show rated pretty well and was considered high profile enough for Harry to get a three page article in the TV Times for the week of it’s premiere where he talked about his heart attack and how he hoped that Grundy would be successful given that it was now several years since the heyday of Steptoe and Son.

production details
UK / ITV – Thames / 6×30 minute episodes / Broadcast 14 July – 18 August 1980 shown Mondays at 8.00pm

Writer: Ken O’Hare / Theme Music: Harry Rabinowitz / Production Design: Jim Nicolson / Producer: Robert Reed

cast
HARRY H. CORBETT as Leonard Grundy
LYNDA BARON as Beryl Loomis
JULIE DAWN COLE as Sharon
DAVID JANSON as Murray

THE EPISODES
1. FIRST ENCOUNTERS OF THE CLOSE KIND
2. WE CAN’T GO ON MEETING LIKE THIS
3. SATURDAY NIGHT FERVOUR
4. HANDS ACROSS THE TABLE
5. FOR LOVE OR MONEY
6. WHAT YOU DON’T SEE, ASK FOR

Alastair James is the editor-in-chief of Memorable TV, leading the charge in covering today's must-see television. A lifelong television enthusiast, his passion began with a deep dive into the world of classic sci-fi, culminating in his role as editor of "Beyond the Static," a publication devoted to celebrating iconic sci-fi series. While his love for classic television remains, Alastair's focus at Memorable TV is firmly on the present, analyzing the latest trends in the television landscape, from gripping crime dramas to the ever-evolving strategies of Survivor. His insights have been featured in numerous publications. At Memorable TV, Alastair's goal is to provide readers with sharp commentary, engaging reviews, and in-depth analysis of the shows dominating the current conversation.