Porridge was a British sitcom that was broadcast on BBC1 from 1973 to 1977, running for three series, two Christmas specials, as well as a feature film. Written by Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais, it stars Ronnie Barker and Richard Beckinsale as two criminals in the fictional HMP Slade in Cumberland.

In a 2004 BBC poll of the 50 greatest British sitcoms, it was voted number 7. "Doing porridge" is British slang for a spell of imprisonment, as porridge was once a traditional breakfast in UK prisons. It was followed by the sequel series, Going Straight.

Fletcher's doing five years for breaking and entering. He's quick witted and never short of a trick or two to make his life that little bit easier. Lennie Godber's his cellmate who Fletch often teases but also protects in a father-like way. The other two main characters are prison officers; MacKay's a militarily strict type, keen to adhere to the rules, while Mr Barrowclough is almost a complete opposite and easily manipulated by Fletcher. Written by Rob Hartill

This prison comedy is based on the popular British televison series of the same name. Long time Slade prison inmate Fletcher (Ronnie Barker) is ordered by Grouty (Peter Vaughan) to arrange a football match between the prisoners and an all-star celebrity team. Fletcher is unaware that the match is only a diversion so that an escape can take place. When Fletcher and his cell mate Lennie (Richard Beckinsale) stumble on the escape, they are taken along, and find themselves having to break back into prison to avoid getting into trouble. Written by measham