Prospects is a British television comedy drama series that was written by Alan Janes and originally shown on Channel 4 in 1986. Created by Euston Films who had a pedigree of producing successful, gritty drama such as The Sweeney and Minder, it followed the exploits of two East End 'geezer' characters - Jimmy 'Pincy' Pince played by Gary Olsen and Billy played by Brian Bovell and their trials and tribulations of making a living in London's Isle of Dogs. Comprising 12 episodes Prospects - with a comic slant, dealt with many of the major issues affecting British society at the height of the "Thatcherite" '80's including unemployment, crime, poverty, regeneration, social change and racism. Prospects gained a cult following and ratings wise it performed well above expectation for Channel 4. At that time Channel Four received a large subsidy from the rival commercial network ITV in exchange for the right to sell airtime; this gave ITV a significant input into the management of the station. The success of Prospects and the fact that it was produced by a subsidiary of the ITV network's largest station Thames Television meant it was moved to a 9pm prime-time repeat slot on ITV in the Spring/Summer of 1987. This fuelled rumours that the network wanted to develop Prospects into a long-running comedy drama series. However despite seeing potential ITV declined the opportunity to develop it beyond the original first series.
Seasons and episodes
1 season · 12 episodes
- 1S1 E1
The p to s day
Feb 19, 198660 min
Whilst Pincey and Billy collect their giros, they plan their next get rich quick scheme. Pincey has the idea of a dating service based on astrology,the only problem is the only replies are from women, so Billy egged on by both Del and Pinc
- 2S1 E2
Partners in brine
Feb 26, 198660 min
Pincey buys the new company car-a hearse! They swap a few dozen boxes of pickled olives in brine for dolls in national dress which they have trouble flogging at first. Pincey hooks up with a financial investor with dreams of transforming t
- 3S1 E3
Uncle Harry's system
Mar 5, 198660 min
Pincey thinks he's onto a sure winner with a betting system his Uncle Harry invented, but at the greyhound track things don't go as planned! Billy and Pincey also get into hot water with local villain Stretch when they are asked to look af
- 4S1 E4
Dirty weekend
Mar 12, 198660 min
Pincey and Billy find work on a building site and come across a racist bully and try and put one over on him. Billy is in training to become a boxer again, and he and his girlfriend Lucy plan a camping holiday ,but don't figure on Pincey
- 5S1 E5
Rodent avengers
Mar 19, 198660 min
Pincey and Billy become pest control experts, and take the work of another rat-catcher who does his best to get his own back. At first things go really well, but then the binmen accidently pick up their bottles of whiskey promised to a dou
- 6S1 E6
Standing on your own one foot
Mar 26, 198660 min
Pincey and Billy decide to leave the Isle Of Dogs and rent a flat on Roman Road, Bow, East London. The landlord is a religious nut, and the other tennants are a 'palmist' and a Jewish business man who is convinced the inland revenue are af
Starring
Frequently asked questions
- Where can I watch Prospects?
- Prospects is streaming on Hoopla, Fawesome. Availability is refreshed weekly.
- How many seasons of Prospects are there?
- Prospects has 1 season and 12 episodes. Status: Ended.
- Will there be a new season of Prospects?
- Prospects has ended; no new episodes are scheduled. The final episode aired on April 23, 1986.
- Who stars in Prospects?
- Prospects stars Gary Olsen, Brian Bovell, Ruddy L. Davis.
