As Time Goes By

As Time Goes By remains a beloved fixture in the canon of classic BBC television, airing on BBC America from 1992 to 2005. A romantic sitcom spanning nine series, the series has acquired fans globally for its quiet charm, lighthearted banter, and a unique blend of comedy and sentiment that has helped it create a nostalgic footprint in the hearts of viewers.

This delightful, character-driven show stars iconic British actor Dame Judi Dench, renowned for her numerous outstanding portrayals in film and theater, and the talented Geoffrey Palmer. Their chemistry together is the heart of this engaging series that explores relationships, romance, and inevitable life changes.

The series is centered around the evolving relationship between two past lovers, Jean Pargetter (Dame Judi Dench) and Lionel Hardcastle (Geoffrey Palmer), whose lives intersect after a 38-year separation. Dench portrays Jean, a smart, strong, independent woman who runs a successful secretarial agency, while Palmer plays Lionel, a somewhat bemused, low-key author and ex-Kenya coffee planter. They were lovers during the Korean War, but their relationship was disrupted when a letter from Lionel to Jean was lost in the mail. They each embarked on separate lives and careers, a combination of a series of misunderstandings, romantic misadventures, and the general rush of life leading them in different directions.

Their winding paths merge once again in a wonderfully serendipitous twist when Lionel heads to England to write his memoir, employing an agency to provide typing services, which happens to be Jean's company. This chance at a second time round becomes the bedrock of the series, crafting a humorous, tender, and occasionally poignant exploration of love in the later years, testing the waters of courtship and companionship again after years living independent lives.

Geoffrey Palmer's well-timed, dry humor mixes wonderfully with Judi Dench's signature wit and warmth, bringing their characters vividly to life. Despite the various hurdles and stumbling blocks in their way - not least their distinctly different personalities - the electricity between them is undeniable, giving As Time Goes By the feel of a romance novel brought charmingly to life.

Adding to the ensemble are Jean's decidedly unmarried daughter, Judith (Moira Brooker), and Lionel's rakish publisher and old friend, Alistair Deacon (Philip Bretherton). Judith adds another layer of romantic complexity as she finds herself increasingly charmed by Alistair, whose enduringly optimistic, go-getter attitude provides a sharp contrast to Lionel's more reserved character. Balancing the scales is Sandy (Jenny Funnell), Jean's carefree and eternally optimistic secretary, whose humorous mishaps and quixotic adventures add an entertaining dimension to the narrative.

Besides romance, As Time Goes By dives into themes of family, generational differences, the passage of time, and adapting to change. It is a gentle, soulful exploration of life's second chances, showing that personal growth and discovery can happen at any age, and romance can strike when least expected.

Shot primarily in London and the English countryside, the show is a visual postcard of Britain, capturing quintessentially English settings with its beautiful backdrops. The writing, courtesy of Bob Larbey, known for his many successful sitcoms, is superb, capturing the essence of each character while artfully blending comedy and drama.

Notably, the series' ever-hummable theme song, composed by Herman Hupfeld and sung by Vera Lynn, beautifully encapsulates its nostalgic tone. This plus the overall high production quality, delightful setting, and the winning charm of its characters, has turned As Time Goes By into a staple of British television.

Whether you're drawn to romantic comedies, the undeniable lure of Dame Judi Dench, or the charm of British television, As Time Goes By is an absolute delight, making viewers feel as though they're part of this comfortable, affectionate family, laughing and sighing with each episode's humor and unexpected surprises. It's a series to be savored and revisited time and again, proving that, indeed, love and laughter are timeless.