How Many Series Are There Of Only Fools And Horses

Right, let’s settle this once and for all. You’ve probably found yourself down the rabbit hole, humming the theme tune, and wondering: how many series of Only Fools and Horses are there? It’s a classic, a national treasure, and the answer is not as straightforward as you might think.

The Short, Sweet Answer

Officially, there are seven series of the original sitcom. But wait—don’t close that tab yet! That number includes 64 episodes broadcast between 1981 and 1991.

Ah, but here’s where it gets tricky. The show is famous for its Christmas specials and later revival episodes, which don’t quite count as full series.

So if you’re binge-watching on BritBox or DVD, you’ll actually see far more than seven series’ worth of total material. Confused? Stick with me.

The Full Breakdown: Series vs. Specials

Let’s break it down in plain English. The original run had seven series, plus sixteen Christmas specials and a handful of “Trotters’ Independent Trading” short films.

Then came the huge revival in 1996 with three specials—the one where they finally become millionaires! And then three more specials in the early 2000s.

So technically, if you count all episodes as one big family, there are seven series plus a heap of one-offs. The BBC officially lists them that way.

Why This Matters (And Why It’s Fun)

You might be thinking, “Why do I care about this number?” Because it’s a perfect excuse to dive back into Del Boy’s world. The confusion around the count means you can discover episodes you’ve never seen.

There’s a special joy in realizing there’s a 1992 Christmas special you’ve missed. Or that time they went to Miami! It’s like finding a tenner in an old coat pocket.

Plus, knowing the exact number makes you the king or queen of pub trivia. “Seven series, actually,” you can say, while casually sipping your pint. Impressive, eh?

The Secret Gift of Uncertainty

Here’s the beautiful thing: the official count is a bit of a mess. Some people argue there are eight series if you include the 1996 specials as a mini-series. Others say it’s just five.

But that’s the magic of it. The show’s legacy isn’t in tidy numbers—it’s in the laughter that echoes across decades. Think of it as a treasure map with a few smudges.

You get to decide where the treasure stops. And honestly? That’s way more fun than a perfect Wikipedia table.

Bringing It Home: What This Teaches Us

So next time someone asks you how many series there are, smile and say, “Enough to keep you laughing for a week.” Because that’s the real answer.

Life’s too short to obsess over episode counts. What matters is the joy of watching Rodney get knocked down, or Granddad’s ridiculous schemes. It’s about the moments, not the metadata.

And remember: the Trotters never gave up. They kept selling, dreaming, and falling over—and you should too. Let their chaos inspire you to embrace your own little uncertainties.

Your Next Step

Go on, start a rewatch tonight. Pick any episode—even a random Christmas special from 1986. I promise you’ll smile within the first three minutes.

And if you want to be a real legend, check out the lost episodes or listen to the radio adaptations. There’s always more to find.

Life is full of questions, like “How many series?” But the best question is: What’s the funniest moment you can share with a friend?

So here’s your call to action: revisit the Trotter family. Learn the answer, but don’t get stuck on it. Instead, let their silly, brilliant, perfectly imperfect world remind you that every day can be a bit more fun—if you’re willing to laugh at the confusion.

Happy watching, you plonker! And hey, if you ever feel lost in life, just ask yourself: “What would Del Boy do?” The answer is always, “Make a plan, fall over, and get back up with a grin.”