Prospects

*Prospects* is a British television comedy drama series written by Alan Janes and first broadcast on Channel 4 in 1986. Created by Euston Films, known for producing gritty dramas such as *The Sweeney* and *Minder*, the series follows two East End 'geezer' characters—Jimmy 'Pincy' Pince, played by Gary Olsen, and Billy, played by Brian Bovell—and their struggles to make a living in London's Isle of Dogs. The 12-episode series, with a comedic tone, addresses many of the key social issues of the 1980s, including unemployment, crime, poverty, regeneration, social change, and racism. *Prospects* developed a cult following and achieved higher-than-expected ratings for Channel 4. At the time, Channel 4 received a large subsidy from the commercial network ITV in exchange for the right to sell airtime, giving ITV significant influence over the station's management. The show's success and its production by a subsidiary of Thames Television, ITV's largest station, led to it being moved to a 9pm prime-time repeat slot on ITV during the Spring/Summer of 1987. This prompted speculation that ITV might continue the series. However, despite showing potential, ITV did not pursue further development beyond the original first series.

Sign in to rate, log, or skip individual seasons & episodes.