Sink or Swim
Series Overview
Sink or Swim is a BBC TV sitcom starring Peter Davison as Brian Webber, who lives in a flat above a London petrol station, and trying to make his way in the world, thus far with limited success. His girlfriend, Sonia, is a very practical young woman who is passionate only about things like vegetarianism and ecology. When Brian's younger brother, Steve, arrives seeking a place to stay, his lazy, cynical, noisy "Northern lout" attitude disrupts Brian's already messy life. Like Only Fools and Horses, Sink or Swim was filmed in Bristol doubling for London. It ran for three series between 4 December 1980 and 14 October 1982, and was written by Alex Shearer, who later wrote the Nicholas Lyndhurst sitcom 'The Two of Us' (1986-90, LWT). The first two years of production overlapped as Davison was also starring as the Fifth Doctor in Doctor Who, which imposed constraints on recording schedules.
Broadcast Schedule & Network Information
Airing status, episode counts, upcoming schedule, and network syndication.
3 Seasons • 19 Episodes
30 min per episode
1980 – 1982
Premiered: Thu, Dec 4, 1980
Latest Aired Episode
Season 3, Episode 6: “A New Departure”
Seasons & Episodes Breakdown
Cast & Creators
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Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Alex Shearer
Ronnie Hazlehurst
Roger Race
Department Leadership Roster
Roger Race
Producer
Ronnie Hazlehurst
Original Music Composer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Sink or Swim.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Sink or Swim
Key facts, seasons breakdown, and credits for search engines and AI assistants.
What is Sink or Swim about?
Sink or Swim is a BBC TV sitcom starring Peter Davison as Brian Webber, who lives in a flat above a London petrol station, and trying to make his way in the world, thus far with limited success. His girlfriend, Sonia, is a very practical young woman who is passionate only about things like vegetarianism and ecology. When Brian's younger brother, Steve, arrives seeking a place to stay, his lazy, cynical, noisy "Northern lout" attitude disrupts Brian's already messy life. Like Only Fools and Horses, Sink or Swim was filmed in Bristol doubling for London. It ran for three series between 4 December 1980 and 14 October 1982, and was written by Alex Shearer, who later wrote the Nicholas Lyndhurst sitcom 'The Two of Us' (1986-90, LWT). The first two years of production overlapped as Davison was also starring as the Fifth Doctor in Doctor Who, which imposed constraints on recording schedules.
How many seasons does Sink or Swim have?
Sink or Swim comprises 3 seasons available to explore.
Who stars in Sink or Swim?
Key cast members in Sink or Swim include Peter Davison, Robert Glenister, Sara Corper.
Who created or directed Sink or Swim?
Sink or Swim was developed and directed by Alex Shearer.