Dear John (British series)

1980s British sitcom starring Ralph Bates as divorcee John Lacey, who was recovering from his ex-wife leaving him for his best friend. Much of the comedy centred around his friendships with the members of the '1-2-1 Club', a group for divorced and separated people.

Remade for American television with Judd Hirsch, which ran on NBC from 1988 to 1992.

Came sixty-fourth in Britain's Best Sitcom.

Not to be confused with the 2010 American movie.


 * Annoying Laugh: Sylvia. Apparently, her ex-husband even informed her of this.
 * Break Up Song (relationship breakup): The theme tune.
 * Casanova Wannabe: Kirk, and he literally has a polyester suit and medallion!
 * Citizenship Marriage: Ralph's Polish ex-wife married him for citizenship.
 * Catch Phrase: Kirk: 'Cos that's the sort of man I am!' Louise: 'Were there any...sexual problems?'
 * Cut Short: Star Ralph Bates died in 1991 so plans to continue the series were scrapped.
 * "Dear John" Letter: John actually gets one of these in an episode of the US show, resulting in an amusing Title Drop.
 * Divorce Assets Conflict: John's ghastly ex-wife Wendy has taken everything.
 * Digging Yourself Deeper: Poor John is the king of this trope.
 * Dysfunction Junction: As well as John and Ralph's problems above, Kate's been married and divorced three times due to being frigid, and where does one start with Kirk's problems?
 * Gallows Humor: There is a lot of bittersweet humour about divorce, lack of love, and bad sex (or no sex).
 * The Good Old British Comp: John teaches in one.
 * Have I Mentioned I Am Sexually Active Today?: Kirk's constant boasting.
 * Jerk Jock: One gets the impression Mike is the Jerk Jock grown up.
 * Landlady: Dotty old Mrs Lemenski, who treats John with great suspicion.
 * Mail Order Bride: Ralph's ex-wife.
 * Nice Guy: John is one, and sadly it has got him nowhere in life.
 * The Nicknamer: Kirk - 'Tiger', 'Ralphey' etc.
 * Not a Date: Kate and John go for dinner once. Hilarity Ensues when
 * No Name Given: All the members of the 1-2-1 Club call each other by their first names, except for Mrs Arnott.
 * Taking the Kids: Before the beginning of the first episode, no less.
 * Ted Baxter: Kirk
 * Tropaholics Anonymous: The 1-2-1 Club.
 * Urban Legend Love Life: Kirk again. In one episode we actually find out that
 * Averted in the US version, where Kirk's numerous affairs are obviously quite real.
 * The Vicar: Or rather the Catholic Priest. Wendy decides Toby should go to a Catholic school, so she and John pretend they are still married. Of course, Hilarity Ensues.
 * What Did I Do Last Night?: The end of
 * Will They or Won't They?: Kirk/Kate, John/Kate