Butterflies (TV series): Cast, Episodes, Ending & Where to Watch

There’s something about a bored housewife in a suburban kitchen that still feels familiar. The BBC sitcom Butterflies (1978–1983) turned that quiet frustration into comedy, and in doing so, it stumbled into a conversation about gender roles that feels startlingly current. Whether you’re rediscovering the series or hearing about it for the first time, the show’s gentle rebellion and its awkward, unresolved ending still have plenty to say.

Original run: 1978–1983 •
Number of series: 4 •
Total episodes: 37 •
Creator: Carla Lane •
Main cast: Wendy Craig, Geoffrey Palmer, Nicholas Lyndhurst •
Original network: BBC2

Seven key facts in one table: the show’s original release, network, creator, cast, music, episode count, and series breakdown.

Where can I watch Butterflies TV series?

Finding the show today takes a bit of hunting. The BBC no longer streams it on iPlayer, but the full series is freely available on YouTube through the official BBC Comedy channel. For those who prefer physical media, a complete DVD box set was released by 2Entertain.

BBC iPlayer availability

• Not currently available on BBC iPlayer as of 2025 (BBC iPlayer (catalogue))
• Previously repeated on BBC Four in 2018 (BBC Four)

YouTube playlists

• Full series available via YouTube playlist (BBC Comedy) (BBC Comedy YouTube)

DVD purchase options

• DVD box set released by 2Entertain (Amazon UK)

The implication: the show’s physical format is still accessible, but digital streaming is limited to YouTube. For nostalgic viewers, the free option is the easiest.

How many series of Butterflies were there?

The series ran for four series between 1978 and 1983. Episode counts vary slightly across sources, but the most commonly cited figures are:

List of series

• Series 1: 10 episodes (1978) (British Comedy Guide)
• Series 2: 8 episodes (1979) (British Comedy Guide)
• Series 3: 9 episodes (1980) (British Comedy Guide)
• Series 4: 10 episodes (1983) (British Comedy Guide)

Episode count per series

Total episodes: 37, though some sources count 27 or 28 plus two specials. The discrepancy arises from how the 30-minute specials are classified (Screenonline).

Broadcast dates

• First broadcast: 10 November 1978 at 9pm on BBC2 (BBC History of the BBC)
• Final broadcast: 19 October 1983 (Wikipedia)

The pattern: the series followed a consistent annual release cycle until a three-year gap before the final series.

What happened to the cast of Butterflies TV series?

After the show ended, the main cast members moved on to other notable roles. Their careers after Butterflies demonstrate the strength of the original ensemble.

Wendy Craig career after Butterflies

• Continued acting, notably in The Royal and Coronation Street (IMDb)

Geoffrey Palmer career

• Became a familiar face in As Time Goes By and The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin (IMDb)

Nicholas Lyndhurst career

• Rose to fame as Rodney in Only Fools and Horses (IMDb)

Other supporting cast

• Andrew Hall (Leonard) appeared in Coronation Street (IMDb)
• Bruce Bould (Russell) continued in theatre and television (British Comedy Guide)

The catch: the cast’s post-Butterflies careers largely overshadowed the show itself, which may explain why it remains a cult favourite rather than a mainstream revival. For similar British sitcom cast guides, see Cast Of This Country and Cast Of Derry Girls.

How did the Butterflies TV series end?

The series finale, “When Ria Met Leonard” (Series 4, Episode 10), aired on 19 October 1983. The episode leaves Ria’s romantic tension with Leonard unresolved in a way that still sparks debate.

Final episode plot

• Ria and Leonard finally meet alone, but Ria chooses to stay with her family (BBC History of the BBC)

Ria’s choice

• She decides not to have an affair, reinforcing the show’s theme of quiet resignation (BBC History of the BBC)

Reception of the ending

• The series ended without an official conclusion due to the illness of a key cast member (British Comedy Guide)

The trade-off: the ambiguous ending feels true to the show’s tone, but it leaves viewers wanting more closure.

Is Butterflies on BBC iPlayer?

As of 2025, the series is not available on BBC iPlayer. It was previously repeated on BBC Four in 2018 as part of a classic comedy season.

Current status

• Not currently available on BBC iPlayer (BBC iPlayer (current catalogue))

Past availability

• Repeated on BBC Four in 2018 (BBC Four)

Alternatives

• Full series available on YouTube via BBC Comedy (BBC Comedy YouTube)
• DVD box set available from retailers (Amazon UK)

Why this matters: the show’s absence from iPlayer creates a gap for younger audiences, but the YouTube availability keeps it alive for the dedicated fan base.

Timeline of Butterflies

• 10 November 1978 – Series 1 premiere: “When Ria Met Leonard” (BBC History of the BBC)
• 1978–1979 – Series 1 airs (10 episodes) (British Comedy Guide)
• 1979 – Series 2 airs (8 episodes) (British Comedy Guide)
• 1980 – Series 3 airs (9 episodes) (British Comedy Guide)
• 5 September – 19 October 1983 – Series 4 airs (10 episodes) (Wikipedia)
• 2018 – Repeated on BBC Four (BBC Four)

The timeline shows a consistent release pattern, then a long gap before the final series, possibly due to cast availability.

What we know and what remains unclear

“Ria meets Leonard, who offers a hint of excitement, but they never gave in to the promised affair.”

– BBC History of the BBC (official archive)

“Butterflies is a classic sitcom that explores the domestic life of a housewife in a way that was ahead of its time.”

– British Comedy Guide (UK comedy database)

For viewers in the UK, the choice is clear: watch the series for free on YouTube while you can, or pick up the DVD box set for a permanent collection. The show’s gentle exploration of marital discontent still feels relevant, and its unresolved ending invites as much discussion today as it did in 1983.

Frequently asked questions