As Time Goes By Episode Guide

Episode Guide

As Time Goes By: Season 9 (2002)

• Season 9 Episode 4: What Now?

  With Alistair and Judith happily married, Harry tries to find the courage to ask Sandy to move to Canada with him, and Lionel has his usual doubts about his relationship with Jean when she takes pity on a homeless girl. Comedy, starring Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer. Last in series

• Season 9 Episode 3: The World Will Always Welcome Lovers ... a.k.a. The Wedding

  The truth about Alistair's wedding nerves is revealed after he and Lionel fail to keep it a secret, but Rocky comes to the rescue to ensure the ceremony finally takes place. Jean refuses to give up on her efforts to play Cupid between Harry and Sandy

  Next on: Saturday 9th January 9:30pm EST - GPTV (PBS)
• Season 9 Episode 2: Another Proposal

  Penny and Stephen have big news which may prevent them attending Alistair and Judith's wedding, while Lionel's father Rocky and Mrs Bale prepare for the big event in the village. Comedy, starring Judi Dench, Geoffrey Palmer, Philip Bretherton and Moira Brooker

  Next on: Saturday 9th January 9:00pm EST - GPTV (PBS)
• Season 9 Episode 1: Time to Settle Down

  Sandy's policeman boyfriend calls at the house with important news and Alistair suddenly realises he wants to settle down, but he can't decide what should come first - work or romance. Starring Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer

As Time Goes By: Season 8 (2000)

• Season 8 Episode 6: Going On Line

  Jean decides to go online, but Lionel is not so sure it is a good idea, and Judith's ex-boyfriend Alistair comes up against a big problem. Comedy about late-blossoming love, with Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer

• Season 8 Episode 5: Future Imperfect

  Lionel is concerned that he has no pension plans, so the ever-resourceful Alistair comes up with an ingenious idea - to sell the country house. Comedy, starring Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer

  Next on: Friday 15th January 2:33pm EST - WMPT (PBS)
• Season 8 Episode 4: Surprising News

  Lionel wishes he had a pension when he learns that Steve and Penny are using theirs to move to Spain.

  Next on: Thursday 14th January 2:33pm EST - WMPT (PBS)
• Season 8 Episode 3: The Bathroom

  Lionel suffers embarrassment when he walks in on Sandy in the bath, and once the sniggers subside Jean decides to have a second bathroom installed and calls in the builders. As the tension increases she realises a minor incident has been turned into a major issue which she can ill afford

  Next on: Wednesday 13th January 2:33pm EST - WMPT (PBS)
• Season 8 Episode 2: Animal Magnetism

  Judith's former boyfriend Alistair rocks the boat by asking Sandy for a date, and Jean is given cause to feel jealous of Lionel. Comedy, starring Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer

  Next on: Tuesday 12th January 2:33pm EST - WMPT (PBS)
• Season 8 Episode 1: A Deeply Personal Problem

  Jean tries to cheer up the boyfriendless Judith and Sandy.

  Next on: Monday 11th January 2:33pm EST - WMPT (PBS)

As Time Goes By: Season 7 (1998)

• Season 7 Episode 7: The Proposal

  Judith hesitates when Alistair proposes to her for a very odd reason.

  Next on: Friday 8th January 2:33pm EST - WMPT (PBS)
• Season 7 Episode 6: The Old Folks Party

  Jean models a party for the local residents of an old people's home after the example set by Lionel's visiting father - but he is not the paragon of old age he pretends to be. Bittersweet comedy, starring Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer

  Next on: Thursday 7th January 2:33pm EST - WMPT (PBS)
• Season 7 Episode 5: Too Old - or Too Nosy

  Mixed feelings greet the news that Penny, Jean's sister-in-law, and her husband Stephen are due to visit, and even more are evoked when they reveal surprising news

  Next on: Wednesday 6th January 2:33pm EST - WMPT (PBS)
• Season 7 Episode 4: The Bypass

  Lionel and Jean leave for the countryside in the early hours of the morning, determined to avoid 'the gang' who made their last visit unbearable. However, any hopes of remaining unnoticed are dashed as they arrive at their destination to be met by the housekeeper brandishing a loudhailer in one hand and a shotgun in the other

  Next on: Tomorrow at 2:33pm EST - WMPT (PBS)
• Season 7 Episode 3: The New Neighbours

  Jean does a spot of snooping on her potential neighbours when the house next door goes up for sale

• Season 7 Episode 2: An Old Flame

  Lionel is not the only one whose curiosity is aroused when an old boyfriend of Jean's turns up and invites her to dinner - an offer she can't refuse. Comedy about late-blossoming love, with Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer

• Season 7 Episode 1: Pardon?

  Jean suspects Lionel is going deaf but has trouble convincing him. Elsewhere, things seem to be going well for Judith and Alistair, while Sandy fears her boyfriend is more interested in rugby than her. Comedy, starring Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer

As Time Goes By: Season 6 (1997)

• Season 6 Episode 7: A Surprise for Jean

  Jean begins to think that, 19 months after tying the knot, her marriage may have become stale. She wonders if a few surprises from Lionel would spice things up, so Alistair, helped by Judith and Sandy, comes up with a plan to give her the treat of a lifetime. Last in series

• Season 6 Episode 6: The House Next Door

  Jean and Lionel settle down to enjoy a quiet evening, only to find themselves constantly disturbed by ominous noises from the empty house next door. Comedy, starring Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer

• Season 6 Episode 5: Alistair's Engagement

  Lionel and Jean return from a weekend away to find Judith's boyfriend has been staying at the house. To add to their woes, Alistair announces he has got engaged to a girl named Mercury - dashing their hopes of his ever becoming their son-in-law. Comedy starring Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer

• Season 6 Episode 4: What's Wrong with Mrs Bale?

  Jean and Lionel's peaceful weekend in the country is disrupted when they find the faithful Mrs Bale is not her usual cheerful self. To add to their woes, Lionel feels unwell - but a visit from a doctor with a strange bedside manner sheds light on their housekeeper's strange mood

• Season 6 Episode 3: The Dinner Party

  Sandy has relationship problems, and Jean frets when Judith starts dating a married man. Penny and Stephen arrive for a dinner party and Lionel has to steer the conversation away from personal matters. Comedy, starring Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer

• Season 6 Episode 2: The Psychotherapist

  Jean ponders giving up work and handing the company over to Judith and Sandy - much to Lionel's delight. Starring Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer

• Season 6 Episode 1: The Stalker

  Sandy worries she has a stalker when she spots someone following her home at night. Lionel's efforts to calm the situation are unsuccessful, so Alistair steps in to help and manages to uncover the mysterious man's identity

As Time Goes By: Season 5 (1996)

• Season 5 Episode 7: Showered With Gifts

  Lionel and Jean look forward to a peaceful weekend in the country minus the unwelcome presence of 'the gang' - but the locals have different reactions to the absence of the usual crowd. Comedy, starring Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer, with Frank Middlemass and Joan Sims

• Season 5 Episode 6: At Death's Door

  Lionel and Jean take care of Stephen while Penny goes into hospital for a routine operation - but their task is complicated by a case of mistaken identity. Geoffrey Palmer, Judi Dench and Moira Brooker star

• Season 5 Episode 5: Broadcast Plans

  Lionel's script makes it on to American TV, but the show gets a mixed reception. The couple make a wise decision in refusing Alistair's invitation to enjoy New York hospitality. Starring Geoffrey Palmer and Judi Dench

• Season 5 Episode 4: Avoiding the County Set

  Jean and Lionel try to avoid 'the gang' when they plan a quiet weekend together, but things do not go as expected, despite their best efforts. Comedy, starring Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer

• Season 5 Episode 3: Lionel's New Hobby

  Jean becomes concerned that Lionel's new passion for model boat-building is not active enough, and decides to rouse him from his lethargy by inspiring him to write another book. Comedy, starring Judi Dench, Geoffrey Palmer and Moira Brooker

• Season 5 Episode 2: Lionel's Ex-Wife

  Lionel is surprised to receive a letter from ex-wife Margaret and arranges an informal get-together to chat about old times. However, it soon transpires that her glamorous lifestyle isn't all it seems. Comedy, starring Geoffrey Palmer, Judi Dench and Caroline Blakistone

• Season 5 Episode 1: The Country Set

  Jean and Lionel plan to spend a quiet weekend away, but things don't work out as the entire gang descend on them. Comedy, starring Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer

As Time Goes By: Season 4 (1994 - 1995)

• Season 4 Episode 10: Improvements

  Lionel's script about his early romance with Jean goes into production, but he is aghast at some of the liberties taken by the brash American producers, and tries to stop them making any radical changes. Geoffrey Palmer and Judi Dench star

• Season 4 Episode 9: Judith's New Romance

  Sandy's evasive remarks suggest Judith's new romance has problems, which Jean is only too keen to help solve - with disastrous results. Bob Larbey's comedy about late-blossoming love, starring Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer

• Season 4 Episode 8: Wedding Day Nerves

  As the big day arrives, nerves get the better of Lionel, while Jean's attempts to remain calm are not helped by the presence of her sister-in-law. Comedy, starring Judi Dench

  Next on: Saturday 9th January 8:00pm EST - WMPT (PBS)
• Season 4 Episode 7: Wedding Preparations

  The announcement of Jean and Lionel's wedding date gives the neighbourhood women the perfect opportunity to go shopping for new outfits - until the bride-to-be is accused of shoplifting. Comedy, with Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer

• Season 4 Episode 6: The Anniversary Party

  Lionel's proposal to Jean is accepted, but their happiness is not shared by everyone. Judith refuses to speak to Alistair, Sandy walks out on her boyfriend and Stephen's plans for a surprise anniversary party for Penny go hopelessly wrong. Starring Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer

• Season 4 Episode 5: Welcome News

  A Hollywood producer arrives in town, full of big ideas about filming one of Lionel's books - but his plan to use authentic locations meets with disapproval. Comedy, starring Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer

• Season 4 Episode 4: The Affair

  Jean's sister-in-law Penny is convinced her husband is having an affair with his dental nurse and insists she move in with Jean and Lionel. Comedy, starring Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer

  Next on: Saturday 9th January 8:00pm EST - WTTW (PBS)
• Season 4 Episode 3: Getting Rid of Gwen

  Lionel finally reaches the end of his tether with busybody secretary Mrs Flack - so Jean hatches a cunning plan to ease her out without causing a scene. Comedy, starring Judi Dench, Geoffrey Palmer and Vivienne Martin

• Season 4 Episode 2: Rewrites

  Lionel is asked to spice up the script for his mini-series and make it more raunchy, so one of Jean's secretaries is brought in to help. Comedy, starring Geoffrey Palmer and Judi Dench

• Season 4 Episode 1: A House Full of Women

  Lionel feels uncomfortable to be surrounded by so many females after Sandy joins Judith and Jean in the Pargetter household. Comedy, starring Judi Dench, Geoffrey Palmer, Jenny Funnell and Moira Brooker

As Time Goes By: Season 3 (1994)

• Season 3 Episode 10: Problems, Problems

  Jean tries to organise a new secretary for Lionel, who is troubled by discussions regarding the mini series. Rocky's honeymoon with Madge ends in hospital after an unfortunate canoeing accident. Gentle comedy, starring Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer

• Season 3 Episode 9: Dealing With Sally

  Having returned from LA, Jean insists on going back to work, certain she can overcome jet lag, but Lionel just wants to rest. Comedy, starring Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer

• Season 3 Episode 8: A Trip to Los Angeles

  Jean and Lionel travel to Los Angeles to discuss turning their story into a film, but the brash executive deciding their fate doesn't allay their fears. Comedy, starring Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer

  Next on: Sunday 10th January 4:30pm EST - KYNE (PBS)
• Season 3 Episode 7: The Mini Series

  Jean searches for a manager to run the agency, while Lionel gets to work on the outline for an American mini-series based on their real-life romance. Comedy, starring Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer

• Season 3 Episode 6: Branching Out

  Jean opens another secretarial agency, but needs someone to run it. Work for Lionel seems to have dried up, giving her cause for concern

• Season 3 Episode 5: Moving In

  Lionel moves in with Jean but each has trouble letting go of their independence. Comedy, starring Geoffrey Palmer and Judi Dench

• Season 3 Episode 4: Covering Up

  Jean falls out with Lionel, but tries to pretend everything is fine when her sister-in-law pays a visit. Comedy, starring Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer

• Season 3 Episode 3: Living Together, But Where?

  Middle-aged romantics Jean and Lionel finally decide to move in together, but fall out over incidental details - such as whose house they are going to live in. Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer star in Bob Larbey's comedy about late-blossoming love

  Next on: Friday 8th January 11:30pm EST - KYNE (PBS)
• Season 3 Episode 2: Rocky's Wedding Day

  Jean is bridesmaid at the wedding of Lionel's father, but nobody is sure who is giving the bride away. Light-hearted comedy, starring Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer

  Next on: Friday 8th January 11:00pm EST - KYNE (PBS)
• Season 3 Episode 1: We'll Always Have Paris

  Jean and Lionel at last fulfil their dream and take a romantic trip to Paris - but it seems they are not alone. Bob Larbey's comedy about late-blossoming love, starring Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer

As Time Goes By: Season 2 (1993)

• Season 2 Episode 7: The Book Signing

  Jean is concerned for Lionel's success as the day of his book launch arrives and wonders if Alistair will be able to help out with a publicity stunt should sales start to flag. Romantic comedy, starring Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer

• Season 2 Episode 6: The Cruise

  Lionel offers Jean a free holiday, but she remains less than impressed by his efforts to woo her. Comedy, starring Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer

• Season 2 Episode 5: Misunderstandings

  A chance encounter leads to an invitation for Jean to stay at her sister-in-law's home, but she has to persuade Lionel to accompany her. Comedy, starring Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer

• Season 2 Episode 4: Why?

  Lionel becomes suspicious of Alistair's overwhelming desire for his book to be a success. Comedy, starring Geoffrey Palmer and Judi Dench

• Season 2 Episode 3: Visiting Rocky

  Lionel becomes depressed that his abilities are dwindling as he grows in age, while Jean is surprised when she meets his active, outgoing and eccentric father who keeps his house crammed full of trinkets

• Season 2 Episode 2: A Weekend Away

  Judith goes away for the weekend, leaving Lionel and Jean with the house to themselves. Comedy about late-blossoming love, starring Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer

• Season 2 Episode 1: White Hunter

  Alistair decides that Lionel's finished book needs a picture of the author on the cover, but the suggestion is not as straightforward as it seems. Starring Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer

As Time Goes By: Season 1 (1992 - 2003)

• Season 1 Episode 6: The Picnic

  Judith suddenly becomes impressed by Lionel, while Alistair tries to woo Jean with a band and a gorillagram

• Season 1 Episode 5: Relationships

  After finding Lionel (Geoffrey Palmer) with another woman, Jean (Judi Dench) responds to the attentions of his publisher (Philip Bretherton).

• Season 1 Episode 4: Surprise, Surprise

  Jean pays an unexpected visit during Lionel's lecture tour - only to be surprised herself

• Season 1 Episode 3: The Copper Kettle

  Lionel and Jean spend a nostalgic day in Buckinghamshire reliving their courtship days - but find things have changed in the intervening years

• Season 1 Episode 2: Getting To Know You Again

  Lionel invites Jean to his publisher's party, where they are both made to feel their age, but realise they still have a lot in common. Comedy about late-blossoming love, with Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer

  Next on: Sunday 10th January 8:30pm EST - WMPTDT2 (WMPT-DT2) (PBS)
• Season 1 Episode 1: You Must Remember This

  After years apart, Lionel is reunited with Jean but takes a bigger interest in her daughter. Each believes they have nothing in common any more. First ever episode of the comedy about late-blossoming love, with Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer

As Time Goes By: Special

• Special Episode 3: Compilation Special

  Hour-long special complementing last week's final episode. Lionel and Jean reflect on how events have turned out since they met, and finally get the house to themselves with Sandy in Canada and Alistair and Judy married. Geoffrey Palmer and Judi Dench star

• Special Episode 2: Special Two

  Patrick searches for his father, Jean decides she wants grandchildren, Stephen aspires to be a celebrity and Lionel wants peace and quiet as well as a custard tart. Somehow, all of them inexplicably end up in hospital. Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer star in the concluding instalment of a two-part Christmas special first shown in 2005

• Special Episode 1: EPISODE: 1

  First of two special episodes of Bob Larbey's comedy. Lionel is dumbfounded by the delivery of two cots to the Hardcastle residence, given that there are no babies in the house. Jean explains they're for their grandchildren, which is even more surprising given that Judith isn't even pregnant

• You Must Remember This - Part One

  Clips from past episodes. With Alistair and Judith now married, and Sandy and Harry gone to Canada, older lovebirds Lionel and Jean reminisce on their own