Are You Being Served? the first series on 14 March 1973. Although the first series was aired in the same timeslot as "Coronation Street" on ITV, consequently receiving relatively little attention, the repeats shown later in the year were much more successful. The show became a ratings hit, and after a successful 13-year run, "Are You Being Served?" came to an end on 1 April 1985. Of the original cast, only Frank Thornton, Mollie Sugden, John Inman, Wendy Richard and Nicholas Smith appeared in all 69 episodes of the programme's 13-year run; these five later featured in the sequel sitcom, "Grace & Favour" (also
Are You Being Served? and without going over budget. All ten series, including a black and white version of the pilot episode, and all five Christmas specials from those years, as well as both series of "Grace & Favour" are now available on DVD in the UK (Region 2). "Are You Being Served?: the Movie" was released in 2002. A colour-restored version of the original pilot episode has yet to be released commercially. All ten series, as well as both series of "Grace & Favour" (in packaging titled "Are You Being Served? Again!") and the film are available on DVD in Region 1 (North