So, I had learned of Porridge from some trope page and was finally able to watch it after subscribing to Britbox. While occasionally dated (in both a Values Dissonance sense as well as a "get the reference" sense), it's a really great high concept series, especially in the combination of sitcom antics and affecting drama. It reminded me of American Gods in terms of presenting prison life as horribly soul crushing even without the stereotypical Prison Rape and such.
One aspect I find particularly interesting (sort of like The Good Place in this respect) is a sort of Reality Ensues take on sitcom wackiness with Fletcher (and by extension, other characters). What I mean, is that he's in the mold of your Honest John's Dealership comic schemer type, but instead of the typical circumstances of a character going around the law with comic consequences, Fletcher is not only currently in prison, but has been in and out for much of his life, and in reflective moments, admit to making very poor life choices. Which both lends a seriousness to the show and makes it so that Fletcher, while always likable, is "anti-social" in the way a life long criminal would be expected to be and which your typical Lovable Rogue isn't.
So, I had learned of Porridge from some trope page and was finally able to watch it after subscribing to Britbox. While occasionally dated (in both a Values Dissonance sense as well as a "get the reference" sense), it's a really great high concept series, especially in the combination of sitcom antics and affecting drama. It reminded me of American Gods in terms of presenting prison life as horribly soul crushing even without the stereotypical Prison Rape and such.
One aspect I find particularly interesting (sort of like The Good Place in this respect) is a sort of Reality Ensues take on sitcom wackiness with Fletcher (and by extension, other characters). What I mean, is that he's in the mold of your Honest John's Dealership comic schemer type, but instead of the typical circumstances of a character going around the law with comic consequences, Fletcher is not only currently in prison, but has been in and out for much of his life, and in reflective moments, admit to making very poor life choices. Which both lends a seriousness to the show and makes it so that Fletcher, while always likable, is "anti-social" in the way a life long criminal would be expected to be and which your typical Lovable Rogue isn't.