Off Their Rockers (British TV series)

Lore & Background

The first series of Off Their Rockers aired for six episodes from 7 April until 12 May 2013. A second series was commissioned in July 2013, began airing on 6 April 2014, and ran for seven episodes. The final episode of the second series was dedicated to Iris Sharples, a former participant who died on 22 November 2013 during filming. A third series was commissioned in August 2014 and began airing on 1 March 2015 for six episodes. Two special episodes known as the Blue Badge specials were announced on 12 April 2015, during the concluding episode of series 3, and aired in June 2015 on Mondays at 9:30pm, starring a new cast. A fourth series was commissioned and began airing on 6 November 2016 for six episodes, moving to an earlier timeslot of 18:30 on Sunday evenings; this series saw celebrities taking part in the pranks for the first time.

Reader's Guide

Off Their Rockers represents a British adaptation of a successful international hidden camera format, bringing the concept of elderly pranksters to UK audiences. The show's significance lies in its reversal of typical age stereotypes, placing senior citizens as active, mischievous participants rather than passive subjects. The programme ran for four series and two special episodes, demonstrating sustained interest in the format. The Blue Badge specials, named after the UK's disabled parking badge, introduced a new cast. The fourth series marked a notable shift by including celebrities in the pranks for the first time. The show's legacy includes its connection to the Belgian original Benidorm Bastards and the American version Betty White's Off Their Rockers, and it is remembered for the dedication of a series 2 episode to participant Iris Sharples, who died during production.

Did You Know?

• The format originates from Belgium, where it was called Benidorm Bastards.
• Two special episodes known as the Blue Badge specials aired in June 2015 with a new cast.