The British sitcom Butterflies was first aired from 1978 to 1983 on BBC2. Created and written by Carla Lane, it starred Wendy Craig as Ria Parkinson, Geoffrey Palmer as her husband Ben, and Andrew Hall and Nicholas Lyndhurst as her sons, Russell and Adam.
The show was set in suburban London and revolved around the daily lives of the Parkinson family. Ria was a housewife who felt unfulfilled by her life and marriage. She often daydreamed about having more exciting experiences and fulfilled relationships. She sometimes indulged herself by meeting with Leonard Dunn, a successful and charming businessman who had a semi-romantic interest in her. Although Ria enjoyed the attention, she was not interested in having an affair with him, and her dalliances with Leonard remained platonic.
Ben, Ria's husband, was a dentist who was passionate about collecting butterflies. He was a kind and gentle man, but often clueless to his wife's restlessness. He was more interested in his hobbies than in his wife's personal life and rarely understood her emotional needs.
Russell and Adam, Ria's sons, were both in their twenties and still lived at home. They were both trying to figure out their own paths in life. Russell was unemployed and often preoccupied with his girlfriend, Chloe. Adam, who worked as a chef, dated various women but had not found a serious relationship.
The show explored the themes of marital dissatisfaction, mid-life crises, and intergenerational conflicts. It was known for its subtle, dry humor and reflective tone, and it offered a realistic portrayal of family life that was both humorous and poignant.
Butterflies was well-received critically and commercially and won several awards, including the prestigious BAFTA award for Best Sitcom. It remains a beloved and influential show that has been referenced and parodied in numerous other TV shows, movies, and pop culture.
