### **Only Fools and Horses: A British Sitcom That Won the Hearts of the Balkans**
The 1992 Christmas episode of *Only Fools and Horses*, where Del Boy and Rodney hilariously attempt to sell tap water as “Peckham Spring,” became a cultural phenomenon in the UK, watched by over 20 million people. The show’s popularity was unmatched, dominating British TV ratings for years, with eight Christmas specials topping the charts between 1990 and 2003. Despite a slow start, the sitcom grew into one of Britain’s most beloved series, praised for its wit, charm, and relatable characters. IMDb ranks it as the 35th best TV show of all time, surpassing acclaimed series like *Seinfeld* and *Succession*.
### **The Unexpected Balkan Obsession**
What’s even more fascinating is the show’s immense popularity in the Balkans. In Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia, and Montenegro, *Only Fools and Horses* (known as *Mućke* or *Spletki*) is adored even more than in the UK. Google Trends and IMDb ratings reveal that these countries rank just behind Britain in search interest and viewer ratings. The show resonated deeply with Balkan audiences, who saw parallels between Del Boy’s get-rich-quick schemes and their own struggles under economic hardship. Actor John Challis, who played Boycie, was even granted honorary Serbian citizenship, and a *Fools*-themed café, *Kafe Mucke*, opened in Belgrade.
### **Why the Balkans Love Del Boy**
Fans in the Balkans often cite the show’s humor and relatability as key reasons for its success. As one Serbian fan told the BBC, “Our mentality is similar—the ways we make ends meet and our wish to become millionaires.” The Guardian highlighted how Del and Rodney’s misadventures mirrored the entrepreneurial spirit and chaotic reality of post-communist life in the region. Whether through black-market dealings or absurd money-making schemes, *Only Fools and Horses* struck a chord, proving that great comedy transcends borders—even if the American remake failed spectacularly.
Ez a cikk a Neural News AI (V1) verziójával készült.
Forrás: https://blog.samizdata.co/p/how-a-british-sitcom-swept-through-the-balkans.