One of the most popular sitcoms to come from ITV ( or at the time LWT), on the buses centres on a working class family from London. The series hits a lot of criticism in today's terms but in its day it was was picturing working class britain exactly.
The sexism is typical of the 1970's and this isnt limited just to sitcoms, some of the drama's from the time follow the same trent, even shows that focused on strong women such as Coronation Street or Emmerdale have streaks of Sexism through its veins - Afterall Annie Sugden is forever washing up or baking.
One thing On The Buses was ahead of its time with was the character of Chalkie, yes the nickname remains in the 70's but the fact that he is included as one of the lads and even in one episodes gets annoyed if a stripper doesnt attend the busman's ball shows that the equality of race was ahead of its time, even if we as an audience today have moved even further ahead.
There is even two instances where Inspector Black talks about Foreign countries, other cultures and religions with respect showing that the series was more cultured than most polititians at the time.
The respect for other races may not have extended to having respect for the clippies, with Jack and Stan seemingly only helping out a woman if they will get some at the end. The jokes and terms may not seem in the best taste but when you look below the surface you will soon notice tht in many episodes the women always come out on top, or are indipendan enough to be in control of their own sexual urges.
Again this is ahead of its time as many of the women want sex before marriage and appear to be rounded characters rather than a 2D dolly bird. It would also seem with some of the conversations between female characters that if this series was shown from the perspective of the females as well as the males then there would be equal amounts of inuendo and sexism on both parts. In the first series a clippie uses her body to distract Stan from winning a darts match, this is coupled with his mum slyly tricking him into walking her home instead of the clippie. In another episode a canteen worker tricks Stan into giving her his weeks wages so she can get a better job.
Many of the episodes are based around three plots, either Stan is trying to get out of trouble at work, Stan is trying to get with a girl or the Bulter family has finatial troubles, usually involing getting a lodger.
The series takes a dip in season 7 when Michael Robbins leaves his role as Arthur and midway through the season Reg Varney also leaves as main character Stan. But prior to this the series works from a recipe of ingredients involving Olive and Arthur rowing, always mentioning his 'Operation', Blakey saying the words 'I 'Ate you Butler' and Jack's dirty laugh.
One of the strongest comedies to come from the UK, 9 out of 10 stars.