Keeping Up Appearances is a British sitcom starring Patricia Routledge as eccentric, social-climbing snob Hyacinth Bucket (bou-quet). Created and written by Roy Clarke, it aired on BBC1 from 1990 to 1995 — spanning five seasons and 44 episodes — four of which are Christmas specials. In 2004 the show came 12th in the Britain's Best Sitcom poll that aired on BBC 2. It is regularly repeated on BBC 1 and on G.O.L.D. All five seasons — including Christmas specials — are available on DVD. The show has been aired in many countries throughout the world and is popular in North America.