---
title: "Joking Apart"
year: 1993
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/joking-apart-1993"
media_type: "tv"
tmdb_id: 784
imdb_id: "tt0106041"
status: "Ended"
seasons_count: 2
episodes_count: 12
runtime_minutes: 30
community_rating: 7.0
vote_count: 4
content_rating: "Unrated"
---

# Joking Apart (1993) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/joking-apart-1993

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Joking Apart is a BBC television sitcom written by Steven Moffat that explores the rise and fall of a relationship between a couple named Mark and Becky, who fall in love, marry, separate, and divorce. The series consists of twelve episodes broadcast between 1993 and 1995, directed by Bob Spiers, and produced by Andre Ptaszynski for the independent production company Pola Jones.

The show holds a semi-autobiographical significance, as it was inspired by the then recent separation of writer Steven Moffat and his first wife. Structurally, some episodes in the first series utilized a non-linear parallel narrative to contrast the rise of the relationship with its subsequent decline, offering viewers a unique perspective on the complexities of romance and heartbreak.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "Witness the rise and fall of a relationship in this semi-autobiographical BBC sitcom."

### Why Watch
- Written by Steven Moffat.
- Features a non-linear parallel structure in some first series episodes.
- Explores the complete trajectory of a relationship from love to divorce.

### Caveats & Content Note
- It depicts the painful separation and divorce of the main couple.
- Tone & Suitability: The tone follows the emotional rise and fall of a relationship across twelve episodes broadcast between 1993 and 1995.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: #british-sitcom, #relationship-drama, #semi-autobiographical, #non-linear-structure, #bbc-comedy

## Streaming Availability Matrix

Direct streaming licensing updates dynamically. Consult the live tracking interface at https://www.archytele.com/show/joking-apart-1993#watch.

## Creative Credits

- **Created by**: Steven Moffat
- **Networks / Studios**: BBC Two

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Robert Bathurst** as *Mark Taylor*
- **Fiona Gillies** as *Becky Johnson*
- **Tracie Bennett** as *Tracy Glazebrook*
- **Paul Raffield** as *Robert Glazebrook*
- **Paul Mark Elliott** as *Trevor*
- **Martyn Ellis** as *Alan*
- **Tony Gardner** as *Lawyer*
- **Kerry Shale** as *Stranger*
- **James Greene** as *Vicar*
- **Paul Rainbow** as *Man at Funeral*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Where can I stream Joking Apart?
Streaming availability details are not provided in the sources.

### Q: Is Joking Apart worth watching?
It is a semi-autobiographical BBC sitcom written by Steven Moffat that examines the journey of a marriage from love to divorce.

### Q: What is the binge duration of Joking Apart?
The series consists of twelve episodes broadcast between 1993 and 1995.

### Q: What are the essential episodes of Joking Apart?
The sources do not specify particular essential episodes, but note that some episodes in the first series featured a non-linear parallel structure.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Joking Apart — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/784)
- [Joking Apart (TV Series 1993-1995) - Cast & Crew — The Movie ...](https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/784-joking-apart/cast)
- [Joking Apart (TV Series 1991–1995) - Full cast & crew - IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106041/fullcredits/cast)
- [Joking Apart - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joking_Apart)
- [Joking Apart (1993-1995) - Full Cast and Crew | Moviefone](https://www.moviefone.com/tv-shows/joking-apart/1IQPs3GSnlUT0R870x4i44/credits/)
- [Meet the Cast of Joking Apart](https://castfacts.com/joking-apart/)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*