7.4
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Sink or Swim
1980·Show
·19Episodes in3Seasons·
Sink or Swim fingerprint
Funny, low-key.
Energy
Calm and low-key
- Fast Pace6
- Tension2
- Adrenaline1
Heart
Nostalgic
- Nostalgia7
- Wholesome6
- Family Dynamics6
Humor
Plenty of situational comedy and sharp wit
- Situational Comedy9
- Wit & Wordplay6
- Cringe Humor6
World
Everyday modern life
- Dialogue Centrality9
- World Immersion7
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout dialogue
- Dialogue Quality8
- Acting7
- Narrative Structure7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography6
- Editing6
- Music Composition5
All energy traits
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Tension2Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline1High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle1Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
- Violence0Physical conflict and intensity.
All heart traits
- Nostalgia7Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wholesome6Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Family Dynamics6Relationships and generational ties.
- Hopefulness5Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Romance4Love stories and emotional connections.
- Catharsis3Emotional release and payoff.
- Pathos2Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy2Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Coming of Age1Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder0Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
HighPlenty of situational comedy and sharp wit
Expect plenty of situational comedy and sharp wit.
All humor traits
- Situational Comedy9Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Wit & Wordplay6Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor6Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Physical Comedy5Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor0Humor from taboo or grim topics.
Related traits
- Wholesome6Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
MediumEveryday modern life
Its world is built around everyday modern life.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty4Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity0Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
All craft traits
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction6Vision and command behind the camera.
- Intrigue3Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity3Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
All style traits
- Cinematography6Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition5Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality4Songs central to storytelling.
- Visual Stylization3Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFamily Movie NightFriends NightParty VibeIntergenerationalKidsPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBackground WatchBinge-FriendlyComfort WatchDrop-in FriendlyPure Escapism
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About
Sink or Swim is a BBC TV sitcom from the 1980s with Peter Davison as the lead character Brian Webber. Brian Webber lives in a flat above a petrol station in London. He's trying hard to make his way in the world, thus far with limited success. His girlfriend, Sonia, is a very serious minded young woman who is passionate only about things like vegetarianism and ecology. When Brian's younger brother, Steve, arrives in London looking for somewhere to stay, his lazy, cynical, noisy "Northern lout" attitude disrupts Brian's already messy life.
Like Only Fools and Horses, Sink or Swim was filmed in Bristol doubling for London.
It ran for three series between 4 December 1980 and 14 October 1982 and was written by Alex Shearer, who later wrote the Nicholas Lyndhurst sitcom The Two of Us for LWT from 1986 to 1990. Production of the sitcom overlapped the first two years of Davison also starring as the Fifth Doctor in Doctor Who, which imposed constraints on the recording schedules.
British SitcomSlice-of-Life ComedyCharacter-Driven HumorLondon SettingFamilial ConflictEarly 1980sRelatable MisadventuresClassic Television
Crew
Produced by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
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Movies
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Sink or Swim
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Sink or Swim worth watching?
67
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 67/100 (IMDb 7.4). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
How many seasons does Sink or Swim have?
3 seasons
It has 3 seasons with 19 episodes.
When did Sink or Swim air?
S1S2S3
It ran from 1980 to 1982 and has ended.
What language is Sink or Swim in?
English
It was made in English.