On the Buses

In the inaugural episode of the comedy, a bus workers' strike creates tension both at the workplace and within the Butler family, disrupting their routine as they navigate the fallout. The episode features Reg Varney and Stephen Lewis in the leading roles.

The Early Shifts is a television programme presented as an episode of a comedy series. Classified simply as an episode, it introduces viewers to the world of the show and sets the tone for what follows. As the opening instalment, it establishes the format and style that the series will adopt. The central plot revolves around a sudden strike by the bus crews. Their decision to walk out creates a ripple of unrest, not only disrupting the normal flow of work but also spilling into the domestic sphere. The tension spreads to the Butler household, where the strike’s impact fuels arguments and unsettles everyday routines. This clash between professional duties and home life underscores how a labour dispute can infiltrate personal relationships. As the characters grapple with the consequences of the strike, the episode portrays the strain placed on both colleagues and family members, illustrating the broader effects of industrial action beyond the workplace. The instalment also serves as the series’ debut, featuring the comic talents of Reg Varney and Stephen Lewis. Their performances anchor the humour and situations that arise from the strike, providing the audience with the first glimpse of the characters’ dynamics and the comedic tone that will define the programme.