Good Life tops 'happy mood' poll

Suburban comedy The Good Life initially ran from 1975 to 1978

Sitcom The Good Life has topped a poll to find the television programmes that lift people's spirits the most.

The show, which starred Richard Briers and Felicity Kendall, beat Only Fools and Horses and Friends in the survey.

Health insurance firm PruHealth asked 2,000 people to rate shows on their ability to make them laugh, lift their spirits and give healthy role models.

The Good Life revolved around a couple who turned their suburban home into a self-sufficient farm and allotment.

Topical panel show Have I Got News for You finished in fourth place in the poll.

Chris Dark, clinical director of PruHealth, said watching uplifting shows provided the "emotional well-being" important for a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

'Health benefits'

"More and more medical evidence is emerging for the health benefits of laughter," he said.

"These are thought to include protecting against heart disease, boosting the immune system, relieving stress and even increased pain tolerance."

The Queen was among the dedicated fans of The Good Life, first broadcast on BBC One from 1975 to 1978.

It saw middle-class suburban couple Briers and Kendall compete with their snobbish neighbours, played by Penelope Keith and Paul Eddington.

A BBC poll last year to find the most popular British sitcom put Only Fools and Horses top, with The Good Life in ninth place.