Spoiler Alert: The BBC’s Most Popular Export Isn’t What You Think

When most people think about the BBC’s most successful shows around the world, they probably picture mega-hits like Doctor Who, Top Gear, or even the stylish crime drama Sherlock. But in a twist that might surprise you, the real global champ in BBC’s export lineup is actually a quirky 1990s sitcom: Keeping Up Appearances.

Yep, believe it or not, the prim and proper antics of Hyacinth Bucket—who insists it’s pronounced “Bouquet”—have become the BBC’s most sold show internationally. In fact, the first series alone has been sold nearly 1,000 times (992 to be exact) in the past five decades. That’s more than The Life of Mammals by Sir David Attenborough, which takes second place with 958 sales, and even outpaces other fan-favorite nature shows like Wild South America and Wild Africa.

Broadcasters from places like Nigeria, Bulgaria, and Latvia have all bought the rights to air this very British comedy. It seems the world just can’t get enough of Hyacinth’s over-the-top social climbing and her relentless efforts to keep up appearances (much to the horror of her long-suffering husband, Richard).

Roy Clarke, the show’s creator, believes it all comes down to one thing: relatability. “Everyone knows a Hyacinth,” he said. “She keeps popping up everywhere—next door, down the road, or even in the family.” He adds that while she’s hilarious for a half-hour on screen, you probably wouldn’t want to live next to her. Still, he’s grateful: “Bless her, she’s been good to me.”

The data that revealed Keeping Up Appearances as the top seller comes from BBC Worldwide and looks at how many times a series has been purchased—not how many territories it aired in. That’s why newer, flashier shows like Doctor Who, Call the Midwife, or Planet Earth don’t top the list, even though they’re broadcast in over 200 countries.

Interestingly, Doctor Who’s original series from 1963 still holds strong as the most purchased drama, with 629 international buys. And Top Gear dominates the factual entertainment category, especially its ninth season, which was picked up by countries ranging from the US to Iran.

Paul Dempsey from BBC Global Markets explained that while today’s viewers are drawn to high-end, event-style programming, there’s clearly still a huge appetite for classic British comedy and nostalgia. Shows like Keeping Up Appearances, with its timeless characters and universally funny themes, continue to win hearts worldwide—proving that sometimes, old-school charm beats modern flash.

So while the BBC is proud of its glossy modern hits, it turns out that one of its most enduring and best-selling exports is a show about a woman desperately trying to host the perfect candlelight supper. Who would’ve thought?