“Keeping Up Appearances,” one of Britain’s most iconic sitcoms, introduced audiences to a collection of unforgettable characters. Among the vibrant ensemble, none stand out more than Hyacinth and Richard Bucket. While Hyacinth, with her constant desire to climb the social ladder and maintain appearances, quickly became a comedic force, her relationship with her husband Richard was the cornerstone of the show’s domestic humor.

Despite their prominence, however, they are often considered the least favorite couple on the show.

Hyacinth’s obsessive need to appear refined and her relentless attempts to impress others often overshadow the subtler dynamics of her relationship with Richard. Although Hyacinth’s social aspirations make her a source of comic relief, her unrelenting pursuit of status often leaves her husband, Richard, in the background—sometimes literally.

Richard, by contrast, is a mild-mannered and long-suffering character, frequently trying to escape the chaos his wife creates. While the couple’s humor derives from their contrasting personalities, it is precisely this imbalance that leads many viewers to view them as the least favorite.

Hyacinth is the epitome of a woman obsessed with appearances. Throughout the series, she goes to extreme lengths to ensure she is seen as part of the upper-middle class, constantly fretting over details like the proper way to pronounce her last name—”Bouquet,” not “Bucket”—and avoiding anything that might suggest she is anything less than a social elite.

She takes every opportunity to showcase her perceived refinement, whether it’s making sure she is seen as having an “extensive” garden or acting as if she is well-versed in high-society protocols.

Hyacinth’s constant attempts to ingratiate herself with the wealthier characters in the show often lead to moments of humiliation. Whether it’s her desperate attempts to make sure she’s seen attending the right events or her frantic efforts to avoid her lower-class relatives, her actions can often seem exaggerated and even shallow.

Her obsession with social status frequently makes her come across as self-important, making it difficult for some viewers to feel sympathy for her.

Richard, on the other hand, represents the quiet and long-suffering spouse who is perpetually overshadowed by his wife’s grand ambitions. He is content with a simple, quieter life and often seeks refuge in the background when Hyacinth embarks on one of her latest social escapades.

In contrast to Hyacinth’s overt and often shrill need for attention, Richard’s calm demeanor and lack of pretension can feel like a breath of fresh air. However, as Hyacinth continuously drags him into her endless dramas, viewers may begin to sympathize more with Richard than with his wife.

Richard’s meekness and reluctance to confront his wife head-on also contribute to his status as a less popular character. His inability or unwillingness to stand up to Hyacinth’s constant overreaching leads to moments of extreme frustration for viewers.

The dynamic between the two is often painful to watch, with Richard constantly acquiescing to Hyacinth’s whims and allowing her to control the direction of their lives.

The imbalance in Hyacinth and Richard’s relationship is central to the humor of “Keeping Up Appearances,” but it also reinforces why they are not the most beloved couple on the show. Hyacinth’s overbearing attitude and constant need to impress often lead to Richard being sidelined, both in terms of the narrative and the character development.

His subservience to his wife’s demands paints him as a passive character, while Hyacinth’s dominance makes her appear one-dimensional at times.

Their relationship feels like a constant tug-of-war, with Hyacinth always pulling for social advancement and Richard being dragged along for the ride. While many sitcom couples are beloved for their teamwork or mutual understanding, Hyacinth and Richard’s dynamic lacks this balance.

Their relationship is often characterized by Hyacinth’s selfishness and Richard’s resignation, which may not sit well with many fans who appreciate more equal or supportive partnerships.

Despite their status as the central couple of the show, Hyacinth and Richard tend to be less liked than some of the other characters in the ensemble. Characters like Daisy and Onslow, while often lazy or crude, are more relatable and offer a refreshing contrast to Hyacinth’s pretentiousness.

Their willingness to be themselves and not worry about appearances is a trait many viewers find endearing, making them far more popular than the uptight, socially ambitious Buckets.

Hyacinth’s obsessive need to be perceived as part of high society often makes her come across as out of touch and unrealistic, and this creates a certain emotional distance between her and the audience. Richard’s constant submission to his wife’s demands can feel like a perpetual cycle of frustration, with no meaningful resolution or growth in sight.

This lack of character development and the static nature of their relationship ultimately leads to them being the least favorite couple on the show.

In the grand tapestry of “Keeping Up Appearances,” Hyacinth and Richard are undoubtedly central to the show’s humor. However, their relationship—marked by Hyacinth’s social climbing and Richard’s meek compliance—has led many fans to view them as the least favorite couple.

While they provide a significant portion of the sitcom’s comedy, their dynamic leaves little room for the kind of warmth or mutual respect that other beloved characters exhibit. In a show full of eccentric characters and hilarious moments, Hyacinth and Richard’s marriage often feels more frustrating than funny.