Hang on..."fine upstanding gentleman"? I don't know where you got that idea (this knicker elastic don't half cut into your legs). I'm gonna regret that joke, I just know it
Like most yanks of a certain age I grew up watching/enjoying Sanford and Son and though it was a historic, incredibly popular and influential show here (highest rated sitcom for quite a while) it was clear that, occasionally, it wasn't as good as it should've/could've been.* The opening title sequence featured brilliant music by Quincy Jones, everybody loved that tune, so it was natural to read accompanying credits that sometimes mentioned Ray, Alan and Steptoe, leaving an indelible impression. Fast forward decades later, a friend across the water recommended Steptoe and the memories came rushing back. Did a bit of research and picked up the movies. Of course I was hooked instantly, as is everyone I've ever shared Steptoe with, they all roar with laughter. A laughter you can recognize, that "...I didn't realize sitcoms could be so funny!!!" fall about laughter. A sweet sound.
I could be mistaken but I don't think Steptoe has ever been broadcast on BBC America and as long as content continues to be determined by demographics it's unlikely it ever will be, beeb's misplaced priorities obviously lie elsewhere. Bright sparks indeed.
* It should be said that, though it didn't happen often, once in a while yank writers would throw in a surprising addition to Ray and Alan's scripts. Example, at the end of the Sanford version of "And Afterwards At..." Lamont chucks family and gifts out the door and as a hilarious denouement, Fred tosses the colossal wedding cake out too, yelling, "And don't say we didn't feed ye!!"