Keeping Up Appearances is filled with unforgettable characters, from the class-obsessed Hyacinth Bucket to her long-suffering husband, Richard. Each character brings their own charm and humor to the show, making it one of the most iconic British sitcoms of all time.
But while many characters have earned widespread love from fans, there is one character who is often overlooked—or even disliked: Onslow, Daisy’s laid-back husband.
As the complete opposite of Hyacinth, Onslow is often dismissed as lazy, unmotivated, and a bit of a slob. Many fans prefer the more elegant and refined characters, making Onslow stand out as the odd one out in the series.
But is this judgment fair? Or does Onslow actually deserve far more love and appreciation than he gets?
The truth is, Onslow is one of the most underrated characters in Keeping Up Appearances, and it’s time he gets the recognition he deserves.
The main reason many fans overlook or dislike Onslow is that he represents everything Hyacinth despises. While she is obsessed with class, status, and etiquette, Onslow is the epitome of working-class casualness.
- He lives in a messy home filled with old furniture and clutter.
- He wears the same scruffy vest and cap in almost every episode.
- He spends most of his time watching television, drinking beer, and avoiding responsibility.
Because Keeping Up Appearances largely revolves around Hyacinth’s social aspirations, many viewers naturally take her perspective and see Onslow as a failure or embarrassment.
Richard, Hyacinth’s husband, is often pitied for having to endure her ridiculous schemes. Fans see him as a gentleman stuck in an unfortunate situation, which makes him more sympathetic.
Onslow, on the other hand, is seen as Daisy’s burden, the lazy husband who shows no ambition and little interest in impressing anyone.
Because Richard tries (and fails) to keep up appearances, fans relate to him more—whereas Onslow seems completely content with his life, making him an easy target for criticism.
Many fans also judge Onslow by his looks and behavior. He often appears disheveled, unbothered, and unconcerned with what others think. In a show that thrives on politeness, etiquette, and charm, Onslow can seem like an outsider who doesn’t fit in.
But this perception is unfair, and here’s why:
Despite his laid-back, unpolished appearance, Onslow is actually one of the wisest characters in Keeping Up Appearances.
- He often sees through people’s nonsense and understands human nature better than most.
- He doesn’t judge others unfairly, unlike Hyacinth, who constantly looks down on people.
- He provides surprising moments of wisdom, especially when talking about life, relationships, and society.
While Hyacinth pretends to be intelligent, Onslow actually is intelligent, but he chooses to live life in his own relaxed way.
Beneath his rough exterior, Onslow has a big heart.
- He is deeply loyal to Daisy, even if he doesn’t always show affection in traditional ways.
- He is patient and accepting of his odd family members, including Rose and Daddy.
- He never mistreats others, even when he’s being mocked or looked down upon by Hyacinth.
Unlike Hyacinth, who is constantly trying to impress people, Onslow is content with himself and cares about people for who they are, not what they have.
One of the best things about Onslow is his honesty.
- He says what he thinks, often pointing out the absurdity of Hyacinth’s behavior.
- He doesn’t pretend to be something he’s not, unlike many other characters who struggle to maintain appearances.
- His sarcastic, deadpan humor is the perfect contrast to Hyacinth’s over-the-top drama.
Onslow’s humor is different from the rest of the show, but it’s just as valuable—he’s the one character who isn’t afraid to call out the madness around him.
Hyacinth spends her entire life trying to be someone she’s not. Onslow, on the other hand, is completely comfortable in his own skin.
- He doesn’t care about status, wealth, or social expectations.
- He enjoys simple pleasures, like watching TV, drinking a beer, and relaxing in the garden.
- He isn’t controlled by what others think, which makes him one of the freest characters in the show.
In a way, Onslow is what everyone secretly wishes they could be—unbothered by expectations, living life on his own terms.
While Onslow may not be as glamorous, charming, or ambitious as other characters, he is one of the most real, kind-hearted, and hilarious people in Keeping Up Appearances.
His ability to see through nonsense, his surprising wisdom, his kindness, and his humor make him an essential part of the show.
Rather than being dismissed as the lazy, sloppy husband, Onslow should be appreciated as the voice of reason, the heart of the family, and one of the funniest characters in British sitcom history.
So next time you watch Keeping Up Appearances, take a closer look at Onslow. He might just become your new favorite character.
