There are are so many reasons why this TV show is so universally popular. Firstly, the characters are so believable. Also, I think we all have a bit of Basil Fawlty in us. Most importantly though, I think a lot of it's success and what makes the phemomenon all the more remarkable, is down to the fact that there were only two series made!
While searching for reference photos of John Cleese, I came across this You Tube clip of him on Parkinson during the 1980's, explaining how the character of Basil Fawlty originated.
