Executive Stress is a British sitcom that aired on ITV from 1986 to 1988. Produced by Thames Television, it first aired on 20 October 1986. After three series, the last episode aired on 27 December 1988. Written by George Layton, Executive Stress stars Penelope Keith as Caroline Fairchild, a middle-aged woman who decides to go back to work. Her husband, Donald, is played by Geoffrey Palmer in the first series. However, Palmer was unable to return for the second series, so Peter Bowles played Donald in the last two series. Keith and Bowles had previously appeared in together in To the Manor Born.
Episode 1
Oct 20, 1986
With the children now grown up and at university, Caroline Fairchild thinks it's time to resume her succesful publishing career. Husband Donald isn't so sure...
Episode 2
Oct 27, 1986
Starting his new job as Sales and Marketing Director, Donald Fairchild comes face-to-face with his new boss at Oasis Publishing; Caroline
Episode 3
Nov 3, 1986
Donald is beginning to feel the pressure of working alongside Caroline
Episode 4
Nov 10, 1986
So far, no-one has worked out that the Editorial Director and the Sales and Marketing Director are in fact husband and wife. Caroline is about to find out that Donald's workplace approach isn't quite as ethical as he would have her believe.
Episode 5
Nov 17, 1986
Donald is struggling to keep home and work life separate in the wake of Caroline's highly succesful return to work.
Episode 6
Nov 24, 1986
Caroline has a pivotal role in negotiations with a best-selling American author much to Donald's chagrin.
Episode 7
Dec 1, 1986
Caroline is basking in the glow of her brilliant career, and finds it all the more satisfying when she sees that her friend Olive is still stuck in a domestic rut.
