Les begins his series with an expose into the world of housing - how we're trapped by estate agents, solicitors and circumstance into a cycle that's impossible to break.
Les looks at the new trend of credit cards and the plight of the pound. There's also a bank robber who isn't taken seriously, and the high cost of living makes Ada have regrets about ever getting married to Bert.
Les rues the state of the leisure industry, a big business designed to take everyone's money so they can no longer enjoy themselves. His one remaining hope is with those who still remember the art of conversation - such as Cissie and Ada.
Les looks at the pressures of the law, a system that allows people to do whatever they like as long as they do as they're told. Reports include the rising crime of Lower Grindlemold, while Ada's husband has been jailed for three months.
Les ends the first series with a look at the institution of the family. Topics explored include the changing nature of marriage and the misery of family outings, while helping Les illustrate some points are Ada and Cosmo Smallpiece.
Les begins the second series with various new methods of help, including assistant Sandra and DENIS - Dawson's Electronic Numerical Information Synthesiser. Not forgetting a couple chosen to represent the view of the people: The Desponds.
Les discusses health, including his own physical and mental state. Members of the public interviewed include a drunken windowcleaner and the Desponds, while Cissie thinks Ada might be going through "the change".
Les wants to run an investigation into sex, but, realising he won't be allowed to, he tackles something a little closer to home: media, including the "drunks" of the BBC.
Les casts an eye over the world of education, from harsh disciplinary school days up to adult learning. Features include the book-eating mother of Mrs. Despond, Les's failed pilot for Mastermind, and a library visit with Cissie and Ada.
Pollution and the environment weigh heavily on Les's mind, causing him to discard his animal-based clothes and to return to nature. But things don't quite turn out the way he'd intended.
The quest for entertainment sees Les try to take on new roles, including a magician, escapologist and wrestler. Not overly impressed by the show are two ladies in the audience - Cissie and Ada, who are relieved they got in for free.