Some people dream of giving up the trappings of modern existence and living off the land. But not many try to do it in the middle of a London suburb.

That’s the unusual premise of The Good Life, one of the most enduringly popular British television comedies of all time. The classic series joins VisionTV’s Britcom lineup this spring, airing on Thursdays, starting March 18, at 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT.

On his 40th birthday, Tom Good (Richard Briers) decides he can no longer stomach his meaningless corporate job, and convinces his bemused but supportive wife Barbara (Rosemary & Thyme’s Felicity Kendal) that they should abandon the rat race, opt out of consumer culture, and become completely self-sufficient.

Before long, they have converted their suburban home into a working farm, growing their own vegetables and raising an assortment of farm animals (including a rooster named Lenin) in the back garden. All of which comes as something of a shock to their good-hearted but very proper neighbours Margo and Jerry Leadbetter, played by Penelope Keith (To the Manor Born) and Paul Eddington (Yes, Minister).

Created by John Esmonde (Ever Decreasing Circles) and Bob Larbey (As Time Goes By), The Good Life was a ratings smash for BBC1, and made a sex symbol of co-star Felicity Kendal. In a 2004 survey, British viewers ranked it among the UK’s top 10 television comedies of all time.

First broadcast in April 1975, the show turned out to be ahead of its time in taking on the whole issue of sustainable living. To this day, there are British groups dedicated to organic gardening and self-sufficiency that claim it as an inspiration. BBC2 has recently announced plans to develop a new factual series based on The Good Life’s premise.

The Good Life is one of several "viewer approved" titles that VisionTV is adding this season to its popular prime time British comedy block (airing weeknights from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. ET), which includes such classic series as Father Ted, May to December and Waiting For God.

In 2009, VisionTV launched its “So You Wanna Be in TV” contest, which invited Canadians to offer program suggestions for the chance to win an electronics shopping spree. More than 4,000 viewers took the opportunity to play network programmer by filling out an online questionnaire and casting their votes for a number of Britcom titles under consideration.

The other “viewer approved” Britcoms currently airing are Only When I Laugh (Tuesdays at 8:30 p.m. ET) and Open All Hours (Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m. ET).