The Optimist is a British television comedy series starring Enn Reitel and produced by Robert Sidaway. Each episode tells a separate comic adventure in the life of an everyday man who, whether it turns out a success or a failure, always remains optimistic. The stories made a feature of fantasy and dream sequences.

Citing the influences of Jacques Tati, Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin, as well as the character of Walter Mitty, the series was designed as a silent comedy, with original music and enhanced sound effects. Shooting on 16mm, it was made on location in Cabo San Lucas, Los Angeles and London. A total of thirteen episodes were produced. Guest stars who featured in the program include Martin Kove, Tracy Scoggins, and Robert Davi.

The series debuted on 14 April 1983 and the final episode was broadcast on 5 January 1985.