How TV Changed Britain - Season 1

Episodes

Season 1Episode 160 min

Cops

The impact of television on 20th-century entertainment and British culture, examining how cop dramas such as The Sweeney and Dixon of Dock Green affected the relationship between police and the public.

Season 1Episode 260 min

Fame

The role of TV documentaries like The Family, and reality shows such as Airport and Big Brother, in eroding the distinction between celebrities and ordinary people. The programme considers whether this is a welcome democratisation of fame or just provides opportunities for irritating self-obsessed amateurs to flood the small screen.

Season 1Episode 360 min

Women

There's a warm sense of superiority watching this archive show, as we gaze back on the hopelessly patronising image of women projected by postwar television, with wives as homemakers judged (in plummy male voiceovers) on how tasty their pies looked or how clean their whites were. Ah, how we chuckle at the follies of the past. But the feeling doesn't last long, because the images from recent TV of women being kneaded and bullied in shows like What Not to Wear and Ten Years Younger don't reflect too well on us, either. It's not hard to imagine a clip show of the future getting hold of Anthea Turner: Perfect Housewife and wondering what on earth we noughties viewers were thinking. The programme enjoyably charts the progression of women on TV via a series of heroines, including Elsie Tanner, the Liver Birds, Angela Rippon and Prime Suspect's Jane Tennison (Helen Mirren). It grossly maligns The Sweeney and skips over the 1980s altogether, but it's well worth it for the cracking clips.

Season 1Episode 460 min

Property

The series continues with a look at the explosive popularity of home improvement and property shows such as Changing Rooms and Location, Location, Location. The programme questions whether this increasingly accessible genre has contributed to the current crash in the market, and the nationwide obsession with property.

Season 1Episode 560 min

Teens

TV and teenagers have grown up together. This film examines TV's attempts to represent teenage reality, and also its willingness to engage with teenage life when others were running scared. Programmes such as Grange Hill and The Word in the early days, and more recently Skins, have consistently created a space for teenagers in the mainstream TV medium.

Season 1Episode 660 min

IQ

A light-hearted look at the history of quiz and game shows on British tv and their reflection of our ever-changing social and political times. What was the first quiz show on tv like? Why did "Mastermind" give way to "Who Wants to be a Millionare?" What was the appeal of "Countdown"? Includes comments from the shows' presenters, writers and producers.

Recently Updated Shows

Recently updated shows that might be of your interest.

Love Island

Running

Love Island

On Love Island the Islanders must do their best to flirt, date, couple up in a bid to avoid being ‘dumped' from the Island. With new arrivals, heads may turn, while others will prove their true feelings. From romance and heart-to-hearts, to betrayal, bombshells and broken hearts, there's never a dull moment in the ultimate search for love. More texts, fire pit gatherings and challenges await the lovestruck Islanders, meaning there'll be plenty for them to dish the dirt on in the Beach Hut. Twists and turns will follow every step of the way, with shock recouplings, unexpected breakups and dramatic dumpings.

As the couples attempt to win the hearts of each other – and the public – one couple will ultimately triumph and be crowned Love Island winners

Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives

Running

Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives

With roadside diners, vintage drive-ins and out-of-the-way "dives" enjoying a resurgence of hipness among foodies, host Guy Fieri travels across America in search of some of the best "greasy spoon" eateries. The restaurants that Guy visits are usually well-known among locals and other people in the region. While at each location, Fieri talks to the staff as well as the customers to get their thoughts on the food. Many episodes feature eateries that are connected by a common thread, such as burgers or comfort foods but its all here on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

GenreFood, Travel

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