There was something magical about television in the 1980s. It’s no coincidence that some of the best British shows of all time were aired during this decade. Here we take a look at some of the most loved shows from the 80s:
Only Fools And Horses
Still adored to this day, Only Fools and Horses aired some of the funniest scenes ever seen in British comedy. The brainchild of John Sullivan ran for seven series between 1981 and 1991 with the odd Christmas special until 2013. Everyone loves Delboy and Rodney!
The Young Ones
For a show that was only on TV for 2 years, this series certainly made an impression to become one of the most iconic British shows of all time. For its time, it was edgy, anarchic and helped to bring alternative comedy to the small screen. It was shown on MTV in 1985, one of only a handful of non-music programmes aired on the channel.
Spitting Image
This satirical political show featuring puppets was completely innovative. During its run, it received ten BAFTA awards and two Emmys for its cutting-edge popularity. It has made a recent comeback.
This show premiered in the 1970s but ran right through the 80s. It ended in 2010, following an impressive run of 31 series. It was filmed in West Yorkshire and followed the misadventures of three aging gentlemen with a lot of mirth and silliness thrown in for good measure.
Blackadder
Who could forget Rowan Atkinson as the slippery Blackadder? The show ran for 4 series, all set in a different period of history. Tony Robinson’s hapless character Baldrick bore the brunt of many of Blackadder’s devious schemes to much audience amusement.
Red Dwarf
An adventure and comedy in space with a motley crew consisting of a hologram and a talking cat! The show aired on and off between 1988 and 1999 and the science fiction that didn’t take itself too seriously gained a cult following. Does your signal feel like it’s coming from another galaxy? If so, consider TV aerial repair Cheltenham from http://steveunettaerials.co.uk/our-services/aerial-services/tv-aerial-repair/tv-aerial-repair-cheltenham
Desmond’s
Everyone remembers Desmond’s with affection. A situational comedy that was broadcast on Channel 4, it became the channel’s longest running sitcom between 1989 and 1994. Set in Peckham, the show’s cast were predominantly Black British and it is still funny today despite the passing of time.
Terry and June
Running from 1979 to 1987, this sitcom followed a middle-aged and very middle class suburban couple from Surrey. There were 65 episodes in all and initially, it seemed the show might be a flop as it was ridiculed against other more contemporary offerings. However, something about Terry and June stuck and it is now one of the most iconic and well-loved shows of the era.
Hi-De-Hi!
Running for 8 years between 1980 and 1988, this comedy was set in a fictional holiday park called Maplins and the call of ‘Hi-De-Hi’ to guests of the park became an iconic symbol of this programme!