Welcome back to this, a countdown of my favourite television programmes of all time. Let us continue:
4) The Day Today
The show that unwittingly unleashed unto the world Britain’s most dangerous broadcaster, the Godlike Chris Morris. Years before the infamous Brass Eye Paedophile Special, Morris and his cronies – including the previously mentioned Iannucci and Coogan – were unafraid to tackle any number of hot topics, from the IRA’s bombing campaign, to the media’s coverage of war. However, The Day Today’s real success was its aping of the template of television news. From Morris’ faux-Paxman anchorman, to the increasingly ludicrous computer graphics, it essentially, for better or worse, invented Sky News meaning, despite much of the show’s humour being heavily steeped in the mid-90s, the show hasn’t aged one iota.
3) I’m Alan Partridge
The perfect sitcom. Partridge himself, played to near-obscene levels of perfection by Steve Coogan, is arguably the most multifaceted comedy character of all time – one minute he can be an arrogant, sexist, utterly un-self aware bastard, the next a knowing, honest, ultimately loveable fool. The show also holds the title of the first truly postmodern sitcom of the celebrity age, showing the depths z-listers will sink to in order to maintain their infamy. As such, the show is much more prescient than it is given credit for. Rumours of a cinematic adaptation have recently been renewed – if it does go ahead, one can only hope it manages to reach the same heights its televisual predecessor managed.
2) Later... With Jools Holland
A surprise choice, perhaps, but name one other show that has managed to sustain a broadcasting legacy of nearly 20 years, whilst still acting as a platform for the world’s most obtuse, experimental performers. Yes, Holland’s presenting style is, some may say, shambolic, but that only adds to the show’s charm, like a familiar comfort blanket tucking you in on a cold Friday night. Later’s in-the-round mix of musical legends and newcomers creates a communal vibe that anyone can easily drop into, whether you're here to see the Mongolian throat singers, or the latest indie sensations. As a showcase for the world's greatest musical talents, it has not been and will never be beaten.
The show that unwittingly unleashed unto the world Britain’s most dangerous broadcaster, the Godlike Chris Morris. Years before the infamous Brass Eye Paedophile Special, Morris and his cronies – including the previously mentioned Iannucci and Coogan – were unafraid to tackle any number of hot topics, from the IRA’s bombing campaign, to the media’s coverage of war. However, The Day Today’s real success was its aping of the template of television news. From Morris’ faux-Paxman anchorman, to the increasingly ludicrous computer graphics, it essentially, for better or worse, invented Sky News meaning, despite much of the show’s humour being heavily steeped in the mid-90s, the show hasn’t aged one iota.
3) I’m Alan Partridge
The perfect sitcom. Partridge himself, played to near-obscene levels of perfection by Steve Coogan, is arguably the most multifaceted comedy character of all time – one minute he can be an arrogant, sexist, utterly un-self aware bastard, the next a knowing, honest, ultimately loveable fool. The show also holds the title of the first truly postmodern sitcom of the celebrity age, showing the depths z-listers will sink to in order to maintain their infamy. As such, the show is much more prescient than it is given credit for. Rumours of a cinematic adaptation have recently been renewed – if it does go ahead, one can only hope it manages to reach the same heights its televisual predecessor managed.
2) Later... With Jools Holland
A surprise choice, perhaps, but name one other show that has managed to sustain a broadcasting legacy of nearly 20 years, whilst still acting as a platform for the world’s most obtuse, experimental performers. Yes, Holland’s presenting style is, some may say, shambolic, but that only adds to the show’s charm, like a familiar comfort blanket tucking you in on a cold Friday night. Later’s in-the-round mix of musical legends and newcomers creates a communal vibe that anyone can easily drop into, whether you're here to see the Mongolian throat singers, or the latest indie sensations. As a showcase for the world's greatest musical talents, it has not been and will never be beaten.
Please come back tomorrow to discover which show I consider to the greatest of all time...
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