No, Minister! or Whatever happened to the BBC?

by Greg Freeman

Monday 13th March 2023 11:21 pm (first posted Friday 10th March 2023 5:53 pm)

The Goons, Bill and Ben,

Hancock’s Half-Hour,

Steptoe & Son,

That Was The Week That Was,

Doctor Who, Blue Peter,

Play For Today, Match of the Day,

Till Death Do Us Part,

Monty Python, Dad’s Army,

Whatever Happened

To The Likely Lads,

Fawlty Towers,

Not The Nine O’Clock News,

Boys From the Black Stuff,

Auf Wiedersehen, Pet,

Yes, Minister, Blackadder,

Detectorists, Happy Valley …

Gary Lineker,

David Attenborough.

NO, Minister!

Whatever happened to the BBC?

Comments

M.C. Newberry

Sat 11th Mar 2023 18:23

John Cleese isn't returning to the present day BBC. And who
remembers the lacerating criticism from Barry Took about the mediocrity that had come to the once formidable talent house?
It should also be remembered that the "Goon Show" and other
ground-breaking concepts survived because of individual brave
management decisions. Where are the likes of Bill Cotton et al now? Busy.box-ticking, I imagine.

Stephen Gospage

Sat 11th Mar 2023 17:02

A few years ago, I saw Gary Lineker coming out of a tube station in London, where he was greeted by cheers and applause. So he may be remembered for a while yet. And what a player, let's not forget.
'I am Alan Partridge' (both series 1998-2002) was a high watermark for me. I suspect Steve Coogan is in Gary's camp, though not Alan, obviously!

Greg Freeman

Sat 11th Mar 2023 15:14

Noggin, definitely! And Ivor the Engine, if it comes to that.

The thing about Lineker is, because of his freelance contract, he was not in breach of BBC guidelines. They used exactly that argument in rejecting a complaint against Chris Packham. And then there's Alan Sugar, urging people to vote Tory. Andrew Neil. You know what's going on here, John. It's time to make a stand. The BBC football staff have done. Don't mess with our footie. The Tories have never understood football, yet it's our national game. Says something about them, don't you think?

John Coopey

Sat 11th Mar 2023 14:53

Noggin the Nog

Reggie's Ghost

Sat 11th Mar 2023 13:38

Maybe the Beeb can do a good bit of cost saving by letting all the overpaid old guard go and giving others a chance at more modest rates? Give it a week or two and we'll be asking 'Gary who?'

John Coopey

Sat 11th Mar 2023 10:01

“Till Death Us Do Part” is an interesting one , Greg. Can’t see it getting made today.
I have enormous respect for GL but I can’t help feeling the Beeb are damned if they do etc…. If they pull him they’re open to allegation of rightist bias; if they don’t, then leftist bias.

keith jeffries

Fri 10th Mar 2023 19:42

May I add "Tales of the River bank" with Roderick and Hammy? Greg thank you for this, however, do be careful as the Thought Police may be active in your neck of the woods.
Keith

Greg Freeman

Fri 10th Mar 2023 18:08

Add your own favourite BBC programmes to the above. But not The Apprentice, please!

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No, Minister! or Whatever happened to the BBC?

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