July 20th, 2012 by Matt D. Tags: Absolutely Fabulous Olympics episode, bert and dickie, Line of Duty, TV's Biggest Blockbusters, Twenty Twelve
As we head into Olympic Week let’s have a look at some non-sports programmes mst of which do have an Olympic theme.
TV’s Biggest Blockbusters (ITV1, Sat, 8:35pm)
I was always a fan of the list shows that Channel 4 used to air and this ITV1 show looks to be in the same vein as we look back at some of the most watched shows in British TV history. There are the usual suspects here of course including Hilda Ogden’s Coronation Street exit, the final episode of Only Fools and Horses and the 1966 World Cup final however there are some surprises. For example who remembers sitcom Oh No! It’s Selwyn Froggatt or Market in Honey Lane? Well both feature in this list as shows that were obviously popular but stood the test of time. The talking heads aren’t just the usual cavalcade of rubbish comedians but classy sorts such as Michael Aspel and Trevor McDonald. Though there’s nothing particularly original here I still love a good list show as I find them strangely reassuring and will definitely be tuning in to watch this one.
Read more & comment »
June 24th, 2012 by Matt D. Tags: Alan Partrdige, Gordon Behind Bars, Line of Duty, Radio 1's Hackney Weekend, the bachelor, Veep, Walking and Talking
Though the football is still raging on and the tennis starts next week also there seems to be a plethora of TV highlights to look through so let’s get started shall we.
Radio 1′s Hackney Weekend (BBC3, from Sat, 7pm)
So we’re into music festival season now and even though there’s no Glastonbury that won’t stop Sky Arts and BBC3 broadcasting every other British festival within reason kicking off with Radio 1′s live music weeekender in Hackney. Saturday night’s coverage includes acoustic king Ed Sheeran, soulful sensation Emeli Sande, rapper Nicki Minaj and indie heavyweights Kasabian before headline act Jay Z gets a two hour slot dedicated to his act before one final show focusing on the sets performed by Rita Ora and Leona Lewis. Sunday’s acts include singer/songwriter Ben Howard and the incredibly popular Tinie Tempah however the day really belongs to the girls with Jessie J, Florence and The Machine and headliner Rihanna all appearing. Hosted by Radio 1 DJs Fearne Cotton, Greg James and Gemma Cairney this promises to be an entertaining watch if a little more corporate than Glastonbury. Also on the live music front this weekend is the Isle of Wight festival with performances from such acts as Bruce Springsteen, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds Pearl Jam, Biffy Clyro, Madness and Ash airing as part of highlights package on Sky Arts.
Read more & comment »
