A Few Surprising Exemptions
Well… mostly.
I do confess to a soft spot for the gentler side of unscripted telly. The Great British Bake Off is an annual staple, and I enjoy the comforting reassurance of daytime renovation and upcycling programmes. This extends to the prime-time daddy of restoration: The Repair Shop. I also enjoy the high-stakes, slightly absurd fun of Hunted; whether it’s entirely genuine or not, I find myself completely invested in watching people go on the run.
The way we watch television has profoundly changed. While my own viewing is mostly drama, the entire experience feels fragmented. We no longer gather to talk about a water-cooler moment like we used to, and critically, a lot of modern television simply doesn't stick. So much of it feels instantly forgettable.
Where are the great sitcoms of my younger days? Almost lost. Quality comedy outside of classic reruns feels scarce. Even my beloved panel shows seem few and far between.
The Paywall Penalty
For fans of live sports, the situation is even bleaker. Much of it has disappeared behind expensive paywalls. I’ve only ever followed the grand tours in cycling, but even that is now locked away behind costly subscriptions, making casual spectating impossible.
Reruns Are My Friend
In this fragmented landscape, reruns have become a lifesaver. They offer familiarity and reliability. I’ve been happily rewatching my old favourite, The Bill, since last year. I’m now "17 years in" and still have about 10 years of episodes left (in broadcast terms), all available on the U app.
And good news for fellow ’80s fans: Moonlighting is now streaming on STV. I’ll certainly be revisiting that witty, decade-defining classic in the coming weeks.
The Odd Side Note
On a slightly different note, I’ve discovered that there’s a TV advert at the moment that really upsets my 18-month-old grandson. The 'Dreams' bed advert—he’s genuinely heartbroken and cries every time it comes on. We strongly suspect it’s the weird talking mattress!
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