I'm a huge fan of TV from the United Kingdom from practically all genres. So it seems only fitting to do another Top 100 dedicated to these shows. And to start it all off. What else?
1) Doctor Who (1963-1989): This classic series featuring the adventures of a mysterious time traveler, quite eccentric and seemingly drawn to humanity, along with his companions, was a great, fascinating Sci-Fi show to watch. Originally focused on real history, things soon started to get more fun with the inclusion of bizarre aliens, futuristic settings and fantastic universe and time sprawling adventure. Doctor Who, a true sci-fi hero.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EalUOhd23dA
List so far....
1) Doctor Who (1963-1989)
2) I'm Alan Patridge (1997, 2002)
3) The Avengers (1961-1969)
4) Mr. Bean (1990-1995)
5) Absolutely Fabulous (1992-2004)
6) Red Dwarf (1988-1999)
7) The Thick of It (2005-present)
8) The Black Adder (1982-1983, 1986, 1987, 1989, 1999)
9) All Creatures Great and Small (1978-1990)
10) Are You Being Served? (1972-1985)
11) The League of Gentlemen (1999-2002)
12) I, Claudius (1976)
13) The Good Life (1975-1978)
14) The Benny Hill Show (1969-1989)
15) The Prisoner (1967-1968)
16) The Goodies (1970-1981)
17) Monty Python's Flying Circus (1969-1974)
18) Fawlty Towers (1975-1979)
19) Dave Allen at Large (1971-1976)
20) Agatha Christie's Poirot (1989-2010)
21) Keeping Up Appearances (1990-1995)
22) Prime Suspect (1991, 1992, 1993, 1995, 1996, 2003, 2006)
23) Top Gear (2002-present)
24) Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons (1967-1968)
25) The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (1984-1985)/The Return of Sherlock Holmes (1986-1988)/The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes (1991)/The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes (1994)
26) UFO (1970-1971)
27) The Saint (1962-1969)
28) Scrapheap (1998-2009)
29) My Family (2000-present)
30) The Young Ones (1982-1984)
31) Bottom (1991-1995)
32) Coronation Street (1960-Present)
33) Sherlock (2010-Present)
34) Bob and Margaret (1998-2001)
35) Jekyll (2007)
36) Green Wing (2004-2006)
37) Doctor Who (2005-Present)
38) 2point4 Children (1991-1999)
39) The Omega Factor (1979)
40) The Professionals (1977-1983)
41) The Protectors (1972-1973)
42) Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased) (1969-1971)
43) Hammer House of Horror (1980)
44) The New Avengers (1976-1977)
45) The Champions (1968-1969)
46) Psychoville (2009-2011)
47) Space: 1999 (1975-1977)
48) Armchair Thriller (1967, 1978-1980)
49) Inspector Morse (1987-2000)
50) Taggart (1983-2011)
51) The Pathfinders (1972)
52) The Adventurer (1972-1973)
53) Department S (1969-1970)
54) Sapphire and Steel (1979-1982)
55) The Two Ronnies (1971-1987)
56) Spaced (1999-2001)
57) Blake's 7 (1978-1981)
58) Whitechapel (2009-????)
59) Survivors (1975-1977)
60) Doomwatch (1970-1972)
61) The Nightmare Man (1981)
62) The Day of the Triffids (1981)
63) The Sweeney (1975-1978)
64) Thriller (1973-1976)
65) Callan (1967-1972)
66) The Brothers (1972-1976)
67) Love Thy Neighbour (1972-1976)
68) Mind Your Language (1977-1986)
69) The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (1981)
70) One Foot in the Grave (1990-2000)
71) Primevil (2007-Present)
72) Torchwood (2006-Present)
73) Waiting For God (1990-1994)
74) The Office (2001-2003)
75) Look Around You (2002-2005)
76) As Time Goes By (1992-2005)
77) Ever Decreasing Circles (1984-1989)
78) Nighty Night (2004-2005)
79) Tales of the Unexpected (1979-1988)
80) Garth Marenghi's Darkplace (2004)
81) Thunderbirds (1965-1966)
82) Only Fools and Horses (1981-2003)
83) Yes Minister/Yes, Prime Minister (1980-1988)
84) To Serve Them All My Days (1980-1981)
85) Joe 90 (1968-1969)
86) The Secret Service (1969)
87) Enemy At the Door (1978-1980)
88) Hi-de-Hi! (1980-1988)
89) Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (1979)
90) Fall of Eagles (1974)
91) Wallace and Gromit's World of Invention (2010)
92) Spitting Image (1984-1996)
93) Danger UXB (1979)
94) The Persuaders! (1971-1972)
95) Bouquet of Barbed Wire (1976)
96) The Famous Five (1978-1979)
97) The Forsythe Saga (1967)
98) Danger Man (1960-1968)
99) Dr. Finlay's Casebook (1962-1971)
100) The Jewel in the Crown (1984)
2) I'm Alan Partridge (1997 & 2002)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0RHAL3-9LU
Steve Coogan and Armando Ianucci's work of genius. The show was about a socially awkward, narcissistic, failed television presenter, living in Norwich, who can never cease his embarrassing and highly detailed ramblings. In series one he was recently separated from his wife and living in a travel tavern, trying desperately to get back on the TV and by series two he was recovering from a breakdown, attempting to "bounce back" with a new book and living in a caravan with his Ukrainian girlfriend. The Alan Partridge character is the best loved of all Steve Coogan's creations and still quoted endlessly to this day. Supposedly there's a movie on the way and hopefully a 3rd series.
3) The Avengers (1961-1969): This British espionage/fantasy series from the 1960s was stylish, adventurous and classy. The acting and stories were pretty darn good to boot and of course we had the ever likable English gentleman John Steed (Patrick Macnee) as lead star and assisted by four able bodied and very capable but decidedly unique and individual beautiful female assistants including Cathy Gale (Honor Blackman), Venus Smith (Julie Stevens), the ever resilent and most long lasting Mrs. Emma Peel (Dianna Rigg) and finally Miss Tara King (Linda Thorson). Sometimes the stories took on a more science fiction slant arguably creating a new form of spy-fi, oftentimes things were played tongue firmly in cheek with vastly exaggerated British mannerisms. Still the show was clever and fun and things were interesting far more often than they were not. A fast-moving and action oriented series too quite a bit at times.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFIST95JLp4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0u8ytmIUYVQ
4.)Mr.Bean(1989-1995) Who would ever known that a mute could the biggest a-hole there is on tv. The episodes were smartly done and ahead of it's time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0_Sa-cw_Aw&feature=related
5) "Absolutely Fabulous"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ML6DAztbuhc&feature=related
6) Red Dwarf (1988-1999, 2009, 2012?): This comedy/science fiction parody series is IMO one of the most brilliant and best written series ever. It's basically a buddy comedy in space. In the far flung future, soup vending machine repairman slovenly Dave Lister is the only survivor after a radiation leak killed the rest of the crew on Red Dwarf. Now he must try and keep his sanity and survive, his only companions an holographic projection of his dead bunkmate Arnold Rimmer, whom pretty much everyone hates and thinks is a total smeghead, Cat- a lifeform that evolved from his pet cat, Holly - the ship's senile computer and Kryten, a service android. It's amazing the attention to detail at work behind this series as it really does pretty much all tie together and work as well as a sci-fi series as it does as a comedy. Apparently they're trying to get a new series off the ground.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSxN1souf2U&NR=1
7) The Thick Of It (2005-Present)
Two words......Malcolm Tucker. (NSFW)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaFvvWi_KGE
8). "Blackadder"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=To3CFnoOUDI&feature=related
"All Creatures Great and Small"
(http://www.webtvwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/all-creatures-great-and-small-logo.jpg)
This heartwarming program was the tv adaptation of the series written by James Herriot about the life and struggles of a Yorkshire country vet before and during WWII. Full of humor and honest realism,it lead us through the everyday practice of James Herriot who moved from Glasgow in hopes of landing a job in a field overwhelmed by many graduates and few positions.
10) Are You Being Served? (1972-1985): This featured the various misadventures of staff at Grace Brothers clothing department store. There was much use of double entendres and misunderstandings of potential romantic intentions that frequently made this very funny. Honestly if I put on any episode from my complete series set, I'll be laughing and guffawing from deep within my belly in no time. So many great jokes and comedy one-liners too. And what a great cast with Mollie Sudgen as the man-hungry widow Mrs. Betty Slocombe, John Inman as the mischieveous and flirtatious possibly closet gay Mr. Humphries, Frank Thornton as the dignified and controlling floor walker Captain Peacock, Wendy Richard as the attractive eye candy common girl with the terrible cockney accent Miss Brahams, Nicholas Smith as the easily confused big-eared boss Mr. Rumbold, Trevor Bannister and the young cocky upstart cheeky junior Mr. Lucas, Arthur Brough as the wise and seemingly ancient very set in his ways Mr. Grainger, Arthur English as the wise cracking Mr. Harman and Harold Bennett as the geriatic Young Mr. Grace, head over all of Grace Brothers with his brother Old Mr. Grace, who despite his age isn't above cracking a joke or showing a taste for attractive young nurses/secretaries.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSBk-v2gyLw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eC8cCVtyN3A
11) The League of Gentlemen
The extremely dark comic trials and tribulations of the locals and unfortunate visitors in the small village of Royston Vasey. Writers/performers Jeremy Dyson, Mark Gatiss, Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith manage to combine elements of soap opera, sitcom, sketch comedy, and pure horror. The series and several specials has many complex, interweaving plotlines and countless characters (mostly played by Gatiss, Pemberton, and Shearsmith) (http://www.lunacynet.com/league/list_alpha.html) and is as dense and brilliant as an English Christmas pudding.
FUN FACT: The most bizarre character - Pappa Lazarou - was based on a real person, Shearsmith's and Pemberton's ex-landlord.
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/18/TheLeagueOfGentlemen-PapaLazarou.jpg)
Pemberton and Shearsmith have created a new series called Psychoville which is sort of a leaner version of League.
12) I, CLAUDIUS
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_65NrdFzPY
Quote from: Rev. Powell on September 21, 2011, 11:08:34 AM
12) I, CLAUDIUS
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_65NrdFzPY
Yes! That was an awsome series....so well done and acted. :thumbup:
(http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/content/images/2007/08/16/goodlife_1_396x222.jpg)
The Good Life....known here in the states as Good Neighbors. Tom Good,a man who designs toys for cereals decided that,on his 40th birthday,that something is missing in his life. He comes up with the brilliant idea of self-sufficiency in a nice suburban area. Much to the concern of his up and coming friends and next door neighbors,the Ledbetters. The parade of "boar walkers" and gardening provide a delightful show to watch.
14. The Benny Hill Show
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CJFoOSX1ok
15. The Prisoner (1967-1968): Is there any doubt that this series starring Patrick McGoohan as Number Six isn't one of the greatest TV series of all time? Number Six, a former secret agent is adbucted and taken to a secluded mystery village where someone wants him to divulge secret information. Naturally he refuses and tries again and again to find a means of escape but a seemingly unstoppable weather balloon named Rover seems to constantly get in his way.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqCVJ5O6HzM
16. The Goodies - These guys were huge in Britain in the 70s, and even expanded into other media, but for some reason they got very little play on this side of the Atlantic. The stars Tim Brooke-Taylor, Graeme Garden and Bill Oddie, share some roots with guys like John Cleese, Graham Chapman and Marty Feldman, and the common influences can be seen in their surreal and slightly subversive comedy, which also managed to be quite family-friendly. I'd put the Goodies' brand of humour somewhere between Monty Python and Benny Hill. Very physical, very silly, but also very clever. The Goodies also managed to combine a sitcom format with what was essentially sketch comedy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C64JKoZNxdw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jr6CyU-Ev_M&NR=1
Of course, providing uncomplicated, clean humour, they tended to get written off as a "kids' show," which they mocked with this cameo by one of their edgier contemporaries.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3p7_sxZIeY
Surprised it took to number 17) to mention
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQFKtI6gn9Y&feature=channel_video_title
"Monty Python's Flying Circus"
Quote from: Rev. Powell on September 22, 2011, 10:01:05 AM
Surprised it took to number 17) to mention
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQFKtI6gn9Y&feature=channel_video_title
"Monty Python's Flying Circus"
Thought about it, but I was fairly certain somebody else would do it.
Oh I'm sure it would have been mentioned eventually given that's a classic.
Hmm thinking about John Cleese, there's of course...
18) Fawlty Towers (1975-1979): Classic British comedy starring John Cleese as inept and manic hotel manager Basil Fawlty whose eccentricities make him a rather unusual choice for running an hotel. Said hotel he runs along with his controlling dragon of a wife, named Sybil (Prunella Scales) whose stern manner often cuts Basil's uncoventional plans off before he can even get them off the ground. On their staff they also have the competent maid/aid Polly (Connie Booth) whose certainly not hard on the eyes and a Spanish waiter/servant named Manuel (Andrew Sachs) whose lack of English makes for a lot of confusing but nevertheless hilarious situations. Undoubtably one of the funniest shows I've ever seen.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIVDx-8kWZo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_q4S7lZeik
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6EaoPMANQM
19. Dave Allen at Large
For quite a while in the 80s, this aired weeknights on a Buffalo, NY station we got. They used to do Benny Hill at 10, followed by Dave Allen at 10:30. Some of us used to get into discussions at school of which show we liked better. Dave Allen's show had a nice mix of sketches and (seated) stand-up, and was definitely a product of the 70s, with Allen sitting there in a three-piece suit, smoking a cigarette, drinking a whiskey and giving that relaxed delivery almost as if he was just telling jokes at a party or something. I had the good fortune of seeing him live when he did a show in Kitchener, Ontario around 1990 or thereabouts. He was even funnier when he didn't have to tone it down for TV.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbgqtvJOJus
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mt7h3CghJEg&feature=related
And the sketch that was always one of my favourites:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nh1D9ujvPQ0
(http://www.ezskins.com/previews/h/herculepoirot.jpg)
David Suchet was the perfect Poirot to me.
I'm guessing that was meant as # 20 so...
21) Keeping Up Appearances (1990-1995): Eccentric would be social climber Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced Bouquet) proves hard for most everyone to be around or endure for long periods of time including her addled husband Richard and her neighbours the nervous Elizabeth and Emmet, whose deathly afraid Hyacinth will insist on singing at him. Hyacinth however is ashamed to let it be known just how plain and ordinary her family really are especially her slovenly brother in-law Onslow, his lazy wife Daisy and the hyper-sexual Rose. It makes for surprisingly entertaining comedy as Hyacinth tries to keep her family from interfering with her social climbing while everyone tries to best to just plain avoid the overbearing Hyacinth.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrGpTkSqd7s
22) Prime Suspect
(http://www.papermag.com/uploaded_images/PrimeSuspectDVD.jpg)
This was an excellent crime drama series done in tv movie style. Hellen Mirren was wonderful....intelligent and tough yet not without her flaws. :thumbup:
23) Top Gear (2002-?)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nl3bsL7Nbnk
24) Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons (1967-1968): My personal favourite of the Gerry Anderon marionation shows featuring the indestructible Captain Scarlet who alongside the rest of Spectrum's secret agents fights against the evil alien machinations of the Mysterons.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bV8YbLvGrb0
25) The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (1985) - The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes (1994)
To many Jeremy Brett IS Sherlock Holmes in these very faithful adaptaions of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's stories. David Burke is terrific as Watson as is his late 80's replacement Edward Hardwicke (son of Sir Cedgrick Hardwicke).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5AnCjSPrac&feature=related
26) UFO (1970-1971): The Gerry Anderson live action series is kind of like his marionation shows only in live action. There's lots of startling futuristic imagery, some great model FX work and some dazzlingly beautiful actresses some of whom wear purple wigs. The basic premise isn't that far removed from his previous shows with a secret group on Earth, here called SHADO, battling mysterious aliens who have potentially omnious plans for humanity. The outfits and look of the series may be a bit dated now but it doesn't stop the series from being both fun and often unpredictable with sometimes surprisingly gripping stories.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slYW7kkHyI4
27) The Saint (1962-1969): This series starring Roger Moore as Simon Templer, the Saint, was and arguably still is the definitive version of this longtime character. The Saint is kind of like James Bond only without all the gadgets and outrageous villains. The Saint possesses a certain moral code and believes in doing a good deed, the right thing although he doesn't mind stealing from the villains before he has them put behind bars. The Saint is also an international rogue of sorts, suave and sophisticated and thus is regarded by one Inspector Teal as little more than a common thief meaning he must always work to stay one step ahead of others which he does with considerable wit and charm. The series blends together mystery, adventure, intrigue and comedy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFaIhXEt6hg
28. Scrapheap Challenge
One of the greatest shows ever for gearheads, geeks and creative types in general. Interesting, inspiring, funny. Robert "Kryten" Llewellyn was a great host, and Cathy Rogers was smoking hot. Used to watch this all the time back when TLC carried it in North America (back when TLC had stuff worth watching). Didn't care for the American version, but loved the original British show.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kl-8Aujahxo&feature=related
29) My Family (2000-present): This comedy features the ups and downs of the Harper family, mainly focusing on neurotic dentist Ben Harper (Robert Lindsay), generally miserable in his work and home life, who cannot wait for his kids to move out of the house only when they get older, they still don't seem interested in doing so. Son Nick (Kris Marshall) is a bonafide idiot who cannot hold a job, daughter Janey (Daniela Denby-Ashe) is totally shallow and more worried about boys that anything else while son Michael (Gabriel Thomson) is smarter than everyone else and has little time for the rest of the family while wife Susan (Zoë Wanamaker) is largely the glue that holds the family together and basically wears the pants in the family despite being a little unconventional. While originally often quite hilarious, the show went a bit downhill after the depature of the character of Nick and replacements such as ditzy cousin Abi (Siobhan Hayes) and a naive dental assistant in Roger (Keiron Self), although the actors certainly tried, didn't really make up for the loss.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_Ot_--W740
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxkgnT8v2-U
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAYSUApVZUg
30) The Young Ones (1982-1984)
This comedy followed the adventures of four students sharing a flat in North London while attending (fictional?) Scumbag College. A mix of a traditional working class sitcom with insane slapstick violence, surreal humor, punk music, and puppets.
Here, the boys are all sick with the flu:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r711rZ4M5K0
31) Bottom (1991-1995): Speaking of the Young Ones, this series also stars Rik Mayall and Adrian Edmondson here as Richie and Eddie whose primarily concerns are shagging and finding money, both of which they seem to never be able to accomplish. Christopher Ryan would pop up on the show as well as Hedgehog. It also starred Steven O' Connell as Spudgun. While not quite as clever and inventive as the Young Ones, the show was outrageous, offensive and very, very funny. This series was IMO far ahead of its time and was a precursor to many popular shows today only I think it pulled it off better than most of them.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGl7kg_OQ08
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nsk1mZ8DTPc
32) Coronation Street (1960-Present): Long running, in fact the longest running in the world, soap opera has been a mainstay for years and has proved popular with fans over the world. The show has gone through many changes over the years including production companies but like all soaps focuses on the ups and downs of ordinary people, in particular their love affairs. On the show, choices made by the characters do seem to resonate and set into motion all manner of other events allowing more things of interest to unfold. I have to say it's IMO the most entertaining soap on the airwaves today and I do find myself , despite not usually being a fan of soaps, watching it from time to time. The characters do seem to look and feel more like real people than in many American soaps.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5isl0O4bAI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmFYTODEpio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPS43ea0hZE
33. Sherlock (2010)
The most modern incarnation of the famous detective and its brilliant.
Never been a fan before, but this is great. Writen by Doctor Who writers, this brings wit, smarts, a modern London feel and an un-ending cool to a chracter thats been portrayed more than any other.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51FbNgub8jL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
34. Bob and Margaret (1998-2001): Animated British series featuring a somewhat stuffy British married couple with no kids but two overfeed, overstuffed dogs. Bob is a struggling dentist while his wife Margaret works as a Chiropodist. Their everyday lives here work surprisingly well as comedic fodder and often acts as something of a clever reflection of society as well. Initially this show I felt was brilliantly done and I enjoyed its British setting (although I think it may have actually started off as a Canadian film board short?) but once the characters moved to Canada, the show just seemed to lose something along the way. Still a very funny series in its own right and I personally prefer it over many of its American counterparts.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_eQ38q3Njg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKiCEwjCeMA
35. Jekyll (2007)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wahKlUZyk-M&NR=1
After watching the whole series, I really think James Nesbitt would have made an excellent Doctor Who. Maybe next time.
36. Green Wing (2004)
Short lived, but absolutely hilarious.
37. Doctor Who (2005-Present): The modern Doctor Who is pretty darn solid in its own right and is fairly faithful to its predecessor. Certainly one of the better shows on the current airwaves. The Doctor for the most part may have gotten a bit younger and seems to have taken on a more superheroic quality but there were elements of that in some of the old series Doctors as well. Seems a little less serious now at times too but still a good show for the most part.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spSMChV_uoA
38. 2point4 Children (1991-1999): Unusual family comedy featuring the Porter family starring Belinda Lang as Bill and Gary Olsen as Ben as a couple struggling to keep their family afloat and dealing with the general weirdness of everyday life. Actually there's a lot of sci-fi/fantasy/horror genre references in this one which might well please folks here. I found this hilarious and surprisingly realistic on some levels sometimes with a rather dark edge. It actually improved in its later seasons in terms of being funny. I'm surprised this series seems largely forgotten by many these days.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gs6ti_BkCU0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIkD9KWfvb0
39: The Omega Factor (1979)
Probably the scariest TV series I have ever seen ~ a precursor to The X Files ~ involving a secret British government department's investigation into things paranormal and into the equally mysterious organization known as OMEGA. Utterly skin crawlingly frightening and unsettling, especially the episodes Visitations, St Anthony's Fire and the chilling Powers of Darkness. :buggedout: :buggedout: :buggedout: + :buggedout:
40) The Professionals* (1977 ~ 1982)
Rough tough crime / anti terrorism series dealing with an organization named CI5 and focusing chiefly on that organization's boss George Cowley and his two chief operatives Ray Doyle and the weirdly named William Andrew Phillip Bodie. :teddyr:
* A one-off parody version of this was done in the UK, entitled The Bull$hitters :teddyr:
41) The Protectors (1972 ~ 1973): I loved this series as a child, starring Robert Vaughn and Nyree Dawn Porter.
42) Randall and Hopkirk [Deceased] 1969 ~ 1970.
I may have been a bit young to see this in the early 70s but I still remember this series with a lot of fondness ~ it did really creep me out a lot, especially the opening credits.
43) Hammer House of Horror (1980): :buggedout: :buggedout: :buggedout: Nuff said: seriously creepy and my first encounter with Hammer Films.
44) The New Avengers 1976 ~ 1977
I had a serious crush on Joanna Lumley when I saw this: probably my first actor crush. A pity then that she came to SA in 1977, made money off apartheid in promoting this and then later protested my country. Still, a good series.
45) The Champions 1968 ~ 1969:
Another of my favourite shows as a youngster with the lovely Alexandra Bastedo. :smile:
46) Psychoville 2009-2011
The League of Gentlemen's Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton team up again for this dark comedy following several seemingly unrelated characters who are being blackmailed by a mysterious stranger who sends them notes reading "I know what you did". Pemberton and Shearsmith wrote the series and play most of the roles, including serial killer obsessed David Sowerbutts and his indulgent mum Maureen, the blind collector Mr. Lomax, and,best of all, a clown with a hook 'Mr. Jelly'. Dawn French also stars as a deranged midwife named 'Joy' and Jason Tompkins plays a seemingly psychokinetic dwarf.
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/0a/Psychoville.jpg)
47) Space 1999
48) Armchair Thriller (1978 / 1980) ~ especially the mini series Quiet As A Nun :buggedout: :buggedout:
49) Inspector Morse (1987 ~ 2000): I was never a great fan of John Thaw but he made this role his own. A very sad last episode indeed.
50) Taggart (1983 ~ 2011) ~ a great series with the ever grouchy but likeable Detective Superintendent Taggart. The one episode to look out for is the creepy Funeral Rites :buggedout:
51) The Pathfinders (1972) ~ a rather sadly obscure series about the RAF in the Second World War and the men who essentially send the pilots and crew out to their deaths.
52) The Adventurer (1972 ~ 1973) ~ with Gene Barry and Barry Morse.
53) Department S (1969 ~ 1970) with Peter Wyngarde. The episode I most remember is The Ghost of Mary Balham which scared the crap out of me. :buggedout:
54) Sapphire and Steel (1979 ~ 1982) with Joanna Lumley and David MacCallum.
55) The Two Ronnies (1971-1987): A long running sketch comedy show starring the hefty fast-talking Ronnie Barker and his smaller partner in comedy Ronnie Corbett. The pair wore similar wide-rimmed glasses and frequently performed humorous musical routines on the show. Usually both men appeared in the sketches but sometimes only one would appear. Their show often featured musical performances from a well known singer or group and recurring characters would reappear week after week. I recall watching this one as a kid with my parents as it was one of their favourite shows. I recall it being very, very funny and quite unlike anything I'd seen before in that time in my life.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5c4uMaJKt_g
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cz2-ukrd2VQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGlN_EaEgPQ
56) SPACED
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZnsOZsA7_4
I'm loving this list! :smile:
57) Blake's 7 (1978-81): If your a Doctor Who fan you'll probably love this show created by Terry Nation (the Dr. Who writer who created the Daleks). If your a Star Trek fan, however, you'll either love it or hate it. The show is a basic rip-off of Trek (with the transporter and everything) but with one major twist. The Federation are evil! The heroes are a group of criminals led by escaped political prisoner Raj Blake (Gareth Thomas). Who travel around the galaxy in their stolen spaceship, The Liberator, and fight the Federation at every turn. Blake left halway through the run but the show continued. Keir Avon played Paul Darrow (of the Dr. Who story "Timelash"), took command of a new spaceship and crew for the rest of the show. It's forever going to be compared to Doctor Who because so many in the Who camp worked on the show. Other Dr. Who alumni include Michael Keating (Who story "Underworld") as Villa. Dudley Simpson doing the music and Director David Maloney. Not to mention a guest shot by sixth Doctor himself, Colin Baker. The original crew (minus Avon and Villa) were killed off by season three. Blake returned in the finale but was killed off with the entire second crew (including Avon and Villa this time) in a real downer of an ending. The show was a little flawed, but I love British sci-fi so much that it became one of my favorites. Plus it's really violent too!
58) Whitechapel (2009-???)
A modern team of Scotland Yard detectives investigate a series of murders seemingly copying the Jack the Ripper murders to the smallest detail. The second series features Kray Brothers copycats. An expanded third series has been ordered.
Quote from: 66Crush on December 05, 2011, 12:02:21 AM
57) Blake's 7 (1978-81): If your a Doctor Who fan you'll probably love this show created by Terry Nation (the Dr. Who writer who created the Daleks). If your a Star Trek fan, however, you'll either love it or hate it. The show is a basic rip-off of Trek (with the transporter and everything) but with one major twist. The Federation are evil! The heroes are a group of criminals led by escaped political prisoner Raj Blake (Gareth Thomas). Who travel around the galaxy in their stolen spaceship, The Liberator, and fight the Federation at every turn. Blake left halway through the run but the show continued. Keir Avon played Paul Darrow (of the Dr. Who story "Timelash"), took command of a new spaceship and crew for the rest of the show. It's forever going to be compared to Doctor Who because so many in the Who camp worked on the show. Other Dr. Who alumni include Michael Keating (Who story "Underworld") as Villa. Dudley Simpson doing the music and Director David Maloney. Not to mention a guest shot by sixth Doctor himself, Colin Baker. The original crew (minus Avon and Villa) were killed off by season three. Blake returned in the finale but was killed off with the entire second crew (including Avon and Villa this time) in a real downer of an ending. The show was a little flawed, but I love British sci-fi so much that it became one of my favorites. Plus it's really violent too!
Haven't seen that in probably 20 years or more. I remember thinking Jacqueline Pearce was hot.
(http://oracle.transformers.net.nz/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/servalan.jpg)
59) Survivors (1975 ~ 1977)
60) Doomwatch (1970 ~ 1972)
61) The Nightmare Man 1981 ~ a very creepy miniseries from the BBC. :buggedout:
62) The Day of The Triffids 1981: this scared the #1, #2, #3 and all the other numbers out of me. :buggedout:
63) The Sweeney 1975 ~ 1978
64) Thriller 1973 ~ 1976
65) Callan (1967 ~ 1972) with Edward Woodward. :thumbup:
66) The Brothers 1972 ~ 1976
67) Love Thy Neighbour 1972 ~ 1976
68) Mind Your Language 1977 ~ 1979.
Believe it or not, 67 and 68* taught me a lot about racial and religious tolerance at a young age, despite both of them being knockabout comedies. :teddyr:
* Even though MYL had lines (delivered by a Muslim to a Sikh) such as:
Ranjeet: "He is..... barbarian."
Ali: "You are asking for a kick up your big brown backside!" :teddyr:
69) THE HITCHHIKERS GUIDE TO THE GALAXY (1981)
I don't know if it counts because it was only six episodes. But being a big fan of Douglas Adams writing, I've got to include this series based on his books and popular radio series. I laughed out loud at the adventures of Aurthur Dent and Ford Prefect as the barley escape the destruction of earth (to make way for an interspace bypass) and ponder the significance of the great question (which nobody remembers, but the answer is 42). It might not be everybody's cup of tea, but if you like brilliant sarcasm and sci-fi parodies you have to love this show.
Bull, that's an American series. Did you mean to put it on that list instead?
Quote from: JaseSF on December 19, 2011, 11:50:27 PM
Bull, that's an American series. Did you mean to put it on that list instead?
yep, sorry. :lookingup:
70) One Foot in the Grave (1990-2000): Hilarious with a dark edge is this often sardonic comedy series about the retiree next door who seems to cause no end of trouble for his wife and the neighbors.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4alLbXx0fA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMX0FS0r280
Quote from: JaseSF on January 08, 2012, 11:37:13 PM
70) One Foot in the Grave (1990-2000): Hilarious with a dark edge is this often sardonic comedy series about the retiree next door who seems to cause no end of trouble for his wife and the neighbors.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4alLbXx0fA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMX0FS0r280
Victor Meldrew is an awesome character. Very funny.
71. Primeval - Been devouring at least two episodes a night for a couple of weeks. Just starting Season 4. Lots of fun watching temporal anomalies spit out animals from the past and future to terrorize Britain.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXj6uo6EqrQ
And I love the little things they throw in for fun....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoJkAWpywOI
72. Torchwood (2006-Present): This Doctor Who spin-off has certainly forged an identity all its own being arguably much darker and edgier than the show it span off from. The stories do run the range from very good and sometimes very disturbing , oftentimes dark and dreary to more predictable fare but still this show is for the most part very well done with some interesting and arguably daring themes dealing with sexuality, the afterlife, immortality, power and corruption. Stars John Barrowman, Eve Myles and Burn Gorman in particular have done some great work on the series.
Warning: These videos have some gory and disturbing scenes in them.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWfxyYJUs5A
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dv6Z2QXZVCY
73) Waiting For God (1990-1994): This show focused on two elderly people put into a retirement home who nevetheless have more wits about them that the oppressive management at the home or their own screwed up families on the outside. The show starred Stephanie Cole as the curmudgeonly Diana Trent who is often making sharp jokes and often biting sarcastic remarks about the state the world has currently degraded down to in her eyes. Graham Crowden plays her main co-star Tom Ballard who is more optimistic and jolly and willing to embrace the few joys life has left him despite his struggle with dementia and with his annoying relatives his beyond dull son Geoffrey and Geoffrey offensive, opinionated, oversexed wife Marion. Their main rival on the series is the vain and greedy manager of the retirement home Harvey Bains, played by Daniel Hill who is often assisted by prudish and homely Jane Edwards, played by Janine Duvitski, who secretly has a crush on Harvey, who really prefers she wasn't anywhere near him.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMk8pSa_z6w
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmzFG9CRVJY
Quote from: Raffine on September 21, 2011, 08:26:01 AM
11) The League of Gentlemen
The extremely dark comic trials and tribulations of the locals and unfortunate visitors in the small village of Royston Vasey. Writers/performers Jeremy Dyson, Mark Gatiss, Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith manage to combine elements of soap opera, sitcom, sketch comedy, and pure horror. The series and several specials has many complex, interweaving plotlines and countless characters (mostly played by Gatiss, Pemberton, and Shearsmith) (http://www.lunacynet.com/league/list_alpha.html) and is as dense and brilliant as an English Christmas pudding.
The League of Gentlemen is one of my favorite shows of all time, of any kind! A couple times a year, I usually make my way through all three series (+ special and movie).
74)
The Office - kinda surprised that no one has mentioned this one. Not because it's untouchable, but more because it's so well known in the states as far as British television goes. Cringe-worthy comedy at it's best! Plus, one of the few (recent) UK imports that inspired a successful US remake...
I'l throw one more out there (I love British comedies, and so many of my favorites have already been mentioned).
75) Look Around You - Look Around You is a spoof science programme that hilariously recreates both the drab, depressing air of 1970s educational television and a bygone world of tedious school science lessons. Each of the 10-minute episodes--or "Modules"--takes the form of a number of surreal and pointless experiments based on a chosen theme ranging from "Water" and "Sulphur" to "Ghosts" and "Brains". Look Around You's humour lies not only in an absurd take on education and the impenetrable jargon of science, but also in evoking a sense of nostalgia in the viewer. In this respect the series is helped immeasurably by faultless production and attention to detail. Narrated in austere, Queen's English, using precise scientific terminology, this is a world of scratched film inserts, dubious periodic tables, cheap, synthesised music, giant hairstyles, bulky, teak-finished technology and a proliferation of DYMO labels. Each show is even prefaced by a few seconds of the "Television for Schools & Colleges" countdown clock. The tutorial format of the series is not without its problems though--it is essentially a single, plotless joke stretched to eight episodes, and there are no characters to speak of, save glimpses of the deadpan and much-maligned lab-technician (cowriter Peter Serafanowicz). Despite these shortcomings Look Around You is still a refreshingly different comedy, which is so well put together that you can almost smell the Bunsen burners while you watch.
This brilliantly original second series has the same well-observed hilarious brand of humour as the first BAFTA nominated series and is presented by the very talented Jack Morgan (Robert Popper), Peter Packard (Peter Serafinowicz), Pam Bachelor (Olivia Colman) and Pealy Maghti (Josie D'Arby). In a blaze of 1980's big hair, sideburns, ra-ra skirts and jumpsuits, this series also features cameos from some of the UK's finest comedy performers including Harry Enfield, Matt Lucas, Simon Pegg and Sarah Alexander.
Each episode the team considers the future of music, health, sport, music, food and computers - much as they did in the original 'Tomorrow's World' series. Each week they are joined by guests, inventors and science specialists, looking at different inventions and testing out the latest technology.
The series culminates in a live final of the 'Look Around You Invention Of The Year Award' presented by HRH Sir Prince Charles. But with an excited live studio audience, a nervous group of contestants and one rather difficult and unpredictable guest, can the Look Around You team manage to keep everything going alright on the night?
76) As Time Goes By (1992-2005): Former lovers Lionel (Geoffrey Palmer) and Jean (Judi Dench), separated many years ago by the Korean War, accidentally meet up again and reunite and fall back in love with one another. The show featured clever, witty and funny writing and created believable characters interacting in believable, nevertheless also funny, every day situations.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzHk6cfGvMY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsSgNApq6Bo
77. Ever Decreasing Circles
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7RrYJVCmqA
Martin is pretty neurotic...hilarious show.
78. Nighty Night
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EvCEa3RUvQ
Amazing dark comady.
79. Tales of the Unexpected (1979-1988): This British anthology series created by Roald Dahl adapted short stories to TV. Most often, the stories would have a dark comedic edge and there was often a sinister tone underlying many of the stories adapted. Many of the episodes adapt Dahl's own written works especially early on but over time, other writers were often adapated as well. A lot of the episodes were introduced and hosted by Dahl himself. The show attracted many quality guest stars including the likes of Joseph Cotton, Joan Collins, Rod Taylor, John Mills, Janet Leigh, Julie Harris, Brian Blessed, Ian Holm, Cyril Cusack, John Gielgud and many more. The series' distinctive theme music was done by Ron Grainer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oc46Gk-6qrA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tV0Ai410TQY
80. Garth Marenghi's Darkplace
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8MsYislXJg&feature=related
Brilliant comedy. Unfortunately only one series. If you have not seen it I highly recommend you give it a go.
Bad movie lovers (like your good selves) will not be disappointed.
81. Thunderbirds (1965-1966): Perhaps Gerry and Sylvia Anderson's most famous supermarionation series, the action-oriented adventures of International Rescue provided many kids (and those young at heart) with great excitement and escapist thrills over the years. The show features lots of gadgets and cool vehicles designed for rescue on land, in the sea, in the air and even in space. The show focused on rich ex-astronaut Jeff Tracy, head behind the secret organization, and his five sons who would pilot the different International Rescue machines as they set out to save people from deadly threats and try and prevent the actions of enemies who would do them harm and threaten the safety and security of innocent citizens around the world. A frequent guest star on the show was a london agent working with International Rescue named Lady Penelope.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2K9rVRuehGU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwfbHQiqYz4
82. Only Fools And Horses
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCV6_FKPuKA&feature=fvst
I'm surprised it has not yet been mentioned. If it has sorry, I missed it.
83. Yes Minister (1980-1988)(AKA: Yes, Prime Minster): satirical British sitcom set in the office of a British cabinet minister in Whitehall, the show focuses on the senoir ministerial career of The Right Honorable Jim Hacker, MP, played by Paul Eddington. His plans frequently see opposition from his Permanent Secretary Sir Humphrey Appleby (Nigel Hawthorne) and his Principal Private Secretary Bernard Woolley (Derek Fowlds) usually winds up in the middle of their disputes.
This still airs regularly in reruns here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgUemV4brDU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgDxvaCsZMI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xYI3M2098w
84. To Serve Them All My Days
85. Joe 90
86. The Secret Service
87. Enemy At The Door
88. Hi De Hi
89. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
90. A Fall of Eagles (with Sir Patrick Stewart as Lenin!) :teddyr:
91) Wallace and Gromit's World of Invention (2010): short-lived TV series based on the further adventures of Nick Park's popular claymation creations as they introduce real world scientific contraptions.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GP8w-oUSFeE
92) Spitting Image (1984-1996): a satirical British puppet series that I recall being pretty outrageous at times.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1jY5fYjV-U
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqJg1asnciI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNtn5RSXqrM
93) Danger: UXB 1979
94) The Persuaders 1971
95) Bouquet of Barbed Wire 1976
96) The Famous Five 1978 (I liked it :tongueout:)
97) The Forsyte Saga 1967
98) Danger Man 1960 ~ 1968
99) Dr Finlay's Casebook 1962 ~ 1971
100) The Jewel In The Crown 1984
Some great stuff there Trevor. I think especially highly of Threads. The Stone Tape and Ghostwatch but honestly think of them more as TV movies than TV series??
"The Persuaders!" and "Danger Man" are both great entries here and are TV series as are I believe all the others you named?
Quote from: JaseSF on February 28, 2012, 10:22:41 PM
Some great stuff there Trevor. I think especially highly of Threads. The Stone Tape and Ghostwatch but honestly think of them more as TV movies than TV series??
I be busted: it's hard to sneak anything past you, Jase :wink:
I will think of three others to replace them.
93, 99 and 100 be replaced. :teddyr: :wink:
Well this list has been completed and personally I think it's a most impressive one. Sure there's perhaps been a series or two overlooked. Feel free to point them out if you feel you must but overall I'm pretty pleased with this one and a lot of terrific contributions from all those who participated here.