Britannist

g hall

But why do they not show the repeats I want to watch -
I think there are only so many times I can watch certain programs in a given period
Fools and Horses
Porridge
etc seem to be on permanently

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Britannist

I like the repeats of programmes like "The Avengers" which they recently showed on BBC 4 Television.

I think some programmes are repeated more than others because they might cost the broadcasters less in royalty payments than others.

I was once told that certain television programmes are made with it written into the contracts agreed between the actors/actresses and the broadcasters that they can only show the programme once or twice without paying royalties and then repeat fees (i.e. royalties) kick in.

In other words, there are some good programmes in the archives of certain broadcasters which are too expensive to repeat too often.

I can think of some good television comedies from the 1970's that are hardly ever repeated and which I am sure many viewers would like to see. I assume that the reason such programmes are not appearing on our television screens now is that they are too costly for the broadcasters to show; that they are only available on video tape/DVD in the shops or that these programmes are now contracted to be shown only on certain television channels available by subscription.

Tara

Or too politically incorrect! 1970's the good old days

Britannist

I think you are right Tara - some of the 1970's television comedies (as you imply, the 1970's being a 'golden era' for television comedy) may not be being shown because of some of the jokes in them causing the politically correct brigade in the BBC to have convulsions.

I expect one of the reasons why we have never seen a repeat run of the hit 1970's ITV series "The Comedians", for instance, is because it had people like The Late and much-missed comedy legend Bernard Manning in it - as well as Frank Carson and many others who know how to crack a good joke.

If I had my way I would put the original series of "The Comedians" back on television in the middle of Saturday evening when audiences are at their peak.

The more the politically-correct mob get offended the better as far as I am concerned.

Tara

I'd like to see a re run of Alf Garnet.

Childrens programmes were far more wholesome in the 1970's too as the adult presenters tended to be fully clothed as opposed to today where most of them seem to be very young and half naked. Just an observation!

rjt

If they are going to show more repeats then lots more One Foot in the Grave and The Vicar of Dibley please.

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