Light into shadow

Article Abstract:

Light entertainment on British television, once the mainstay of the schedulers, is now out of favour with the audience. Of the 48 series run in 1997, none reached a viewing figure of more than 7 million. Viewers are choosing instead to watch short drama series such as Tiger Bay and docu-dramas such as Childrens Hospital and Vets in Practice. The sophisticated audiences of today do not want talent shows or game shows where the contestants are humiliated. Out of the 48 series run, 38 were made by independent producers who often put financial concerns above artistic quality.

Television Production, United Kingdom, Television broadcasting industry

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Saturday fright

Article Abstract:

Ratings for Saturday night television programmes in the 1990s have been unable to match those of their predecessors, with even BBC1's National Lottery Live failing to keep its mass audience share. Primetime slots on Saturday have fallen prey to the broadcasting industry's predisposition to please itself rather than its audience, with newcomers failing to attract viewers in the same way as their venerable forebears.

Television broadcasting, Market share

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The grin reality

Article Abstract:

British television broadcasters are relying on comedy drama, stand-up comics and comic sketch programmes to make viewers laugh. However, these are not as effective as the situation comedies of yesteryear. The most popular comedy series since 1988 have been Mr Bean, followed by Freddie Starr, Dave Allen and Canned Carrot.

Television comedies

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