My wife loves many of the current British TV series. The Midwives, Downton Abbey and Poldark are
just a few of the British dramas she watches.
I too have my favorite British TV shows-both old and new:
The Avengers, Monty Python, Keeping Up Appearances, Doctor Who, Sherlock and a
smattering of others.
British Television shows differ from American shows not
only in their scope but in their tone as well.
British comedies tend to be an odd combination of
slapstick and innuendo, British dramas are much more cerebral and tend to be heavy
into details, while British late night shows can be a bit rowdy and edgy by
American standards.
American has a love affair with British TV. In fact, British TV series shown here in the
U.S. have garnered huge audiences and loyal fans. Just ask any Doctor Who, Sherlock or Downton
Abbey junkie.
30
Years Of British Television, written by A.S. Berman and published
by BearManor Media, examines the Golden
Age of British TV between the years 1970 to 2000.
What makes the book an especially interesting read is
that the author has compiled interviews of some of the most predominant actors
and actresses from the various genres of British TV shows.
Dramas, comedies, sci-fi-regardless of the format, each
interview delves deep into the meat and bones of British TV.
Readers get insider perspectives of individual shows,
union woes, British censorship, behind-the-scenes shenanigans, tragedy, comedy,
gossip—the entire gamut of what it took to produce and star in said shows.
While British TV production has many similarities to TV
in this country there are some surprising differences.
For a truly unique examination of British TV shows be
sure to pick up a copy of the book-the anecdotes alone make it a fun read.