Finding a truly exhaustive list of every British television series by year is a monumental task. The sheer volume of programming produced over the decades, from the earliest days of television to the streaming era, makes complete compilation impossible. However, this article aims to provide a robust overview, categorized by decade, highlighting some of the most significant and influential shows, along with strategies to find more specific information.
How to Find More Specific Information
Before diving into a selection of notable shows, it's important to note several resources you can use to further your research:
- IMDb (Internet Movie Database): IMDb is an invaluable resource for finding information on television shows, including release dates, cast lists, and user reviews. You can filter searches by country (United Kingdom) and year.
- British Film Institute (BFI): The BFI holds a vast archive of British film and television history. Their website is an excellent source for finding information on older and lesser-known programs.
- Wikipedia: While not always perfectly accurate, Wikipedia often has comprehensive articles on individual television series, including their broadcast dates.
- Specific Channel Archives: Channels like the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and others may have online archives or resources detailing their programming history.
Notable British Television Series by Decade
This section will highlight some key shows from each decade, illustrating the breadth and depth of British television's output. It is by no means exhaustive; numerous other excellent series exist within each time period.
1950s - The Dawn of British Television
The 1950s saw the nascent stages of British television, with programming largely dominated by live broadcasts and limited production capacity. While detailed year-by-year records are challenging to find comprehensively, some noteworthy early series include adaptations of classic literature and variety shows. Finding precise year-by-year lists from this era requires deep archival research.
1960s - The Rise of Genre Television
The 1960s witnessed the emergence of distinct genres in British television. Notable examples include:
- Z-Cars (1962-1978): A groundbreaking police procedural series.
- The Avengers (1961-1969): A stylish spy-fi action-adventure series.
- Doctor Who (1963-1989, revived 2005-present): A science fiction institution that continues to this day. (Note: This show spans multiple decades).
1970s - Social Realism and Comedy
The 1970s saw a rise in socially conscious dramas and comedic series. Key examples include:
- Monty Python's Flying Circus (1969-1974): Groundbreaking surreal comedy.
- Are You Being Served? (1972-1985): A sitcom classic.
- Upstairs, Downstairs (1971-1975): A period drama exploring class divisions.
1980s - The Rise of Independent Television
The 1980s brought increased competition and innovation with the rise of Channel 4 and other independent broadcasters. Noteworthy series include:
- Blackadder (1983-1989): A darkly comedic historical series.
- Only Fools and Horses (1981-1991): One of the UK's most beloved sitcoms.
- The Bill (1984-2010): A long-running police procedural.
1990s - Expanding Genres and Formats
The 1990s brought further diversification, with reality TV's nascent beginnings and a continued evolution of established genres.
- Absolutely Fabulous (1992-2012): A sitcom featuring fashion-obsessed women.
- Cold Feet (1997-2003, revived 2016-2020): A popular drama series.
2000s - The Rise of Reality TV and Channel Expansion
The 2000s saw a surge in reality TV's popularity and continued success for established drama and comedy. Noteworthy examples:
- The Office (UK version) (2001-2003): A mockumentary sitcom that became hugely influential.
- Spooks (2002-2011): A spy thriller.
2010s - Streaming and Global Reach
The 2010s marked the rise of streaming services and a greater global appetite for British television. High-quality productions gained significant international recognition. Examples include:
- Sherlock (2010-2017): A modern update on the classic detective story.
- Downton Abbey (2010-2015): A period drama that achieved worldwide success.
- Peaky Blinders (2013-2022): A crime drama set in post-war Birmingham.
2020s - The Continued Evolution
The 2020s continue to see a mix of established genres, emerging talent, and international collaborations. Specific examples are numerous and varied, depending on individual taste.
This overview provides a starting point for exploring the rich history of British television. Remember to utilize the resources mentioned earlier for more detailed and year-specific information. Happy viewing!
