Stocking Fillers: Win Shouting At The Telly!

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Shouting At The Telly (Edited by John Grindrod, published by Faber & Faber)
Shouting At The Telly (Edited by John Grindrod, published by Faber & Faber)

Television is perhaps one of the most pervasive forms of culture there is and one that demands rigorous study to its effects and impact upon individuals and society as a whole. Unfortunately, whilst this study may be important , most of us have other pressing questions regarding television.  What lessons in life can Bagpuss teach us? Which American Teen drama is the best? What in the hell were the Clangers really going on about? Yes, these are the burning issues that preoccupy many people’s minds on a regular basis. God help us if there’s a(nother) war.

Shouting At The Telly is a collection of essays (well, musings) on the glass teat that has weaned many a youngster since John Logie Baird decided that the radio was just not good enough. Highlights include Rebecca Front, currently on the receiving end of lots of foul language in ‘The Thick Of It , reminiscing about her stint on spoof news show ‘The Day Today’ and marvelling just how close the real news has become to Chris Morris sharp satire. Richard Herring has a go at Gary Sparrow for his ‘Paucity of Ambition’ in the sitcom ‘Goodnight Sweeheart’, wondering why – with the ability to travel in time – did he not much more whilst Monica Long identifies her guilty pleasures. Collections of this nature are usually hit and miss, and this is no exception, but it’s an extremely fun ragbag of opinions, nostalgia and facts (including a list of all those who were considered for the role of The Doctor but never quite made it) that is tremendous fun to read. Perfect for Xmas, when you’ll most likely be doing a lot of shouting at the TV yourself.

Shouting At The Telly is published by Faber and Faber is available all good bookstores and online.

Thanks to Faber and Faber we have two copies of the book to giveaway to our lovely readers. So if you would like the chance to win one please head on down to the comments box and tell us your favourite forgotten TV show and why.

NB: Please be sure to read our terms and conditions which you are deemed to have accepted by entering! Winners will be picked by random using random.org so why not give it a go! Closing date: 11th January 2010

COMPETITION NOW CLOSED – WINNERS TO BE ANNOUNCED SHORTLY!

AND THE WINNERS ARE: Steven Taylor & Phil Darling. Congratulations – emails are winging their way to you now. Apologise for lack of random.org image – you’re just gonna have to trust us as we are cursed with limited technology at the moment!

Please note the post initially offered five copies of the book but we were only sent two copies – apologies for any confusion.

61 comments

  1. Definitely ‘Chance in a Million’ with Simon Callow and Brenda Blethyn. It was a really different kind of sitcom but nobody seems to remember it at all.

  3. Supermarket Sweep!!! Was an absolute classic and I so want it back!! Although now I’m not a student type anymore it might not be so good! 😉

  5. Button Moon

    We’re off to button moon, we follow mr spoon, Button moon
    I loved watching this with my brother.

  6. Captain Planet.

    It was a great kids show and taught you about the planet and things at same time as being super fun and about super heroes.

  7. Tutti Frutti
    Robbie Coltrane at his best with his dry wit. And the music was fantastic.

  8. I loved ‘On the Buses’, no way would it ever be allowed back on TV now but it was funny at the time. Though I also loved the ‘Banana Splits’ they should definatley come back

  9. Just Good Friends with Paul Nicolas and Jan Francis. I used to love this and saw every episode

  10. I will be showing my age here but I don’t mind I really don’t think many people would of ever heard of it but would have to be “Kizzy” the little gypsy girl,It was about other children being racist and the devastion that bullies can cause,there was a little rhyme that the girls used to intimidate the gypsy girl who was raised by her grandma in a caravan.I adored this programme when I was growing up & try as I have I am unable to ever get a copy so my daughter could see it & enjoy it as much as I did!

    1. I’ve just noticed your comment – great minds eh?! don’t worry about showing your age – we’re both young!!

  11. Absolutely – Brilliant Scottish comedy show, but it was before my time and now all I can do is watch old clips on Youtube 🙁

  14. I used to love a kids show called Kizzy, about a gypsy girl who’s nan died and was looked after by “normal” people. I wanted to be a gypsy after watching this, but never became one!!!

  15. Life without George, sure if I watched it now it would be rubbish, but as a child I used to love it and it’s catchy theme tune. Would also like to see Dear John again too.

  16. Four words….first word sounds like live!

    Aaaw….’Give us a Clue’ how I miss that show. Definately should be revived and if there’s a God they’d put it on instead of Jeremy Bile.

  17. Perfect World, starred Paul Kaye as a smarmy marketing executive, was brilliant, would love to see it come back!

  18. It has to be H R Pufnstuf. Original horror for kids, I remember hiding behind the sofa arm when Witchy Poo came on, but also had a bit of a first crush on Jack Wild (RIP).

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