A detective series with a supernatural twist! Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased) was a uniquely British concoction blending hard-boiled detective drama with supernatural elements and wrapped it all in that quintessentially British humour. From the gritty streets of late-60s London to the ethereal realms beyond, I explore how this show captivated a generation despite not being aimed at children like me at all!

Mike Pratt brought world-weary charm to Jeff Randall, a man perpetually trying to maintain his sanity while conversing with a ghost only he could see. Meanwhile, Kenneth Cope's Marty Hopkirk—forever dressed in that immaculate white suit—balanced earnestness with comic frustration at his ghostly limitations. Their chemistry was nothing short of otherworldly.

There is the fascinating background of creator Dennis Spooner and the show's production by Lew Grade's ITC Entertainment, known for its high production values and distinctive visual style. Mike Pratt's surprising musical career (did you know he co-wrote the theme to "A Handful of Songs" with Lionel Bart?).

From standout episodes like "My Late Lamented Friend and Partner" to how this one-season wonder managed to balance macabre elements with genuine emotional depth, Why these 26 episodes left such an indelible mark on British television history?

What's your most vivid memory of this supernatural sleuthing duo? I'd love to hear your thoughts on this perfect time capsule of late 60s/early 70s British creativity!

Take care,

Oliver

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Welcome back to another fun-filled edition of the My 70’s TV Childhood Quiz! Whether you're a long-time listener or joining us for the first time, this is your chance to put your 1970s TV knowledge to the test. So grab a pen, a notepad, maybe even a friend, and let’s see how well you remember the classics!

This week, we had four exciting rounds, covering everything from beloved cartoons to classic British TV moments.

Round One – Scooby Doo, Where Are You?

The first round took us on a mystery-filled adventure with Scooby, Shaggy, and the gang! From the number of episodes produced to the name of Velma’s family, this was a round for true fans of the show. And of course, who could forget their iconic van?

Round Two – Marathon / Fil Rouge

This round tested how closely you’ve been paying attention to previous episodes of the podcast! We revisited The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin, The New Avengers, and even Bod—but could you remember the name of the friendly policeman?

Round Three – Name That Tune (1971 Edition!)

One of our most popular rounds! This week, we spun the wheel and landed on 1971—a fantastic year for British television. Did you manage to name all five theme tunes?

Round Four – TV Times

The final round challenged your general 1970s TV knowledge, from Blue Peter to It’s a Knockout and Crossroads. We even threw in a tricky question about The Herbs!

How did you do? We’d love to hear your scores! Share them with us on our blog, Facebook, X (Twitter), or LinkedIn. And if you love our quizzes, please like, rate, and review us wherever you get your podcasts.

Bonus Question

"The final episode of Dad's Army was broadcast on Remembrance Sunday in 1977 and featured Corporal Jones marrying Mrs Fox. The episode ends with the cast facing the camera as Sergeant Wilson proposes a toast to what or who?"

If you know the answer, let us know by emailing quiz@my70stvchildhood.com.

Thanks for listening, and we’ll see you next time for more My 70’s TV Childhood Quiz fun!

Take care,
Oliver

We’d love to hear how you did, so share your scores and memories with us:
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Don’t forget to like, rate, and review us wherever you get your podcasts. Your feedback helps us grow and keeps the spirit of 70s TV alive! Tell your friends about the quiz and invite them to join the fun.

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School is back in session, making it the perfect time to revisit one of the most iconic school-based dramas in British television—Grange Hill. When it first aired in 1978, it was nothing short of a revolution. Unlike the idealised portrayals of school seen in earlier shows, Grange Hill felt raw and real, reflecting the struggles, friendships, and tensions that defined childhood for so many of us.

For those of us heading to secondary school at the time, Grange Hill was both thrilling and unsettling. It wasn’t afraid to depict the realities of school life—bullying, class struggles, and racism—through relatable characters like Tucker Jenkins, Trisha Yates, and Benny Green. The show quickly became essential viewing, though not everyone was allowed to watch. Parents and teachers feared it would encourage bad behaviour, but for kids, it was the first time we truly saw ourselves reflected on screen.

Phil Redmond, the mastermind behind Grange Hill, had to fight to get it on air. The BBC took a gamble on an initial run of nine episodes, but the impact was immediate. Soon, playgrounds across the country were buzzing with discussions about the latest episode. The show’s hard-hitting themes continued to evolve, eventually tackling drug addiction, teenage pregnancy, and racial discrimination. The Just Say No anti-drug campaign, led by the cast, even made its way to the White House.

Despite its serious themes, Grange Hill also had warmth and humour. Who can forget Tucker’s mischief, Trisha’s rebellious streak, or the infamous flying sausage in the opening credits? The show balanced realism with storytelling, giving children a programme that respected their experiences rather than talking down to them.

Were you one of the lucky ones allowed to watch Grange Hill, or did you have to hear about it second-hand? Let us know your memories!

Guest Information:

🎙 Guest Name: Tim Worthington
🌐 Guest’s Website: timworthington.org

Related Episodes

🔹 I Do Have a Wooden Heart
🔹 Knockin' on Doors, Opening Windows: It's The Sunday Gang

Take care,
Oliver

Contact Us:

📧 Email: Oliver@My70sTVChildhood.com

📖 Blog: [Link]

📘 Facebook:[Link]

🐦 X: [Link]

📺 YouTube: [Link]

Get in touch!

Support the show