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:
📧 Email: Oliver@My70sTVChildhood.com
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📺 YouTube: [Link]

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]

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Get in touch!

Support the show

Welcome back to another fun-filled edition of the My 70s TV Childhood Quiz! If you grew up watching television in the 1970s, this is your chance to put your knowledge to the test. Whether you were a devoted World of Sport fan, a lover of classic sitcoms, or someone who can still hum every theme tune from memory, we’ve got a quiz that will transport you straight back to the golden age of British television.

This week, we’re kicking things off with a round dedicated to sport on TV in the 70s. You don’t have to be an expert in rugby league or a walking football encyclopedia, but a bit of sporting knowledge will definitely help

For long-time listeners, our next round might give you an edge. We’re diving into topics we’ve covered in previous episodes, from classic 70s Christmas adverts to a certain sci-fi show that sparked many first crushes (Including my own). If you've been paying attention, you might just have the upper hand!

Then it's time to test your ears. Name That Tune (1975 Edition) brings back some of the most iconic theme songs of the era. From kids' TV classics to gripping dramas, we’re playing snippets of five theme tunes, but can you name them all?

And finally, we’re rounding things off with a deep dive into 70s TV trivia. We’ve got questions on The Good Life, Chorlton and the Wheelies, Blue Peter appeals, and a certain Coronation Street milestone?

So, how did you do? Are you a 70s TV mastermind, or do you need to brush up on your classics?

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

Until next time, thanks for listening.

Take care,
Oliver

Contact Us:

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Welcome back to My 70s TV Childhood.

In this episode, we pay tribute to the late Brian Murphy, best known as the weary, grumpy, yet oddly lovable landlord George Roper from Man About the House and George and Mildred. Murphy, who sadly passed away at the age of 92, had a remarkable career spanning theatre, film, and television. We explore his early days performing for local children, his time with Joan Littlewood’s Theatre Workshop, and the journey that led him to become one of Britain’s most recognisable sitcom figures.

We’ll reminisce about his partnership with the brilliant Yootha Joyce, the cultural impact of George and Mildred, and how George Roper became the quintessential ‘henpecked husband’ of 70s television. Brian Murphy’s portrayal of George was a masterclass in comedic timing—his exaggerated sighs, baffled expressions, and reluctance to do anything remotely energetic made him a character both frustrating and endearing. The dynamic between George and Mildred reflected the social tensions of the era, with Mildred’s aspirations clashing against George’s stubborn resistance to change. It’s a formula that still holds up today, decades after its original airing.

While George Roper may have been Murphy’s most famous role, his career extended far beyond the confines of sitcoms. Following the success of George and Mildred, he continued to work across theatre and television, with memorable roles in Last of the Summer Wine and One Foot in the Grave. Even as he aged, Murphy remained a working actor, dedicated to his craft and beloved by audiences who had grown up watching him.

Were you a Man About the House or George and Mildred fan? Do you share my feelings about Tristram?

Oliver

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Welcome back to another fun-filled edition of the My 70’s TV Childhood Quiz! This week, we had a very special guest—none other than Sooty himself! Yes, our favourite silent magician joined us in the studio, and let’s just say he had a few tricks up his sleeve.

As always, we put your 70s TV knowledge to the test across four exciting rounds, covering everything from classic kids' TV to iconic theme tunes and deep dives into our podcast archives.

Round One – Sooty & Friends This round was all about Sooty’s adventures with his human companions. Do you remember who his very first human friend was? Or his magical catchphrase? And what about Ramsbottom—ring any bells?

Round Two – Marathon / Fil Rouge is dedicated to topics from previous podcast episodes! We revisited Bruce Forsyth’s Generation Game and the unforgettable Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads? episode where they desperately tried to avoid hearing the football score. But here’s the real question—who played their friend Flint?

Round Three – Name That Tune (1975 Edition!) Could you recognise theme tunes from 1975? This round puts your ears to the test with some of the most memorable intros from the era.

Round Four – TV Times Our final round was all about TV history—from Doctor Who trivia to The Naked Civil Servant, we challenged your knowledge of iconic moments from British television.

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

Until next time, thanks for listening.
Take care,
Oliver

Contact Us:
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Welcome back to My 70’s TV Childhood, the podcast where we revisit the television greats that shaped our lives growing up in 1970s Britain.

In this episode, we’re taking a nostalgic journey into Wait Till Your Father Gets Home, an animated sitcom created by Hanna-Barbera. While it offered a distinctly American take on suburban life, its themes of generational conflict and shifting societal values struck a chord with British audiences who were already familiar with similar clashes through sitcoms like Till Death Us Do Part.

Harry Boyle, the conservative patriarch of the family, seemed cut from the same cloth as Alf Garnett—his traditionalist views constantly clashing with the liberal ideals of his son Chet, feminist daughter Alice, and his inquisitive youngest son Jamie. The show masterfully blended sharp humour with cultural commentary, highlighting major social changes of the era, from feminism to the rise of counterculture.

Though rooted in Americana, Wait Till Your Father Gets Home resonated on this side of the Atlantic because its portrayal of family dynamics and generational clashes was universal. Just as Alf Garnett struggled to accept the changing world in Till Death Us Do Part, Harry Boyle’s bewilderment at modern life provided both comedy and reflection, making the show a unique addition to British households in the 70s.

What are your memories of Wait Till Your Father Gets Home? Did its humour and themes strike a chord with you back in the day? Let me know by getting in touch via social media or leaving a comment on the blog at www.my70stvchildhood.com. You can also email me at oliver@my70stvchildhood.com. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—it really helps the podcast grow.

Until next time, thanks for listening.
Take care,
Oliver

Contact Us:
📧 Email: Oliver@My70sTVChildhood.com
📖 Blog: [Link]
📘 Facebook: [Link]
🐦 X: [Link]
📺 YouTube: [Link]

Contact Us:

📧 Email: Oliver@My70sTVChildhood.com

📖 Blog: [Link]

📘 Facebook:[Link]

🐦 X: [Link]

📺 YouTube: [Link]

Get in touch!

Support the show

Welcome back to My 70s TV Childhood Quiz! I’m thrilled to bring you the latest instalment of our fortnightly trip into 70s TV nostalgia. If you’re new here, a warm welcome! This podcast is all about celebrating the golden age of television and what it was like growing up in Britain during the 1970s. For our loyal listeners, thank you for your continued support—you’re the heart of our community.

This week, we’ve prepared another fantastic quiz to challenge your 70s TV trivia knowledge. Get ready for 20 fun and challenging questions across four themed rounds designed to jog your memory and spark some laughs!

Grab a pen, pour your favourite drink (mine’s a gin and tonic tonight), and let’s go!

Here’s what’s in store this week:

• On the Cobbles: A stroll down Coronation Street during the 1970s.
• Marathon – Fil Rouge: Questions revisiting some of our favourite past podcast topics.
• Name That Tune: The year is 1977—can you identify the shows by their theme tunes?
• TV Times: A classic trivia round where anything goes!

Plus, this week’s Bonus Question delves into a 1977 children's drama with an Arthurian twist—can you name the show?

We’d love to hear how you did, so share your scores and memories with us:
📧 Email: Oliver@My70sTVChildhood.com
📖 Blog: [Link]
📘 Facebook:[Link]
🐦 X: [Link]
📺 YouTube: [Link]

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.

Take care,
Oliver

Get in touch!

Support the show