Fresh research commissioned by the Freeview channel Great! TV has unveiled what many might consider a nostalgic revelation: Britain's 'golden year of television' has been pinpointed to 1976. The study, which engaged over-55s to select their all-time favourite programmes from a curated list of 100 adored shows, has sparked a wave of reminiscence about the enduring appeal of classic British television.
The Dominance of Timeless Comedies
The findings highlight a strong preference for legendary British comedies, which overwhelmingly dominated the Top 10 rankings. Topping the list as the most popular show is John Cleese's timeless sitcom Fawlty Towers, beloved by nearly a third (31%) of the viewers surveyed. This iconic series, set in a chaotic Torquay hotel, continues to resonate with audiences decades after its original broadcast.
Securing a close second place is Only Fools and Horses, starring David Jason as the wheeler-dealer Derek 'Del Boy' Trotter, which garnered the backing of 28% of television fans. The enduring charm of this Peckham-based comedy underscores its status as a cultural touchstone for generations.
Classic BBC Favourites and Modern Inclusions
Further enriching the list, 23% of participants named BBC classics Dad's Army and Blackadder among the greatest shows ever made. However, the study also reveals that more recent programmes have successfully cracked the top 10, demonstrating a blend of old and new favourites.
These include Call the Midwife with 18% support and Doc Martin at 17%. Rounding out the esteemed list are Inspector Morse (17%), The Good Life (17%), Death in Paradise (15%), and Allo Allo (14%).
Why 1976 Stands Out as the Golden Year
Great TV's researchers meticulously mapped the most-loved shows against their original broadcast years, surveying their core audience of viewers aged 55 and over. The overall findings indicate that the 1970s was the decade that produced the most cherished television programmes of all time.
Within that illustrious decade, 1976 emerged as the 'Golden Year,' airing the highest concentration of television classics. A remarkable total of 24 of the UK's most-loved TV shows were gracing living rooms across the nation exactly 50 years ago, cementing its place in broadcasting history.
Iconic Characters That Stole the Show
When it comes to memorable characters, a 1970s icon once again led the pack. Basil Fawlty was voted the most unforgettable television character, with more than half of those surveyed (52%) naming John Cleese's famously bad-tempered hotelier as their number one.
The legendary Fawlty Towers proprietor placed only a fraction ahead of Only Fools and Horses' lead Del Boy Trotter, who was a favourite for 51% of voters. Placing third was Ronnie Barker's lead character Fletcher from Porridge, securing 35% of the vote.
Completing the top five were beloved characters from 1990s British sitcoms, with Keeping Up Appearances' Hyacinth Bucket ranking fourth at 34% and One Foot in the Grave's Victor Meldrew taking fifth place with 30%.
Nostalgic Sentiments and Industry Insights
The study also uncovered strong nostalgic sentiments among the over-55s demographic. Two-thirds (66%) expressed feeling more fondly about television from the past compared to today's shows. Moreover, more than three-quarters (78%) believe that writing and storytelling were stronger during the golden decade of the 1970s.
Actress Sherrie Hewson, a Great TV fan and ambassador for the network's 'Upper Third' campaign, shared her perspective: 'Viewers like me – and there are lots of us – want to be able to watch the quality shows that we remember so fondly. M*A*S*H was always my favourite, and it's so good to be able to know that's still being shown on normal telly.'
Kate Gartland, Marketing Director at Great, added: 'In 50 years of telly, we still haven't topped the golden year of 1976 - and TV viewers will always remember the classics that came out of that era. Reality TV is forgotten in a week, but these shows last a lifetime and are bringing in new generations of viewers enjoying them for the first time.'
This comprehensive research not only celebrates the enduring legacy of British television but also highlights the timeless appeal of well-crafted storytelling and memorable characters that continue to captivate audiences across generations.
