I don't know about anyone else on this board who watches British television, but the highlight of my life currently is a new series on BBC 1 called Life on Mars.
About a cop who gets hit by a car in a 2006 chase ending up in a deep coma, the actual drama, as played out in the copper's unconscious mind, is set in 1973. At first he cannot work out why he seems to have been demoted to a lower rank, nor why the world looks the way it does but as he slowly begins to realise that he's in a dream he nevertheless sets out to carry out his 1973 police job according to the enlightened methods of 2006. You might not think it sounds promising, but the script is witty and perceptive and the culture clash between the two periods is very interesting. Also lots of opportunities for references to 1970's police series, a la Starsky and Hutch
If you're planning on taking a trip to the UK in the nearish future, look out for it on whatever channel carries British programming in your territory. If there's no sign of it coming to your station, hassle them to buy it. It's essential cultural research. Here's the BBC website with more information to whet your appetite. It's prompted loads of interesting viewer responses.
Beebee
Posts: 1954 | Location: London, UK | Registered: 09 September 2002
Yes, isn't it brilliant!? We've been hooked since episode 1. Lovely casting of the 2 male leads - and it was nice last night to see an old friend (Paul Copley) in the role of the crazed hostage-taker.
Jonathan
Posts: 2945 | Location: Stroud, UK | Registered: 18 November 2001
This sounds wonderful and I can't wait to figure out how to see it here.
Our family loves BBC television programming. One of the pluses of our house in France last year was that we had satellite television and got BBC channels.
We have been watching the Darling Buds of May (five different DVDs) through Netflix. I know that's an oldie, but very enjoyable...
It sounds wonderful, unfortunately BBC America does not necessarily carry the same programming as BBC in England. When my mother in law and sisters in law were visiting last November there were many that they had never seen or heard of them before.
Posts: 1375 | Location: Seattle - next is Isla Mujeres,MX in December, then its Paris in March, then hopefully England! | Registered: 02 May 2005
BBC America mostly sucks! I WISH we would get the real BBC here - that show sounds great! Maybe it will come out on DVD like the American shows do here.
There is a site at www.uknova.com that has a lot of UK television programs as bittorrent downloads. According to their FAQ it is all above board in terms of copyright.
There is a problem in that it is limited membership, and many people havetried for months to register.
Posts: 833 | Location: Hampshire, UK | Registered: 28 March 2005
Brilliant show! We watch via uknova as well. Other great BBC shows we've been watching: Balderdash and Piffle (best described as a history of words show), Who Do You Think You Are (British celebrity genealogy) and Top Gear (motoring show). My wife and I always say to each other "there's no way American audiences would ever support shows like this over here!" Hopefully some day it will be much easier for worldwide audiences to watch whatever shows they want worrying about local availability on cable or satellite.
Posts: 16 | Location: Williamsburg, VA | Registered: 30 January 2006
I also think BBC radio is great and if you like a particular Radio 4 program you can listen every week by going to the "Listen Again" section. I LOVE "Just a Minute" and listen to it every week when it is playing.
Originally posted by Lisa W: I also think BBC radio is great and if you like a particular Radio 4 program you can listen every week by going to the "Listen Again" section. I LOVE "Just a Minute" and listen to it every week when it is playing.
Just a Minute is definitely fun, but my absolute favourite is I'm Sorry I haven't a Clue. Billed as the antidote to panel games, it's presented by Humphrey Lyttelton (a veteran jazz trumpeter) with a killer dry wit and 4 panellists drawn from Britain's best comedians. Filled with scatalogical humour, execrable puns and monumental silliness it's sheer heaven.
I also love The News Quiz. A panel game made up of comedians and comic writers reviewing the news stories of the week. Wickedly funny.
One final tip is that the local radio stations are often good for information about weather, local news, what's on etc. in that area. This link gives you a handy map of England to help you locate all the local english BBC stations (there are, of course, commercial stations as well in many of these locations). For anyone coming to London, I would recommend listening to Danny Baker's weekday 2 hour slot to acclimatise yourself to a proper London accent and pick up news of what's on in town. Another good programme you can access from that same page is Robert Elm's show. He often has interesting themes about London landmarks where people ring in with interesting information about local neighbourhoods, particular buildings etc.
All of these are entertaining but I think it's also a great way to prepare yourself for a trip to Britain. By the time you arrive you'll feel like an insider as soon as you step off the plane.
Beebee
Posts: 1954 | Location: London, UK | Registered: 09 September 2002
Last Life on Mars tonight, can't wait. Only problem is do not see how they can do another series. Want to know how it finishes!!!!!!! Not telling! Judy
My industry mag claims that the series has been such a hit that the Beeb are hoping for a bidding war. Current US channels supposed to be interested are A&E, BBC America, AMC and Oxygen.
Beebee
Posts: 1954 | Location: London, UK | Registered: 09 September 2002
Glad you two both liked it. I read somewhere that a second series had been commissioned but I don't know when it will be broadcast. If the viewing figures in the States were good enough I'm sure you'll get the second series too once it's ready.
Beebee
Posts: 1954 | Location: London, UK | Registered: 09 September 2002
Here's the 
