To me, one of the most enjoyable aspects of travel is to immerse oneself into the culture before arriving at your destination. And for Britain, there are so many ways to do this – through books, magazines, radio (all BBC Radio programs are free on the web for Americans), films, and especially television. Much of British TV is available on DVD, Netflix, BBC America, or Youtube.
Below is just a sampling of a few of the more popular dramatic and comedic shows currently enjoyed throughout Great Britain.
Below is just a sampling of a few of the more popular dramatic and comedic shows currently enjoyed throughout Great Britain.
Preview of 2013 Drama shows on BBC
While the U.S. may have Star Trek and Star Wars, the British have Doctor Who, which in terms of longevity and fandom (if not always in budget or special effects) has us Yanks beat in spades. The cult show originally ran on the BBC (Britain’s premiere television channel) from 1963 to 1989, it was then revived in 2005 (and is still going strong) with better effects, larger budgets, and has become even more popular. In the lats two years, it has truly broken through to mainstream American culture. The basic premise is that The Doctor (the title is in fact a question, as no one knows his real name) is a Time Lord, and pops around the universe in different time periods in his Tardis (disguised as a old English Police Call Box, several of which we will see in Edinburgh) to “fix” things. Along the way, he picks up companions and fights off enemies such as the Cybermen or the Daleks. And if mortally wounded, can regenerate into someone else (a nifty trick whenever they need to change actors.) One recent performer to play The Doctor was Scottish actor David Tennant (pictured above), who ended his run on New Years Day 2010. For the pats three years, Scottish writer and producer Stephen Moffat has taken over. And now, starting on Christmas Day, another Scottish actor, Peter Capaldi, will step in as the Doctor (his 12th incarnation). Any American hoping to fit in with Scotland’s pop culture should know their Doctor Who.
Of course, the big news is the 50th Anniversary of Doctor Who, celebrated on 23 November 2013. here is the trailer for it:
Clip 1: His Name is The Doctor
Clip 2: A Tribute video to the "Scottish" Doctor, David Tennant
Clip 3: Here is the new doctor (Matt Smith) who has just arrived in Scotland
Clip 4: And finally, here is The Doctor's current companion Amy Pond (played by Karen Gillan of Scotland)
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| Glaswegian actor Peter Capaldi as the 12th Doctor |
Miranda
Some have compared this comedy to NBC’s 30 Rock and it’s character Liz Lemon, created and played by Tina Fey. Likewise, Miranda is created by Miranda Hart. The comedy is basically based upon her social incompetence in dating, working, and with friends. Sort of like Friends if they were more like the rest of us.
Here is a series clips from her first season (called series in the UK):
Luther
And here is the 2013 series trailer:
Broadchurch
Written by Chris Chibnall and starring David Tennant and
Olivia Coleman, this show is the story of the hunt for the killer of a young
boy. Dark, moody, and emotional, it became a huge hit in the UK in Spring 2013.
It’s a great show (and typically, an American remake is in the works).
Big School
A new BBC comedy about teachers at an English public high school. Stars Catherine Tate, David Walliams and Philip Glenister.
Eastenders
Along with Coronation Street, this is the main soap opera in Britain. It is where many actors start -- or finish out -- their careers. The name refers to the show';s setting -- the East end of London, a typically working class area. On the air for nearly 30 years (with well over 4000 episodes), the show takes looks at the quite eventfu;l lives of the residents of fictional Albert Square. Warning -- as easy as it is to make fun of, it can be addicting.
Here is a typical trailer (for its Christmas special in 2012)
Sherlock
A major crossover hit with Americans, this modern version Edinburgh-born writer Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's greatest character, Sherlock Holmes, was updated dated by Scottish writer and producer Stephen Moffat. Starring Martin Freeman (The Hobbit, The Office) and Benedict Cumberbatch (Star Trek).
Life on Mars (followed by sequel Ashes to Ashes)
Named after a David Bowie song (as was its sequel), this police drama is about a police officer, Sam Tyler, (played by John Simm) who gets hit by a car in 2006 then wakes ups in 1973. In a world without cell phones, computers, DNA or the internet, he has to maneuver his way around Manchester’s police station while pleasing his boss, the wonderfully political incorrect Gene Hunt (played by Philip Glenister). A fun show, with a sequel that takes place in the eighties.
Clip 1: The first three minutes of the show
Clip 2: Funny moments from Life on Mars
Clip 3: Ashes to Ashes intro
