My 70's TV Childhood

This week, we're getting festive and taking a trip down memory lane to look at the best-selling Christmas toys of the 1970s!

From the toys we desperately wanted (thanks to all those adverts) to the ones that actually made it under the tree.

💬 What to Expect:

🎁 A year-by-year rundown of the most popular Christmas toys from 1970 to 1979

📺 The great Christmas Day dilemma: watch Morecambe and Wise or play with your new Subbuteo?

🎮 How toys evolved from Pet Rocks to the Sony Walkman

❤️ A reminder that the best memorie...

This week, we're testing your memory of the iconic Blue Peter appeals in a round called "And the Totaliser Says..." 

Do you remember what we were collecting all those stamps, postcards, and bottle tops for?

💬 What to Expect:

📺1: And the Totaliser Says... - questions about the classic Blue Peter appeals

📺2: Marathon/Fil Rouge - questions from previous podcast episodes

📺3: Name That Tune - theme tunes from 1974

📺4: TV Times - general 70s TV trivia

Last Chance! This is your final opportunity to submit questions for our special listener...

Join me as I dig into the dusty archives to remember a US import that landed on UK screens in a very unusual way: Big John, Little John.

This week, we explore this short-lived sitcom about a 40-year-old science teacher who accidentally drinks from the Fountain of Youth and keeps turning into his 12-year-old self. It was a show that flipped the classic "I wish I was a kid again" trope on its head, showing the hilarious chaos that ensues when you have no control over the change.

We'll discuss its unique premise, the "Cousin...

Welcome to Quiz #57! This week, we're taking a trip down memory lane with a round all about classic 70s TV adverts in "Commercial Break." From secret lemonade drinkers to the best lager in the world, we're testing your memory of those iconic ads.

What's in this episode:

Exciting News: There's still time to get your questions in for our special...

Join me as I dig into the dusty archives of My 70's TV Childhood Towers to explore a little slice of eccentric brilliance: Michael Bentine's Potty Time.

This unique episode explores a specific moment in television history when tiny wooden puppets, daft voices, and impossible chaos ruled the screen. From the mind of the "fourth Goon," Michael Bentine, this show brought a handmade charm and gentle surrealism that feels quintessentially British. We'll explore the history of the show, the man behind it, and why it still brings a fond smile to those who remember it.

...

Welcome to Quiz #56! This week, we're taking a look back at the terrifying public information films that haunted our childhoods in a round called "Remember, Remember."

What's in this episode:

Exciting News: We still need your questions for our special Christmas quiz! Submit your best 70s TV trivia to quiz@my70stvchildhood.com by November 30th.

Join me as I dig into the dusty archives of My 70's TV Childhood Towers to explore one of the most popular but slightly bizarre double acts in British television: Rod Hull and Emu.

If you were growing up in the 70s and early 80s, you'll almost certainly remember the bizarre sight of one man and an arm-length emu puppet tearing through TV studios, visiting school-holiday specials, wrestling chat-show hosts, and generally causing mayhem. Today we'll look at how the act started, why it resonated, the iconic moments, and how it all came to an abrupt and...

Welcome to Quiz #55 our special Halloween edition! This week we're testing your knowledge of the most frightening and disturbing shows from 1970s television.

What's in this episode:

Exciting News: We're creating a special Christmas quiz using YOUR questions! Submit your best 70s TV trivia to quiz@my70stvchildhood.com by November 30th.

Grab a pen and...

Join me as I dig into the dusty archives of My 70's TV Childhood Towers to explore what was on television on Sunday, October 21st, 1979. Armed with both the Radio Times for BBC and the TV Times for ITV, I take you through a fascinating day of 1970s television programming that reveals a broadcasting landscape shaped by industrial action and true public service programming.

This unique episode explores a specific moment in television history when ITV was crippled by a technicians' strike, leaving viewers with makeshift schedules, whilst the BBC delivered a full day of community programming...

Welcome back to My 70's TV Childhood Quiz, where we test your memories of what was on the box during that memorable decade!

This quiz is an offshoot of the My 70's TV Childhood podcast, which looks back fondly on what it was like to grow up as a child in 1970's Britain and the important role that television played in our lives back then. If you haven't listened, I really recommend you do.

Exciting News! We are now live on Instagram! Oliver's been practicing his pouting and posing, and you can now find our...

Join me, as I count down the top 10 American detective and crime shows that captivated British audiences during the 1970s. From the sun-soaked highways of California to the gritty streets of New York, these imported dramas provided weekly escapes that became essential Saturday night viewing for families across the UK.

Inspired by listener Adam's request for a follow-up to our UK detective shows episode, I explore how American television transformed British living rooms with glamorous locations, maverick cops, and unforgettable characters. Discover which shows made the cut in this nostalgic countdown through television history.

From...

Welcome back to My 70's TV Childhood Quiz, where we test your memories of what was on the box during that memorable decade!

This quiz is an offshoot of the My 70's TV Childhood podcast, which looks back fondly on what it was like to grow up as a child in 1970's Britain and the important role that television played in our lives back then.

As always, we have 20 questions over 4 rounds. It's just for fun, and the quizmaster's answer is the final one! So settle down with a pen and paper and your favourite...

Join me, as I take you back to the rebellious world of Magpie, ITV's groundbreaking children's show that first hit the screens in 1968 as a bold rival to the BBC's Blue Peter.

With presenters like Mick Robertson and Jenny Hanley, Magpie wasn't afraid to be different. It brought live music from bands such as T-Rex into the mix and tackled serious topics like bullying and whale conservation. All quite daring for its time.

One of my favourite memories has to be when Mick Robertson dangled off a tower block between commercial breaks. A moment of...

Welcome back to My 70's TV Childhood Quiz, where we test your memories of what was on the box during that memorable decade!

As always, we have 20 questions over 4 rounds. It's just for fun, and the quizmaster's answer is the final one! So settle down with a pen and paper and your favourite beverage!

Here's what we've got lined up for you:

📺Round One: Trumptonshire! All about the three shows in the so-called Trumpton trilogy. Yes, we know they were made in the 1960s, but they were very much an important part of our...

This week, I'm exploring one of the 1970s most beloved television programmes - "All Creatures Great and Small." Inspired by my recent experience with expensive veterinary bills for one of our cats, this episode reflects on how dramatically our attitudes towards pets and animal care have changed since the 1970s.

I begin with my childhood memories of pets at our Victorian vicarage in Padgate, from Flopsy the escape-artist rabbit who repeatedly ran off to join wild rabbits on the old RAF base, to Henrietta the bad-tempered hen who surprised everyone by laying eggs, and the succession of...

Welcome back to My 70's TV Childhood Quiz, where we test your memories of what was on the box during that memorable decade!

This quiz is an offshoot of the My 70's TV Childhood podcast, which looks back fondly on what it was like to grow up as a child in 1970's Britain and the important role that television played in our lives back then. If you haven't listened, I really recommend you do.

As always, we have 20 questions over 4 rounds. It's just for fun, and the quizmaster's answer is the final one! So settle...

This week, we have a very special guest joining us - the accomplished actress and author Nina Saville! Nina is perhaps best known to our listeners as Mr. Rumbold's secretary in the beloved BBC sitcom "Are You Being Served?" - a role that made her part of one of Britain's most enduring comedy classics.

Nina shares fascinating insights into the golden age of British television when comedy shows were performed live without canned laughter, creating that organic chemistry we all remember so fondly. She recalls working with legends like Molly Sugden and John Inman, describing them as...

Welcome back to My 70's TV Childhood Quiz, where we test your memories of what was on the box during that memorable decade!

🎉 SPECIAL MILESTONE EPISODE! 🎉
Today we're celebrating our 50th quiz episode! It's been fifty episodes since we responded to your calls for more content by introducing our fortnightly quiz, and we're delighted that many of you have been playing along for quite some time. Well done with your stamina!

This quiz is an offshoot of the My 70's TV Childhood podcast, which looks back fondly on what it was like to grow up as...

This week, we're diving into one of the most beloved and gloriously chaotic pieces of 70s children's television - The Flashing Blade! Originally a serious French historical drama called "Le Chevalier Tempête," this tale of dashing French spy Chevalier de Recci became a British TV legend thanks to some wonderfully eccentric dubbing.

Recording from Melbourne during the Australian winter, Oliver explores how this big-budget French production about the War of Spanish Succession became a summer holiday staple for British children. The show followed François de Recci and his loyal servant Guillot as they attempted to br...

Welcome back to My 70's TV Childhood Quiz, where we test your memories of what was on the box during that memorable decade!

This quiz is an offshoot of the My 70's TV Childhood podcast, which looks back fondly on what it was like to grow up as a child in 1970's Britain and the important role that television played in our lives back then. If you haven't listened, I really recommend you do.

As always, we have 20 questions over 4 rounds. It's just for fun, and the quizmaster's answer is the final one! So settle...

This week, we're diving into the wonderful world of 1970s summer holidays - from the surprising success of sitcom film spinoffs to family holiday traditions and those magical school holiday TV schedules that kept us glued to our screens.

Remember when "On the Buses" topped the UK box office in 1971, beating The Godfather? The 70s were obsessed with turning popular sitcoms into films - Dad's Army, Are You Being Served, Porridge, and even the forgotten Spanish spinoff "Don't Drink the Water" starring Stephen Lewis as Blakey retired to the Costa del Sol.

While some families...

Welcome back to My 70's TV Childhood Quiz, where we test your memories of what was on the box during that memorable decade!

This quiz is an offshoot of the My 70's TV Childhood podcast, which looks back fondly on what it was like to grow up as a child in 1970's Britain and the important role that television played in our lives back then. If you haven't listened, I really recommend you do.

As always, we have 20 questions over 4 rounds. It's just for fun, and the quizmaster's answer is the final one! So settle...

This week, we're exploring the martial arts craze that swept Britain in the 1970s, inspired by the unlikely hit TV series "Kung Fu" starring David Carradine as Kwai Chang Caine, the wandering Shaolin monk.

Remember those Saturday tea times when we were allowed to eat in front of the TV? The lineup was glorious - Pink Panther, Alias Smith and Jones, and of course, Kung Fu. This slow, meditative Western about a half-Chinese, half-American monk wandering the Old West was unlike anything else on television.

The show ran from 1972 to 1975 and captivated audiences with its...

Welcome back to My 70's TV Childhood Quiz, where we test your memories of what was on the box during that memorable decade!

This quiz is an offshoot of the My 70's TV Childhood podcast, which looks back fondly on what it was like to grow up as a child in 1970's Britain and the important role that television played in our lives back then. If you haven't listened, I really recommend you do.

As always, we have 20 questions over 4 rounds. It's just for fun, and the quizmaster's answer is the final one! So settle...

This week, I'm taking inspiration from the BBC's classic viewer feedback show "Points of View" to share some of the wonderful messages you've sent me over the years. It's a celebration of our shared 70s TV memories and the amazing community we've built together.

Since starting the podcast in 2020, I've been overwhelmed by the volume and variety of comments from listeners. It seems I'm not the only one for whom brief fragments of sitting watching the box bring back happy memories. This episode is inspired by Barry Took's "Points of View," which returned to BBC screens in 1979...

Welcome back to My 70's TV Childhood Quiz, where we test your memories of what was on the box during that memorable decade!

This quiz is an offshoot of the My 70's TV Childhood podcast, which looks back fondly on what it was like to grow up as a child in 1970's Britain and the important role that television played in our lives back then. If you haven't listened, I really recommend you do.

As always, we have 20 questions over 4 rounds. It's just for fun, and the quizmaster's answer is the final one! So settle...

This week, we return with the ultimate sporting spectacle of the 70s: Superstars, where our greatest athletes stepped out of their comfort zones to compete in the classiest school sports day ever televised.

First airing on New Year's Eve 1973 as "Britain's Sporting Superstars," this brilliant concept saw elite athletes from different sports competing against each other in everything except their own discipline. I vividly remember the sheer excitement of watching David Hemery, Jackie Stewart, and Bobby Moore all lined up together! The format was beautifully simple: ten events, points for placement, and may the best all-rounder win.<...

Welcome back to My 70's TV Childhood Quiz, where we test your memories of what was on the box during that memorable decade!

This quiz is an offshoot of the My 70's TV Childhood podcast, which looks back fondly on what it was like to grow up as a child in 1970's Britain and the important role that television played in our lives back then. If you haven't listened, I really recommend you do.

As always, we have 20 questions over 4 rounds. It's just for fun, and the quizmaster's answer is the final one! So settle...

This week, I take a nostalgic journey through one of the most iconic talent shows of the 1970s – "Opportunity Knocks!" While watching modern talent competitions like "Britain's Got Talent" and "The Masked Singer," I found myself reminiscing about Monday evenings in the 70s when families across Britain would gather around their televisions to watch aspiring performers compete for fame on Hughie Green's legendary show.

"Opportunity Knocks" was a true British institution that began on BBC radio in 1949 before finding its true home on ITV in 1964. By the 1970s, it had become appointment viewing for millions, including my fa...

Welcome back to My 70's TV Childhood Quiz, where we test your memories of what was on the box during that memorable decade!

This quiz is an offshoot of the My 70's TV Childhood podcast, which looks back fondly on what it was like to grow up as a child in 1970's Britain and the important role that television played in our lives back then. If you haven't listened, I really recommend you do.

As always, we have 20 questions over 4 rounds. It's just for fun, and the quizmaster's answer is the final one! So settle...

This week, I take a nostalgic journey through the TV schedules from Saturday, May 19, 1973, using both the TV Times and Radio Times as my time machines – yes, in those days you needed two separate magazines to know what was on all three channels! I begin by exploring ITV's offerings before moving on to BBC1 and BBC2.

Starting with ITV (which required the TV Times to view its schedule), the morning lineup featured "The Flaxton Boys," a children's adventure series set in Yorkshire that I'm struggling to remember clearly. This was followed by the variety show "Saturday Scene" wi...

Welcome back to My 70’s TV Childhood Quiz, where we test your memories of what was on the box during that memorable decade! 

This quiz is an offshoot of the My 70’s TV Childhood podcast, which looks back fondly on what it was like to grow up as a child in 1970’s Britain and the important role that television played in our lives back then. If you haven’t listened, I really recommend you do.

As always, we have twenty questions over four rounds. It’s just for fun, and the quizmaster's answer is the final one...

This week, I journey back beyond Gerry Anderson's puppets to explore his ambitious live-action creations: UFO and Space: 1999, shows tapping into the 70s fascination with space.

First airing in 1970, UFO featured the secret SHADO organisation defending Earth from organ-harvesting aliens. I vividly remember Commander Straker (Ed Bishop), looking incredibly cool leading the defence from Earth and a secret Moonbase, hidden beneath a film studio. The eerie whine of the alien ships genuinely scared me as a child! I even had the Dinky toy SHADO interceptor. Despite its cool premise, UFO sadly didn't get a second series.

Welcome back to the My 70’s TV Childhood Quiz, your favourite fortnightly celebration of all things retro television!
Inspired by the award-shortlisted My 70’s TV Childhood podcast, this quiz brings you 20 nostalgia-packed questions every two weeks. It’s just for fun, no pressure, so grab a pen, paper, and a cup of tea (or something stronger if it’s later than 7am!) and join in.

Thank you for all your fantastic feedback on the last quiz. Some found it challenging, others scored in the high teens, sounds like we’ve found a sweet spot! Have a suggestion...

This week, I journey back to the musical landscape of my childhood, exploring those special pop music shows that lit up our screens in the 1970s. Before the era of MTV and streaming, we cherished those few precious programs where we could watch our musical idols perform.

My earliest musical memories include my mother's lullabies and the plastic record player I shared with my sister. We had quite the eclectic collection – The Chipmunks' Christmas songs, Petula Clark's "Downtown," and that peculiar advertising jingle for "Lon Six Star Nylon" that somehow remains etched in my memory decades later!

Welcome back to My 70s TV Childhood Quiz, where I test your knowledge of 70s television trivia!

We're up to Quiz #41 now, meaning you've tackled over 820 questions from the golden age of British TV. Some of you thought last time’s questions were a bit tough, but with scores still creeping into the high teens, I think we’re striking the right balance between fun and challenge!

This week, Round One is all about Jimmy Perry – Dad’s Army and…  It’s a Yes or No round where I name a series and you decide if Jimmy Perr...

This week, I journey back to the golden age of British television advertising in the 1970s. Those wonderful commercial breaks were filled with jingles we can still sing today and catchphrases that became part of our everyday language. The 70s were simpler times with no mobile phones or social media, where computers existed largely only in TV shows with their big cabinets, whirring tape spools, and banks of flashing lights doing nothing in particular.

From the chocolate treats like Finger of Fudge "It's just enough to give your kids a treat and just enough until it's time...

Welcome back to my My 70s TV Childhood Quiz, where I test your knowledge of 70s television trivia! This milestone 40th quiz, meaning I've now tested you on an impressive 800 questions about 1970s TV. After many of you reported higher scores on our previous quiz, I'm considering making the next 800 a lot harder— Joking?? You be the judge!

This week our Round One is a Doctor Who – Yes or No test. It's a straightforward round where I name actors and you decide whether they appeared in Doctor Who during the 70s. With a 50/50 chance on each question, will...

This week, I journey back to 1974 to explore the enchanting world of Bagpuss - voted Britain's favorite children's program in a BBC poll. Despite only 13 episodes ever being made, this magical series from Smallfilms' Peter Firmin and Oliver Postgate captured my heart and the hearts of a generation.

Bagpuss followed a simple yet captivating formula: young Emily would bring lost items to her shop, where Bagpuss and friends would clean them up, tell stories about them, and display them for their owners to reclaim.

Bagpuss himself (the accidentally pink and white striped "old, saggy cloth...

Welcome back, telly addicts, to another brain-teasing edition of the My 70s TV Childhood Quiz! Whether you're a loyal follower who never misses an episode or you've just stumbled upon this nostalgic treasure trove, I'm thrilled to have you join me for this journey back to the golden age of British television.

In this 39th installment, I've crafted 20 carefully curated questions across four entertaining rounds guaranteed to transport you straight back to those cherished evenings spent with the family and in front of the box! 

Round One: "Quiz Inquisitors"
Sharpen your pencils for this o...

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 im...

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 S...

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 strugg...

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 t...

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 partne...

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 h...

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...

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 rou...

Welcome back to My 70’s TV Childhood, the podcast where we revisit the TV shows, memories, and moments that shaped childhoods in 1970s Britain. It’s hard to believe we’re already in our sixth season! The support and love from all of you listening, sharing your memories, and getting in touch means the world to me—thank you!

In today’s episode, we’re taking a nostalgic trip back to one of the ultimate Saturday night TV experiences—The Generation Game. I’ll be reflecting on the impact of this family-friendly game show that became an institution in B...

Welcome to the first episode of Season 6 of My 70s TV Childhood! I’m Oliver Colling, and I’m delighted to kick off 2025 with a brand-new quiz episode to blow away the Christmas cobwebs.

If you’re new to the podcast, a warm welcome to you! My 70s TV Childhood is a podcast dedicated to celebrating what it was like to grow up in Britain during the 1970s—a time when television was the heart of family life. For our regular listeners, thank you for your continued support, especially those who’ve been with us since the beginning...

Hello and welcome back to another episode of My 70s TV Childhood. This week, we’re stepping into the world of one of Britain’s most beloved sitcoms from the 70s: It Ain’t Half Hot Mum. Created by the iconic duo Jimmy Perry and David Croft, this series brought a unique mix of humour and heartfelt storytelling to our screens.

Set in World War II, the show followed the antics of a concert party in the Royal Artillery, tasked with entertaining troops before they headed to the front line. From Windsor Davies’ unforgettable Sergeant Major to the char...

As Christmas Eve jingles ever closer, let’s take a moment to unwrap the festive season in 1970s Britain—a time filled with wonder, laughter, and the magic of television.

Christmas as a child in the 70s was pure joy. The excitement began weeks in advance, from crafting endless paper chains at school to rehearsing nativity plays that got more creative each year (a South Sea Island-themed production, anyone?). At home, our trusty but increasingly threadbare Christmas tree emerged from its box once again, and the annual battle with the fairy lights became a family ritual of frus...

Welcome to a very special edition of My 70s TV Childhood! This week, we’re celebrating Christmas with a listener-powered quiz extravaganza. That’s right—every single question in this episode has been submitted by you, our brilliant audience. Your response was overwhelming, and while we couldn’t include all of your fantastic submissions, we’ve curated a selection that spans the golden age of 1970s television.

From the sci-fi adventures of Blake’s 7 and Sapphire and Steel to the comedic brilliance of Fawlty Towers and The Good Life, this quiz is a nostalgic journey through the iconic T...

Welcome to My 70s TV Childhood! As the festive season jingles ever closer, it’s time to unwrap memories of Christmas in 1970s Britain.

Ah, the Christmas list. A child’s masterpiece of dreams, overthinking, and perhaps a little greed. Would Father Christmas judge your requests? Would you strike the perfect balance between modesty and ambition? Tools like the Argos catalogue turned our imaginings into meticulously referenced wish lists, complete with page numbers for ease of parental shopping.

And then there were the TV adverts. From the magical Mousetrap to Ronco’s ever-so-slightly odd Record Vacuum...

Welcome back to the My 70’s TV Childhood Quiz! This week, we’re marching straight into the world of Dad’s Army with a special quiz that celebrates the much-loved sitcom and plenty more from the golden age of 1970s British television. Whether you’re a devoted fan or just here for a bit of fun, grab a cuppa and join us!

Kicking things off, our Don’t Panic! round salutes Dad’s Army. From Private Frazer’s surprising day job to the legendary theme tune, this round is packed with questions that’ll transport you back to Walmington-on...

Welcome to another episode of My 70s TV Childhood. This time, we’re returning to the world of Gerry Anderson’s iconic puppet series. Growing up in 1970s Britain, Thunderbirds and other Anderson creations like Stingray, Captain Scarlet, and Joe 90 were a big part of my TV memories.

We explore the genius of Gerry and Sylvia Anderson and their revolutionary Supermarionation technique, which brought their characters to life. I reminisce about the Tracy family of Thunderbirds, their heroic missions with International Rescue, and the incredible vehicles like Thunderbird 2 and the underused Thunderbird 3 (Why?). There’s also Lady Penelo...

I’m not sure what possessed me to venture into the dusty cellar this week, but I’m glad I did. Deep in the archives of My 70’s TV Childhood Towers, I unearthed copies of the Radio Times and TV Times from 19th November 1975. Armed with these fragile treasures, I pieced together a fascinating snapshot of what was on TV that chilly Wednesday evening nearly 50 years ago.

It was a typical night of 70’s British television, full of familiar favourites and forgotten gems. BBC1 was its dependable self, with shows like Play School, Magic Roundabout, and Nationwide. Of cours...

Hello, 70s TV lovers! Welcome to a brand-new episode of My 70’s TV Childhood Quiz! We’re excited to take you on another journey through the colourful, quirky, and unforgettable world of British TV in the 1970s. Get ready for four rounds packed with nostalgia, surprises, and a few fresh twists!

First up is Round One: Animal Magic, where we’ll test your memory of the famous four-legged (and sometimes winged!) friends that brightened our screens. How many of these iconic animal stars can you remember?

Next, we move on to Round Two: Marathon - Fil Ro...

Welcome back to My 70’s TV Childhood! In today’s episode, we’re on a wild ride through the zany five-minute gems that made British teatime magical in the 1970s. Just before the news, these teatime treats burst onto our screens, packing unforgettable characters and stories into a few short minutes. From the peculiar Hector fussing over his garden, to Dougal’s dry wit on The Magic Roundabout, to Ludwig’s bizarre egg-shaped antics, each one brought something unique, and sometimes a bit strange, to our living rooms.

Take Hector’s House—Hector the meticulous dog was all ab...

Welcome to the latest episode of My 70’s TV Childhood Quiz! Today, we’re taking another nostalgic journey through the 1970s, revisiting unforgettable moments from British TV. In this episode, we’ve got four rounds packed with fun and challenging questions about classic 70s TV. Whether you’re here for the first time or you’re a seasoned listener, it’s all just for fun—so come along and test your knowledge!

We kick things off with a Halloween special that returns to some chilling 70s classics, from the frights of Tales of the Unexpected to spooky moments like t...

Welcome back to My 70’s TV Childhood! This episode is an absolute treat for fans of 1970s British sci-fi as we take a journey into the time-bending world of Timeslip.

But before we leap into the past—or the future—I’m thrilled to announce some fantastic news! We’ve been shortlisted for Best TV and Film Podcast at the UK Independent Podcast Awards for the second consecutive year! It’s a real honour, and I want to thank each and every one of you for your continued support. We couldn’t have made it this far without you!<...

Welcome to another episode of My 70’s TV Childhood, the podcast where we take a nostalgic look back at the television and memories of growing up in 1970s Britain. Today, we bring you quiz number 29, filled with questions about the TV shows, characters, and actors who defined our childhoods. It’s an Octoberfest special, so expect to encounter some iconic figures linked to the month of October.

This quiz will test your knowledge across several rounds, starting with our Octoberfest Round. We’re celebrating the birthdays of some unforgettable TV sta...

Welcome back to My 70’s TV Childhood! I’m Oliver Colling, and this episode holds a special place in my heart.

Before we dive into the wonderful world of Tony Hart, I’d like to take a moment to dedicate this episode to my dear friend, Anthony Martin, who sadly passed away suddenly on September 18th, 2024. Anthony was a great fan of this podcast, always excited to join in on our quizzes—even if he didn't always get the answers right! We will truly miss you, Anthony. This episode is for you.

I wanted to also sha...

Hello, and welcome back to The My 70’s TV Childhood Quiz! This week, I’m bringing you 20 brand new questions across four rounds, all celebrating 1970s television.

In Round One, titled “And Just Before the News...”, we’re diving into those five-minute shows that used to air just before the teatime news on BBC 1 during the 1970s.

Round Two is our “Marathon or Fil Rouge” round, where all the questions are based on topics we’ve covered in previous podcast episodes. If you’re a regular listener, you might have a bit of an advantage here.

For Ro...

In this episode of My 70’s TV Childhood, we return to  the much-loved 1970s British sitcom The Good Life. By popular request from listener Danny (thank you, Danny!), we reminisce about the journey of Tom and Barbara Good as they trade in suburban comfort for a life of self-sufficiency. Created by the brilliant duo Bob Larbey and John Esmonde, The Good Life captured audiences with its wit, charm, and sharp social commentary.

Join us as we explore the origins of the show, the incredible chemistry between its stars—Richard Briers, Felicity Kendal, Paul Eddington, and Penelope Keith—and the...

Hello, and welcome back to The My 70’s TV Childhood Quiz! This week, I’m bringing you 20 brand new questions across four rounds, all celebrating 1970s television.

In Round One, titled “Variety Pack,” we’ll dive into questions about the Royal Variety Performance, a huge TV event in the 1970s that entertained millions of viewers across the UK.

Next is our “Marathon or Fil Rouge” round, where we look back at topics we’ve covered in previous episodes of the podcast. If you’re a long-time listener, this round should feel like home turf.

Then we’re spinn...

Welcome back to My 70’s TV Childhood! Today, we're returning to the colourful and somewhat surreal world of Rainbow, one of the most iconic children’s television shows of the 1970s. As regular listeners know, our podcast is all about the magic of growing up in 1970s Britain, when TV was a central part of our daily lives and a source of endless fascination for kids across the country.

Rainbow, a show that first aired in October 1972 on ITV, produced by Thames Television. Unlike many children's shows of the time, Rainbow stood out for its unique format, comb...

Hello, and welcome back to The My 70’s TV Childhood Quiz! This week, we bring you 20 brand new questions across four rounds, celebrating all things 1970s television.

In Round One, “Back to School,” we’re returning to schools, just in time for the Autumn term!  Whether you loved or loathed your school days, we’ve got some questions to jog your memory.

Round Two is our "Marathon or Fil Rouge" round, with questions based on topics we've covered in past podcast episodes. Don’t worry if you haven’t heard them all—take your best guess!

In R...

Welcome back to My 70’s TV Childhood! Today, we’re returning to the quirky world of Little Big Time, a show that took a unique approach to children’s television in the 70s. As many of you know, our podcast explores the magic of growing up in 1970s Britain—a time when families gathered around the box, and TV was a relatively new and exciting phenomenon for us Brits.

Today, we’re revisiting Little Big Time, a show that featured a curious blend of pop music and madcap sketches. Unlike today’s stars like Taylor Swift, who fill massive...

Hello, and welcome back to The My 70’s TV Childhood Quiz. This week, we’re celebrating our 25th quiz with 20 fresh questions across four rounds, all focused on the unforgettable TV of the 1970s.

In Round One, "Blue Peter Badge," we’ll start with five questions about the iconic children’s show, Blue Peter. Test your knowledge on one of the most beloved shows of our childhoods.

Next, in Round Two, it’s time for our "Marathon or Fil Rouge" round. We’re diving into questions about topics we’ve discussed in past podcast episodes. Don’t worry if...

Hello and welcome back to My 70’s TV Childhood. Today we’re celebrating one of the most beloved characters from 1970s British television—Basil Brush. Who could forget his signature “Boom Boom!”!  Basil Brush was more than just a puppet; he was a TV icon.

In this episode, we explore Basil’s journey from his early days as a sidekick on The Three Scampies to becoming the star of his own show by 1968. With his cheeky humour, sharp wit, and those unforgettable interactions with his human co-stars, Basil captured the hearts of viewers across the nation. He be...

Although we’re not live from Norwich, we’re still "The Quiz of the Week!"

Hello and welcome back once again to the My 70’s TV Childhood Podcast. 

This week’s quiz has a special theme: 1970s quiz and game shows. As always, it’s just for fun and follows the usual format: 20 questions over four rounds, with a point for each correct answer. 

So grab a pen and paper, top up your drink and get ready to play.

We start with Round One, called "Quiz Inquisitor," featuring five questions about the hosts of...

Hello and welcome back to My 70’s TV Childhood. I’m Oliver Colling, and today’s episode is all about those unforgettable Public Information Films that shaped our lives in 1970s Britain. Remember Edward Judd’s “Think Bike” warning? Or the Green Cross Man, played by Dave “Darth Vader” Prowse? These films were not just memorable but also often shockingly brutal in their messaging.

The Central Office of Information, established in 1946, produced these films to inform the public on various issues from health and welfare to safety. Their archive is now available via the British Film Institute, offering a uniqu...

Hello and welcome back once again to the My 70’s TV Childhood Podcast. Our quiz this week has a theme: Summer holidays. In the UK at the time of recording, schools are breaking up for holidays. To recreate the spirit of a 70’s TV Childhood Summer, all of our questions this week refer to the Summer holidays and the special TV shows that were put on to entertain us during the seemingly endless long school holidays.

This week’s quiz follows the usual format: 20 questions over four rounds, with a point for each correct answer. So grab a pen...

Hello and a warm welcome back to My 70’s TV Childhood, where we celebrate growing up in 1970s Britain and reminisce about the pivotal role television played in our lives and our families' lives back then. It was an era when TV programs were a communal social experience—before streaming and catch-up services—where being in front of the box at the right time was crucial, or you'd miss out.

Thank you to everyone who has shared their memories with us. Hearing from you means a lot, though I’m a bit behind on replies due to the dema...

Hello and welcome back once again to the podcast world’s favourite quiz based on the award-shortlisted podcast My 70’s TV Childhood. Just because it’s the only one based on the podcast doesn’t make a difference, as I know how much you all enjoy playing along at home either on your own or with family and friends.

This week’s quiz follows the usual format: 20 questions over four rounds, with a point for each correct answer. So grab a pen and paper, settle down with your favourite beverage, and get ready to play. This week...

Welcome back to My 70’s TV Childhood, where we reminisce about growing up in 1970s Britain and how television shaped our lives. . If you played with Sindy or Action Man, watched the Bay City Rollers in Shang a Lang, and wouldn't miss Scooby Doo for anything, you're in the right place for a dose of nostalgia. 

Recently, I've received numerous comments following our episode marking the 50th anniversary of The Sweeney. It seems I wasn’t alone in finding the prospect of watching tough but fair coppers speeding around London with guns a very exciting proposition. Many of yo...

Welcome back to the 21st edition of our quiz! Whether you've been with us from the start or are joining us for the first time, I'm thrilled to have you here.

Today's quiz follows our traditional format, diving into four rounds with a total of twenty questions. We'll test your knowledge of 1970s UK TV, revisiting some favourite moments from our five seasons of the My 70’s TV Childhood podcast.

I’ll kick things off with our Odd One Out round. You loved this last time, so we’ve brought it back b...

Welcome back to My 70’s TV Childhood, where we reminisce about growing up in 1970s Britain and how television shaped our lives. It was an era marked by distinctive fashion choices—think brown, beige, and orange—and peculiar pastimes, from coveting neighbors’ avocado bathroom suites to savoring Liebfraumilch. Amidst the backdrop of political satire on TV, my childhood was filled with outdoor play, school days, and the enchantment of television.

Recently, Derek Griffiths popped up in my social media feed—a familiar face from Play School to Play Away. His versatile talents bring to mind Bod, a whimsical...

Hello there and welcome back to the twentieth edition of our 1970s TV quiz. If you’ve listened to all our quizzes so far, well done on your stamina! If this is your first time tuning in, you are most welcome.

Our quiz format is straightforward. We have four rounds of five questions each, testing your knowledge of 1970s UK TV and topics we’ve featured over the five seasons of the My 70’s TV Childhood podcast.

It’s all for fun, so grab a pen and paper, top up your favourite beverage—mine’s a cup of tea...

Welcome back to My 70s TV Childhood. In this episode, we journey through the comedic landscape of the 1970s with a spotlight on the iconic sitcoms that shaped our  generation.

As a child, I experienced the vibrant world of 1970s British comedy, from the unforgettable characters of shows like On the Buses and Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em.

Through the lens of these sitcoms, we can learn a lot about the social and cultural landscape of 1970s Britain, reflecting on the decade's humour and the challenges faced by everyday people a...