BBC Brings Back Iconic Game Shows To Freeview & iPlayer

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As the world tunes in to the Olympic Games this summer, the BBC is offering viewers a nostalgic alternative on Freeview and BBC iPlayer

Starting Saturday, July 27, the BBC will air a three-week season of nostalgic programming, featuring entertainment and gameshows from the past five decades.

From the laughter of The Generation Game to the playful banter of Blankety Blank, viewers will be treated to a rich selection of formats that will satisfy that nostalgic itch many of us have.

The season will also include episodes of Noel’s House Party, Bob’s Full House, and even the very first episode of Strictly Come Dancing from 2004, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.

The BBC’s decision to air these classics comes as an answer for those seeking alternative viewing options during the Olympics or simply wishing to indulge in some timeless gameshow fun between events.

Lindsay Currie, Head of Channel Management, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming broadcast, stating, “We are thrilled to bring our viewers on a nostalgic journey through five decades of beloved BBC entertainment.

“Whilst BBC One is dedicated to the Olympics, BBC Four will offer a treasure trove of classic shows fronted by much-loved presenters.”

Classic Gameshows Returning This Summer

This collection of programmes is set to showcase the BBC’s rich entertainment heritage, featuring many iconic shows.

One of the highlights of this nostalgic journey is undoubtedly The Generation Game, a show that has captivated audiences for decades.

Viewers will have the chance to revisit episodes from both the 1970s and 1990s, hosted by the incomparable Sir Bruce Forsyth.

Known for its family-friendly format, The Generation Game pitted generations against each other in a series of silly games and challenges, often resulting in hilarious outcomes.

The show’s catchphrases, such as “Nice to see you, to see you nice,” became part of the British lexicon, cementing its place in TV history.

Another gem in this collection is Blankety Blank, a game show in which contestants tried to match answers with a panel of celebrities to fill in the blanks in statements.

The programme will be featured in various incarnations, including episodes hosted by Sir Terry Wogan in the 1970s, the inimitable Les Dawson in the 1980s, and Lily Savage’s razor-sharp wit in the 1990s.

Blankety Blank BBC game shows
Photo: The BBC

For those who fondly remember the 1980s, Bob’s Full House will be a welcome addition to the line-up.

Hosted by the energetic Bob Monkhouse, this bingo-style quiz show combined number-calling with general knowledge questions, creating a fast-paced and engaging format.

The 1990s will be well-represented with episodes of Noel’s House Party, the Saturday night staple that dominated the decade.

Noel’s House Party BBC gameshows
Photo: The BBC

Hosted by Noel Edmonds, the show was a whirlwind of comedy sketches, celebrity guests, and outrageous pranks (and Mr Blobby is very likely to make an appearance).

In addition to these beloved game shows, the season will feature a selection of documentaries and interviews that provide insight into the lives and careers of the presenters who made these programmes so memorable.

Mark Lawson Talks to… Terry Wogan and One on One: Terry Wogan offer intimate portraits of the late broadcaster, exploring his impact on British television and radio.

For fans of Les Dawson, The Many Faces of Les Dawson and Les Dawson: Talking Comedy look into the comedian’s unique style and enduring legacy.

The season will also include The Fight for Saturday Night, a fascinating documentary in which Michael Grade recounts the fierce competition for ratings supremacy in the world of Saturday night television.

And, as we approach the 20th anniversary of Strictly Come Dancing, the inclusion of the show’s first episode is particularly nostalgic.

Strictly come dancing first episode - BBC
Photo: The BBC

Broadcast on May 15, 2004, this episode marked the beginning of a cultural phenomenon that would go on to become one of the BBC’s most successful formats.

Viewers will have the opportunity to witness the birth of this glittering spectacle, complete with its inaugural cast of celebrities and professional dancers.

So, mark your calendars for July 27 and prepare to embark on a journey through the golden age of British game shows, courtesy of BBC Four (on Freeview and the other linear platforms) and streaming on BBC iPlayer.

The full list of this season’s highlights includes:

  • Bruce Forsyth’s Generation Game (1970s and 1990s)
  • Sir Terry Wogans’s Blankety Blank (1970s)
  • Les Dawson’s Blankety Blank (1980s)
  • Lily Savage’s Blankety Blank (1990s)
  • Bob’s Full House(1980s)
  • Noel’s House Party (1990s)
  • Larry Grayson’s Generation Game (1970s)
  • Strictly Come Dancing (The first episode of Strictly from 2004)
  • Mark Lawson Talks to… Terry Wogan (2012)
  • One on One: Terry Wogan (2002)
  • What We Were Watching: Summer TV Classics (Grace Dent goes on a televisual trip back in time, 2020)
  • Parkinson: The Les Dawson Interviews (1996)
  • Les Dawson: Talking Comedy (2015)
  • The Many Faces of Les Dawson (2011)
  • The Fight for Saturday Night (2014)
  • Parkinson meets Bruce Forsyth, Boris Becker & The Corrs (His final BBC show, 2004)
  • When Miranda met Bruce (Miranda Hart interviews Sir Bruce Forsyth about his 70-year career, 2013)

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