On 21 November, the UN celebrates World Television Day—a day dedicated to the glowing box that has united families, sparked countless debates, and distracted us from doing anything remotely productive. While the rest of the world might reflect on TV’s role in global communication, we Brits will likely spend the day arguing about why The Great British Bake Off isn’t as good as it used to be. Let’s take a look at Britain’s relationship with television: a mix of nostalgia, guilty pleasures, and unapologetic channel-hopping.
The Great British Sofa Wars
Every family has their own unofficial rules about who controls the remote. Whether it’s Dad stubbornly refusing to give up Match of the Day or Mum holding the entire household hostage with Downton Abbey reruns, the battle for the TV is a British tradition as sacred as the Sunday roast. And let’s not forget the arguments over volume. “Turn it up, I can’t hear a thing!” quickly followed by, “Why’s it so loud? Are we at a concert?”
The Art of Channel Surfing
In Britain, channel-hopping isn’t just a pastime; it’s a sport. Even with streaming platforms at our fingertips, there’s something uniquely satisfying about flicking through the same five channels until you accidentally land on Homes Under the Hammer and watch the entire episode, despite having no interest in property development.
The Curse of the Christmas TV Schedule
Nothing unites and divides Brits quite like the Christmas Day TV lineup. Families gather around to watch the big festive specials, only to end up grumbling about why the Doctor Who episode wasn’t as good as it was 10 years ago. And of course, there’s the annual question: Do we really need another Christmas episode of EastEnders where everyone cries?
The Magic of the TV Licence Debate
No discussion about British television is complete without mentioning the TV licence. Whether you see it as a small price to pay for Strictly Come Dancing or the bane of your existence, the TV licence is as quintessentially British as tea and tutting at strangers. Bonus: It’s the one bill that can spark a debate at every family gathering.
The Rise of Streaming Guilt
Despite the joys of traditional telly, many Brits have embraced the streaming revolution. But binge-watching a series on Netflix comes with a unique brand of guilt. “One more episode” quickly becomes six, and suddenly you’re watching Peaky Blinders at 3 a.m. on a Tuesday, questioning all your life choices. Still, there’s always that one person in the house who insists, “I miss when TV shows were on at a set time. It made it more special!” These people are usually ignored.
The Weather Channel and Other Weird British Obsessions
Britain’s love affair with niche TV programming is unrivalled. Whether it’s hours spent watching Antiques Roadshow, Countryfile, or endless weather updates, we have a knack for turning the mundane into must-watch television. And let’s not forget the annual Eurovision extravaganza, where the entire country gathers to celebrate our inevitable failure with gusto.
Why Do We All Love Rubbish TV?
From Love Island to Come Dine with Me, Britain has mastered the art of unapologetically bad TV. We might pretend we don’t watch it, but the viewing figures don’t lie. There’s something deeply comforting about watching strangers argue over a poorly cooked risotto or deciding who’s the least tolerable in a villa full of drama queens.
A Nation of TV Critics
Every Brit fancies themselves a TV critic. We love nothing more than moaning about “how TV isn’t what it used to be” while secretly enjoying a rerun of Only Fools and Horses for the 47th time. And don’t get us started on reality shows. “Trash TV,” we call it, while religiously watching I’m a Celebrity and voting for our favourite campmate.
Here’s to You, Television
World Television Day is a chance to reflect on the power of the small screen, but for us Brits, it’s simply a celebration of one of our greatest loves. From the comforting glow of the BBC logo to the joy of shouting at quiz shows we’ll never be on, TV is more than just entertainment—it’s a way of life. So, whether you’re curled up watching a gritty drama, chuckling at a sitcom, or crying at The Repair Shop, take a moment to thank your telly this 21 November. It’s been there for us through thick and thin—except when the remote batteries die, of course.
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