(no music) (10 hours) TV shows 1981 | Thursday Throwbacks | LMBYTS #1477 | Jason Newland | 30th October 2025
https://www.jasonnewland.com/TV shows 1981 | Thursday Throwbacks | LMBYTS #1477 | Jason Newland | 30th October 2025🎙️ Overall Structure and MoodThe episode is a relaxed, meandering monologue typical of Jason's “bore you to sleep” format.His tone is informal, conversational, humorous, and nostalgic, frequently going off on personal tangents.The central theme of this episode is “Thursday Throwbacks – TV Shows of 1981”, but the discussion winds through many topics before (and while) getting there.📺 Main Theme: 1981 UK TV Shows Jason dives deep into British (and some American) TV from 1981. Here's what he covers:🔹 British TV Shows (1981 Highlights)Only Fools and Horses – Premiered in 1981, Jason's all-time favorite. He discusses its legacy and enduring popularity.Bergerac – Not particularly into it; remembers it being set in Jersey.Victoria Wood, Ain’t Half Hot Mum, Tenko – Mixed memories or not really watched.The Two Ronnies – A favorite; talks about Ronnie Barker & Ronnie Corbett’s careers.Porridge, Open All Hours, Butterflies, Terry & June, Yes Minister – Commentary on characters, humor style, and personal connections to these shows.Generation Game – Remembers Bruce Forsyth and Larry Grayson eras.Juliet Bravo, The Likely Lads, Minder, The Professionals – More mentions with personal anecdotes.Doctor Who – Specifically Peter Davison becoming the Fifth Doctor in 1981.Grange Hill, Rainbow, Jackanory, Postman Pat, Pipkins – Reflections on children's TV.Top of the Pops – A family tradition, especially around Christmas.Newsnight, Panorama, and other current affairs shows – Acknowledges but didn’t really watch as a kid.Snooker, Football (Ipswich Town), Wimbledon, Boxing – Memories of sports on TV.🔹 American Imports in the UK (1981)Dallas, Dynasty – Recalls their rivalry.CHiPs, The Dukes of Hazzard – Saturday night favorites; fond memories.Buck Rogers, Magnum P.I., Hart to Hart, MAS*H, Different Strokes – Fondness for American storytelling and characters.He-Man, Scooby-Doo, The Smurfs – Reflections on children’s shows aired in the UK.🧠 Tangent Topics and Personal Anecdotes Jason shares lots of side stories and reflections that add texture and warmth to the episode: 🕰️ Childhood MemoriesReminisces about watching TV as a kid after school and during weekends.Talks about how he’d control the TV between 4–6 PM and how routines shifted as his brothers got older.Reflects on school, cartoons, and bedtime routines.Memories of watching Doctor Who, Star Trek, and other classics with family.🐶 Vinnie the DogVinnie gets frequent mentions (and interruptions!).At one point, Jason jokes about Vinnie licking his feet to get attention.Mentions wanting to make an Amazon wishlist for dog treats for Vinnie (but only available to UK folks).💬 Rants and HumorA very long and humorous rant about junk mail and unreadable "no junk mail" stickers on his door.A story about not dressing up for Halloween at a call center job and awkwardly joking he was a “serial killer” (in hindsight, maybe not his best moment).Pokes fun at people’s need to “be right” and shares his philosophy about not needing to win arguments.Comments on YouTube censorship and how innocent social media used to feel.Reflects on being okay not knowing things, even as an adult — and critiques how society expects immediate answers.🎓 Encouraging Lifelong LearningTalks about encouraging a neighbor to consider going to university at 44.Reflects on his own experience getting a degree at 40.🤯 Cultural CommentaryCritiques outdated, non-PC shows like Ain’t Half Hot Mum.Talks about how television reflected society’s values at the time, and how disclaimers now acknowledge that.Discusses the difference between opinions and facts, especially in entertainment and online debates.🧁 Nostalgia and ComfortDescribes cozy Saturday night rituals with family – sandwiches, sweets, TV time – calling it a highlight of his week.Expresses how those nights were "blissful" and full of comfort, warmth, and good vibes.🧠 Notable Quotes and Moments:“I'm not angry. I'm passionate.”“You don't need to be right – just let them think they are.”“Only Fools and Horses debuted in 1981. That’s my favorite show – ever.”“Vinny’s flappy ears make more sense than half the shows on TV these days.”“I learned early on: if I didn’t know something, I’d just say I didn’t know. And that’s okay.”🧵 Conclusion and Sign-offWraps up by reminding listeners to be kind to themselves.Teases next Thursday's “Throwback” episode focusing on TV from 1982.Expresses gratitude to his listeners with a gentle, soothing close.
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