Reflection 05: What's on Telly?—Exploring British Television

Absolutely Fabulous has been a hit on UK TV for 20 years

In this country, we don't often get the opportunity to watch a wide range of British television. The American preference for television produced in this country means that British-made programs have a more difficult time reaching mainstream audiences here. In fact, Americans often prefer remakes of British shows to actual British shows. While some British shows have achieved US success (e.g. Downton Abbey), most of UK television is unknown to American viewers. For this reflection, watch, then write about, two of the following UK programs. In your analysis, examine the differences and similarities between the two countries, such as tone, language, subject matter, and comedy.

• Episode 2 of Cycle 6 from Britain's Next Top Model (Sky Living, 2005 - Present) via YouTube—in multiple parts
• "Gym" from Peep Show (Channel 4, 2003 - Present) via Hulu
• "Teacher" from Miranda (BBC Two, 2009 - Present) via YouTube—in multiple parts
• "Beginnings" from Spaced (Channel Four, 1999 - 2001) via YouTube
• "Fast Food" from Nigella Bites (Channel Four, 1999 - 2001) via YouTube—in multiple parts
• "Dear Sexy Knickers" from Are You Being Served? (BBC One, 1972 - 1985) via YouTube
• "Daniel Radcliffe" from Extras (BBC Two, 2006 - 2007) via YouTube
• "Chris" from Skins (E4, 2007 - Present) via YouTube—in multiple parts
• "Flotsam and Jetsam" from Being Human (BBC Three, 2009 - Present) via YouTube—in multiple parts
• Episode 10 of Series 8 from The X Factor (ITV, 2004 - Present) via YouTube—in multiple parts 
• Episode 6 of Series 8 from The Graham Norton Show (BBC Two, 2007 - Present) via YouTube—in multiple parts
• Episode One of Series One from The F Word (Channel Four, 2005 - Present) via YouTube
• "Episode One" from Shameless (E4, 2004 - Present)
• "Dressed" from Coupling (BBC Two, 2000 - 2004) via Hulu
• Episode 1 of Series 1 from Geordie Shore (MTV UK, 2011 - Present) via YouTube—in multiple parts
• "Episode One"from Misfits (E4, 2009 - Present) via Hulu
• "The Camping Trip" from The Inbetweeners (E4, 2008 - 2010) via YouTube
• "Appraisals" from The Office (BBC One, 2001 - 2003) via Hulu
• "Fish Farm" from Absolutely Fabulous (BBC One, 1992 - Present) via Logo
• Episode 2 of Series 2 from The Catherine Tate Show (BBC Two, 2004 - 2009) via YouTube

Note: UK broadcasting standards are different than those in the US, so you may find more profanity, violence, even nudity, in British shows.

Required:

• MLA Style
• Must be exactly two-full pages in length

Due: Th 3.22 (Sec. 05) / Fr 3.23 (Sec. 49)