Podcast Episode Details

(music) (10 hours) TV shows 1981 | Thursday Throwbacks | LMBYTS #1477 | Jason Newland | 30th October 2025

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https://www.jasonnewland.com/

TV shows 1981 | Thursday Throwbacks | LMBYTS #1477 | Jason Newland | 30th October 2025

🎙️ Overall Structure and Mood

• The 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 Memories

• Reminisces 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 Dog

• Vinnie 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 Humor

• A 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 Learning

• Talks about encouraging a neighbor to consider going to university at 44.
• Reflects on his own experience getting a degree at 4

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  Published on 1 month, 3 weeks ago