Dwarfanators: a force for good or just an update of the Victorian freak show?
Dwarfanators
Dwarf wrestling is a spectacle that harks back to the Victorian age of ‘freak shows’.
Picture courtesy of Channel 5
Many people dismiss the reality format as rubbish, but the shows and the social media discussion they promote are an important indicator of public opinion on vital issues.
Still from Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
Python (Monty) Pictures
Is anyone still interested in Monty Python? Surprisingly, yes.
ITV2
Exploitative reality show or a modern-day Jane Austen? You decide.
Walt Disney chief executive Bob Iger and Fox owner Rupert Murdoch announcing the deal.
EPA-EFE/THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY
The Australian-born media mogul’s decision to offload his entertainment assets reflects his core priorities in the fast-changing world of broadcasting and cinema.
The thinker.
EPA/SASCHA STEINBACH
This year three of his stories are being adapted for viewers.
William Hartnell as the original Dr Who.
BBC
TV acting has evolved from the early performances of actors like William Hartnell. It’s a more subtle craft and quite different from stage acting.
Blackadder Goes Forth: better than your average sitcom.
Martin Keene/PA Archive/PA Images
In his recent Ronnie Barker Memorial Lecture, the comedian and writer said social media and technology are killing traditional TV comedy. Not so.
Giles Keyte for Channel 4
Criticisms that Peter Kosminsky’s drama about Islamic State is propaganda are wide of the mark.
Dumped after three series: Count Arthur Strong.
BBC PIctures
Traditional humour is being pushed off UK screens in favour of ‘edgy’ comedy.
Channel 4
How the shifting debate on Europe has been portrayed – or not – in UK popular culture.
Happy Valley’s Nicola Shindler, Siobhan Finneran, Sarah Lancashire and Con O'Neill with the award for Best Drama.
Ian West/PA Wire
Police drama Happy Valley beat off the challenge of high-profile streamed dramas to carry off the big prize.
‘So, you’ve run out of lentils, eh?’
Ray Burmiston/BBC
If Doctor Who is supposed to respect members of other species, not all of his incarnations see eye to eye when it comes to dinner.
Television is a 20th century medium that must change to survive in the 21st century.
Time to change the channel?
marcociannarel/www.shutterstock.com
Broadcasters who use the UK as a base for European channels could face upheaval.
Osgood is one of the many female scientists depicted working alongside the Doctor.
BBC
How does one of the world’s most iconic science fiction television series depict women doing science?
Bold and innovative: Channel 4’s London headquarters.
Graham Horn/geograph.org.uk
Sale of Channel 4 will risk the broadcaster’s ability to produce cutting edge, innovative films and television programmes.
BBC via Press Association
Alf Garnett was a blue-collar bigot for the ages. You still don’t have to go far to hear people spout his appalling views even today.
Cilla Black in 1963.
PA/PA Wire
She might now seem rather light-entertainment, but as the only female act to make a success out of ‘Merseybeat’ and go on to an ITV career as a female powerhouse, she deserves more.
Classic combination: brains, beauty and brawn.
PA / PA Archive/Press Association Images
The actor always said that John Steed was a slightly exaggerated version of himself.