Entertaining television challenges the idea that the BBC in the 1950s was elitist and 'staid', upholding Reithian values in a paternalistic, even patronising way. By focusing on a number of (often controversial) programme case studies - such as the soap opera, the quiz/ game show, the 'problem' show and programmes dealing with celebrity culture - Su Holmes demonstrates how BBC television surprisingly explored popular interests and desires. She also uncovers a number of remarkable connections with programmes and topics at the forefront of television today, ranging from talk shows, 'Reality TV', even to our contemporary obsession with celebrity.
The book is iconclastic, percipient and grounded in archival research, and will be of use to anyone studying television history.
Industry Reviews
Anyone interested in television studies, British or American and its history or present will find much here to inform and enhance their knowledge and interest.
, Kathleen Collins, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, NY, Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly 92(2), 14 May 2015
