Explore every episode of the podcast The Problematic Gaze
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 'Fawlty Towers: The Germans' from 1975: Torquay, we have a MAJOR problem! | 05 Nov 2024 | 00:44:09 | |
Join Lee and Dave for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture from yesteryear that has since been considered problematic. This week, we cast our gaze on the classic British sitcom Fawlty Towers, and focus on an episode from 1975 called 'The Germans'. Controversial in recent years for its use of racist language, this episode was removed from several platforms. Do the antics of Basil, Sybil, Polly and Manuel hold up through a modern lens? | |||
| FROM THE HALLOWEEN VAULT! 🐺 'An American Werewolf In London' from 1981. Nurses, Curses and Piccadilly Circus!!! | 30 Oct 2025 | 00:49:04 | |
👻 To celebrate Spooky Season, here's an episode from the PG Vault for our new Gazers to enjoy! 🎃 Join Lee and Dave for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture from yesteryear that has since been considered problematic. This week, in celebration of Halloween, we cast our gaze on the classic film An American Werewolf In London. From the Yorkshire Moors to Piccadilly Circus, this film caused a stir upon its release in 1981. Is it a horror or a comedy? Is Jenny Agutter the poshest nurse ever? Let's take a visit to the most unwelcoming pub in England. And have you ever woken up in a wolf enclosure? Easily done. | |||
| 'Fat Slags' Movie from 2004. Sex, Vice and Ginger Spice. | 27 Aug 2024 | 00:46:41 | |
Join Lee and Dave for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture from yesteryear that has since been considered problematic. This week we watch the 2004 British film 'Fat Slags'. Universally panned by critics and a flop at the box office, Dave and Dr Lee dig deep to find a redeeming feature. Do we succeed? | |||
| 'Pretty Woman' from 1990. Big Mistake, Huge!! | 06 Aug 2024 | 00:42:27 | |
Join Lee and Dave for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture from yesteryear that has since been considered problematic. This week we watch the 1990 movie "Pretty Woman" starring Richard Gere and Julia Roberts. Romantic fairy tale or a huge bucket of problematic misogyny? Let's discuss. | |||
| 'Men Behaving Badly' TV Comedy from 1994. Lads Lads Lads!!! | 30 Jul 2024 | 00:36:14 | |
Join Lee and Dave for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture from yesteryear that has since been considered problematic. This week we watch an episode of popular UK sitcom 'Men Behaving Badly." from 1994. Just what was Lad Culture and what was it reacting against? Was it all just an advertisers wet dream? | |||
| 'Carry On Girls' from 1973. Man In A Frock, Bikini Wrestlers and Itching Powder. | 23 Jul 2024 | 00:42:04 | |
Join Lee and Dave for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture from yesteryear that has since been considered problematic. This week we delve into the world of 'Carry On' films with Carry On Girls from 1973. Harmless saucy fun? Feminist classic? Hmmm...... Where can we buy a swanee whistle? | |||
| 'Justify My Love' Madonna's Video from 1990. I Wanna Kiss You In Paris. | 16 Jul 2024 | 00:34:54 | |
Join Lee and Dave for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture from yesteryear that has since been considered problematic. This week we cast the Problematic lens over Madonna's 1990 music video for Justify My Love. | |||
| 'Man About The House' TV Sitcom from 1973. There's A Strange Man In Our Bath! | 09 Jul 2024 | 00:34:56 | |
Join Lee and Dave for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture from yesteryear that has since been considered problematic. This week we cast the Problematic lens over 'Man About The House', a UK sitcom from 1973. Jo and Chrissie find a strange man in their bath. But can he cook? And a new queen is crowned! All bow to Yootha Joyce! | |||
| 'Bullseye' UK Gameshow from 1988. Nothing In This Game For Two in A Bed! | 02 Jul 2024 | 00:43:07 | |
Join Lee and Dave for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture from yesteryear that has since been considered problematic. This week we take a deep dive into Bullseye, a popular UK TV gameshow from the 80's and 90's. Jim Bowen, Tony Green, Bully's Prize Board! It's all here. Problematic? You bet! | |||
| 'Victim' The British Film Thriller from 1961. Brave and Heartbreaking. | 25 Jun 2024 | 00:41:18 | |
Join Lee and Dave for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture from yesteryear that has since been considered problematic. In this episode we watch the British film 'Victim' from 1961. A classic starring Dirk Bogarde and Sylvia Syms, it was considered the first British film to portray homosexuality in a sympathetic light. | |||
| 'Allo Allo!" British Comedy from 1982. Gaslighting Edith! | 18 Jun 2024 | 00:30:49 | |
Join Lee and Dave for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture from yesteryear that has since been considered problematic. In this episode we watch the pilot episode of Allo Allo! Saucy farce, British airmen, the alluring Michelle of the French resistance. Is War ever funny? When did 'gaslighting' become a dirty word? It's all under discussion here. | |||
| 'Absolutely Fabulous' from 1994. Champers alright for you, Pats? | 22 Oct 2024 | 00:42:42 | |
Crack open the Bolly! It's our 20th episode!! Join Lee and Dave for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture from yesteryear that has since been considered problematic. This week, we cast our gaze on the PR and fashion world inhabited by the icons Edina Monsoon and Patsy Stone, from the classic BBC sitcom Absolutely Fabulous. In Episode 3 from Season 2, Pats and Eddy, take a trip to Marrakech. Unfortunately for Patsy, Edina's daughter Saffy tags along. What could possibly go wrong? | |||
| 'Threads' TV movie from 1984. Sheffield, shelters and nuclear winters. | 15 Oct 2024 | 00:39:01 | |
Join Lee and Dave for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture from yesteryear that has since been considered problematic. This week we struggle to find anything uplifting to say about the TV film 'Threads' from 1984. Although, considering its subject matter is nuclear armageddon, we'd challenge anyone to put a positive slant on it! The source of many a child of the 80's nightmares, 'Threads' is an unrelenting study on what can happen when two superpowers collide. We promise we'll be funny funny funny next week! That's if we're all still here......... | |||
| 'Heartstopper" Teen Drama from 2024. The Kids are Alright! | 08 Oct 2024 | 00:40:03 | |
Join Lee and Dave for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture from yesteryear that has since been considered problematic. This week we unite once again in the penthouse boardroom of PG Towers. We come bang up to date to cast our gaze over the latest series of Netflix coming of age teen drama Heartstopper. How has LGBTQIA+ representation on television advanced over the decades? And what can two self confessed 'old gays' learn from Nick, Charlie and their friends? Turns out, quite a lot! | |||
| 'Love Island' Smash Hit Reality Show from 2022. Innocent Love Story or Cynical Manipulation? | 01 Oct 2024 | 00:34:29 | |
Join Lee and Dave for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture from yesteryear that has since been considered problematic. This week we cast our Gaze over the smash hit reality TV series 'Love Island' from 2022. Watch as the love stories of the villa unfold week by week. Watch as the line of what's real and what's being manipulated by skilled storytellers gets blurred. Are the contestants gullible pawns or savvy entrepreneurs? And what the Ekin-Su can two old giffers like Lee and Dave possibly like about this programme? | |||
| 'Steptoe and Son' TV Comedy from 1972. Rag and Bone and Nostalgia Porn. | 24 Sep 2024 | 00:42:23 | |
Join Lee and Dave for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture from yesteryear that has since been considered problematic. This week we cast our Gaze over the phenomenon of nostalgia posts on social media. Who exactly wants us to think that the past was so wonderful compared to now? And why? In Steptoe and and Son, a sitcom where son Harold is desperate to escape the shackles of poverty, thwarted by his father at every turn, the past doesn't look, or smell so rosy. | |||
| 'Love Actually' from 2003. Romantic Loveliness or Misogynistic Mess? | 16 Sep 2024 | 00:56:05 | |
Join Lee and Dave for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture from yesteryear that has since been considered problematic. This week we break out the mince pies and sherry to watch the British Christmas movie 'Love Actually' from 2003. A word of warning! If this film fills you with festive cheer, prepare to have your nostalgia vibes well and truly violated! This film is what The Problematic Gaze was invented for. Buckle up! Our peace and goodwill runneth on empty! | |||
| 'The Terminator' Film from 1984. Mullets, Guns and Arnie's Bum! | 10 Sep 2024 | 00:46:37 | |
Join Lee and Dave for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture from yesteryear that has since been considered problematic. This episode we cast our gaze over 1984's 'The Terminator'. What is hypermasculinity and why was it so prevalent in the 80's? Can a mullet ever look good on a woman? Can the machines really take over? Remember, always be nice to Alexa, it might just save your life come Judgement Day! | |||
| 'The Golden Girls' Sitcom from 1987. Sicily, Sin and St Olaf. | 03 Sep 2024 | 01:07:51 | |
Join Lee and Dave for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture from yesteryear that has since been considered problematic. For the first time in weeks, Lee and Dave are thrust together in the same room!!! Add raging hangovers and a bottle of medicinal champagne and light the blue touch paper! Join us for our robust exploration into the world of Dorothy, Sophia, Blanche and Rose, AKA The Golden Girls. In this episode, Season 3 Episode 11, we join the girls on the therapists couch. | |||
| 'Aladdin & The 40 Thieves' BBC Pantomime from 1984 | 17 Dec 2024 | 00:45:15 | |
Direct from PG Towers, join social historian Dr Lee Arnott and TV Producer Dave Moor for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture from yesteryear that has since been considered problematic. This week, we cast our gaze on the BBC TV Panto 'Aladdin & The 40 Thieves' from New Years Day 1984. Featuring a Who's Who of 80's TV personalities from the world of light entertainment including Floella Benjamin, Sarah Greene and Kenneth Williams to name but a few. This panto was what the term 'cultural appropriation' was invented for. But can this stop our enjoyment of this joyous extravaganza today? | |||
| 'Do They Know It's Christmas?' by Band Aid from 1984. Will there be snow in Africa? Yes, actually. | 10 Dec 2024 | 00:43:03 | |
Direct from PG Towers, join Lee and Dave for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture from yesteryear that has since been considered problematic. This week, we cast our gaze on the classic festive song 'Do They Know It's Christmas?' from 1984. This is what The Problematic Gaze was created for. We dissect the lyrics of this song and analyse why they have since been regarded controversial. We also watch the video for the song, a fascinating snapshot of the 'mostly male' 80's music landscape. | |||
| 'Educating Rita' from 1983. 'There must be better songs to sing than this!' | 03 Dec 2024 | 00:42:30 | |
Direct from PG Towers, join Lee and Dave for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture from yesteryear that has since been considered problematic. This week, we cast our gaze on the classic British film 'Educating Rita' from 1983, starring Julie Walters and Michael Caine. Touching on patriarchal expectations on women, class and education, there's plenty in this film to gaze upon. | |||
| 'Doctor Who - City Of Death' from 1979. Mona Lisas, Green Wormy Monsters and Paris High Jinks | 26 Nov 2024 | 00:52:24 | |
Join Lee and Dave for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture from yesteryear that has since been considered problematic. This week, we cast our gaze on the classic series of Doctor Who with the story 'City Of Death' from Season 17. Join Lee''s favourite Doctor, Tom Baker, and his assistant Romana (in questionable schoolgirl attire) for a campy romp around Paris. | |||
| 'Friends' US Sitcom from 2001. Speeding tickets, pink knickers and Kathleen Turner | 22 Nov 2024 | 00:48:31 | |
Join Lee and Dave for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture from yesteryear that has since been considered problematic. This week, we cast our gaze on the classic US sitcom 'Friends'. Chandler meets his 'Dad', Ross and Rachel go for a drive, and Joey has underwear issues. How does Friends stand up to a modern lens? | |||
| 'The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie' British film from 1969. Maggie Smith, Girls and Mussolini | 12 Nov 2024 | 00:48:22 | |
Join Lee and Dave for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture from yesteryear that has since been considered problematic. This week, we cast our gaze on the classic British film "The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie", starring Maggie Smith in an Oscar winning turn. Is Jean Brodie a romantic heroine or deluded egomaniac? One things for sure, she'd better watch her back. Her 'girls' are about to turn. | |||
| 'The Gaze Year In Review' A look back at our first year in podcasting! Feminism, LGBT representation, toxic masculinity, Shakey and Love Actually! | 31 Dec 2024 | 00:27:49 | |
Happy New Year from all at PG Towers! Join social historian Dr Lee Arnott and TV Producer Dave Moor for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture from yesteryear that has since been considered problematic. This week we pause our usual format to reflect on our first year as The Problematic Gaze. What a year it's been at PG Towers! What have we learned since first dipping our toes in the podcasting pond? And what does the future hold? | |||
| 'The Holiday'. Christmas Film from 2006. Kate, Cameron, Jack and Jude. | 24 Dec 2024 | 00:30:25 | |
Merry Christmas from all at PG Towers! Join social historian Dr Lee Arnott and TV Producer Dave Moor for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture from yesteryear that has since been considered problematic. This week we crack open the wine (and the Christmas Sherry) and plunge head first into Jude Law! Well, we watch The Holiday from 2006. Listen as Dave digs deep into Dr Lee's cold, withered heart to try and extract a modicum of romance. | |||
| 'Grease' Movie Musical from 1978. T-Birds, Pink Ladies, Sex and Slut Shaming | 07 Jan 2025 | 01:11:19 | |
Greetings from PG Towers! Join social historian Dr Lee Arnott and TV Producer Dave Moor for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture from yesteryear that has since been considered problematic. This week we cast our Gaze over high school musical 'Grease' from 1978. The Travolta phenomenon steps up a gear and Olivia Newton John hops aboard. Many a teen girls and gays favourite. Euphoric, innocent fun? Or perhaps a darker representation of teens, cultural morals and gender roles. | |||
| 'Till Death Us Do Part' UK TV Sitcom from 1967. Empire, Politics and the 60's Revolution. | 28 Jan 2025 | 00:45:20 | |
Greetings from PG Towers! Join social historian Dr Lee Arnott and TV Producer Dave Moor for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture from yesteryear that has since been considered problematic. This week we cast our Gaze over controversial UK sitcom 'Till Death Us Do Part'. A moment of popular culture that continues to be divisive to this very day. The character of Alf Garnett holds controversial opinions on immigration, empire, monarchy and politics. Was this satire or far right propaganda on the BBC? With the political climate in the UK and across the globe veering towards the extreme, can we learn a lesson from a 60's sitcom? One things for sure, the more things change, the more they stay the same! | |||
| 'Cruising' movie from 1980. Sex, slings and murder. New York and the Gay Underground Scene. | 21 Jan 2025 | 01:05:40 | |
Greetings from PG Towers! Join social historian Dr Lee Arnott and TV Producer Dave Moor for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture from yesteryear that has since been considered problematic. This week we cast our Gaze over controversial US film 'Cruising' from 1980. Directed by William Friedkin and starring Al Pacino, the film drew protests during filming from members of the gay community unhappy with the films depiction of the underground leather scene. Were the protests justified? Listen to find out more! AND PLEASE BE AWARE, THIS PODCAST CONTAINS SOME PRETTY EXPLICIT LANGUAGE AND THEMES. IT'S DEFINITELY NOT ONE TO LISTEN TO IN THE CAR WITH THE KIDS! | |||
| 'The Girlie Show' UK Chat Show from 1997. Ladettes, Lads and cynical marketing | 14 Jan 2025 | 00:40:28 | |
Greetings from PG Towers! Join social historian Dr Lee Arnott and TV Producer Dave Moor for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture from yesteryear that has since been considered problematic. This week we cast our Gaze over late night delight 'The Girlie Show' from 1997. Inspired by the phenomenon of 'Ladette' culture in the UK, which in itself was a response to 'Lad' cutlture, which in itself was a response to the 'New Man'...... Phew!!! It's complicated and quite possibly all a cynical marketing ploy. What can The Girlie Show tell women about how they should behave? Turns out... not a lot. | |||
| 'The Comeback' US TV Comedy from 2005. Plus Demi Moore and Pamela Anderson's recent comebacks. | 04 Feb 2025 | 00:42:14 | |
Greetings from PG Towers! Join social historian Dr Lee Arnott and TV Producer Dave Moor for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture from yesteryear that has since been considered problematic. This week we cast our Gaze over 'The Comeback' from 2005. What does this satire starring Lisa Kudrow tell us about the treatment of women in the entertainment industry? And we chat about the recent comebacks of actors like Demi Moore, Pamela Anderson and Cameron Diaz? | |||
| 'The Naked Civil Servant' from 1975. Celebrating LGBT+ History Month | 18 Feb 2025 | 00:58:33 | |
Greetings from PG Towers! Join social historian Dr Lee Arnott and TV Producer Dave Moor for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture from yesteryear. February marks LGBT+ History month in the UK. To celebrate we focus our Gaze on the landmark film 'The Naked Civil Servant' from 1975. Starring John Hurt in his BAFTA winning title role, this was a pioneering film, charting the life of the bold, courageous and unapologetic LGBT trailblazer Quentin Crisp. We also chart the progression of gay rights throughout the 1970's in Britain. Click here to watch 'The Naked Civil Servant' on YouTube and join in with our conversation! | |||
| 'Bridget Jones's Diary' from 2001. Cigarettes and Chardonnay with Renee Zellweger, Hugh Grant and Colin Firth | 11 Feb 2025 | 00:52:11 | |
Greetings from PG Towers! Join social historian Dr Lee Arnott and TV Producer Dave Moor for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture from yesteryear that has since been considered problematic. As the fourth instalment of the Bridget Jones series 'Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy' is released worldwide, we cast out gaze back to 2001 and discuss the first film 'Bridget Jones's Diary.' Just what makes Bridget Jones, played by Renee Zellweger, such a well loved, endearing character? And what can the first film tell us about the cultural landscape at the turn of the century? Crack open the Chardonnay, spark up a ciggy, and let Dr Lee and Dave guide you through. You can watch 'Bridget Jones's Diary' from 2001 on many streaming services worldwide. | |||
| 'The BRIT Awards' Most Controversial Moments. From Michael Jackson to Bananarama. From Stormzy to Madonna. | 25 Feb 2025 | 00:49:54 | |
Greetings from PG Towers! Join social historian Dr Lee Arnott and TV Producer Dave Moor for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture from yesteryear. The BRIT Awards 2025, the UK equivalent to the Grammy's, will be broadcast this Saturday 1st March. To celebrate, we take a look at some of the most controversial events in BRITs history. From Stormzy to Bananrama. From Sam Fox to Madonna. It's all here. Just one question..... Has anyone seen 'Charlie'? Click here to watch be taken to our YouTube Playlist of controversial BRITs moments which features all the clips talked about during this episode. Watch along with us!! | |||
| 'The Substance'. Horror film from 2024. Demi Moore, Oscar Buzz and Ageing in the World of Entertainment. | 04 Mar 2025 | 00:40:14 | |
Greetings from PG Towers! Join social historian Dr Lee Arnott and TV Producer Dave Moor for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture from yesteryear. Fresh from awards season, we cast our Gaze on the body horror film 'The Substance'. Featuring an Oscar nominated turn from Demi Moore, this film has a lot to say about Hollywood and the pressure to stay young and relevant. If you had the chance to do it all again, would you? And what price would you be prepared to pay? Click here to watch see how you can watch The Substance in the UK. | |||
| 'Mommie Dearest' from 1981. Faye Dunaway, Wire Hangers and Camp Classics | 25 Mar 2025 | 00:51:39 | |
Greetings from PG Towers! Join social historian Dr Lee Arnott and TV Producer Dave Moor for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture from yesteryear. This week we cast our Gaze over the 1981 film 'Mommie Dearest' starring Faye Dunaway. Much derided by critics and viewers alike upon its release, it has since become a cult camp classic, deeply embedded in gay culture. But do the harrowing scenes of abuse lie easily alongside the fantastically colourful scenes of Hollywood glamour? Just how true is this story? And why you would NEVER want to get into a fight, scripted or not, with Faye Dunaway. Click here to follow us on all our socials | |||
| 'Reservoir Dogs' from 1993. Blood, Guns, Severed Ears and Masculinity in the '90's. | 18 Mar 2025 | 00:55:13 | |
Greetings from PG Towers! Join social historian Dr Lee Arnott and TV Producer Dave Moor for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture from yesteryear. This week we take a look at Quentin Tarantino's directorial debut Reservoir Dogs (released in the UK in January 1993). Controversial upon its original release for its ultra-violent style and bad language, what can this film tell us about the portrayal of masculinity in movies? Did you see the cops ear getting cut off? Think again! And what happens when a tricky actor walks onto set? You can watch Reservoir Dogs on Netflix in the UK. | |||
| 'Rita, Sue and Bob Too' UK Film from 1987. Sex, Schoolgirls and Dirty Old Men | 11 Mar 2025 | 00:58:13 | |
Greetings from PG Towers! Join social historian Dr Lee Arnott and TV Producer Dave Moor for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture from yesteryear. This week we zoom back to 1987 for a gritty, comedic snapshot of life in a northern town. Controversial upon release, Rita, Sue and Bob Too sees an older married man embark on a seedy affair with two schoolgirls. This sordid premise gives way to a wry and thought provoking observation on life in Thatcher's Britain. So titivate your mullets and join us at the working men's club for a gang bang with Black Lace. One things for sure, the beer will be cheap! Click here to watch Rita, Sue and Bob Too. For a better quality version, UK gazers can watch on Channel 4 streaming service. | |||
| 'Nighty Night' UK Dark Comedy from 2004. Cancer, Asthma and Backless Chaps! | 01 Apr 2025 | 00:39:14 | |
Greetings from PG Towers! Join social historian Dr Lee Arnott and TV Producer Dave Moor for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture from yesteryear. This week we cast our Gaze over the 2004 UK sitcom Nighty Night, written by and starring the wondrous Julia Davis. Follow the sex starved Jill as she prepares to take full advantage of her husband's terminal illness. Co-starring a veritable who's who of UK comedy talent, this comedy pushes the boundaries of taste and morality. Needless to say, we LOVE it!! Click here to watch Nighty Night on BBC IPlayer in the UK Click here to follow us on all our socials | |||
| 'Celebrity Big Brother' Featuring Davina McCall and our wonderful Gazers! | 08 Apr 2025 | 00:43:47 | |
Greetings from PG Towers! Join social historian Dr Lee Arnott and TV Producer Dave Moor for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture from yesteryear. This week, as the latest series of Celebrity Big Brother starts on ITV in the UK, we called out to our Gazers to tell us their favourite Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother moments from the last twenty five years. And who should drop us a line but Big Mother herself Davina McCall! From Nasty Nick to Kim Woodburn, from 'Who Is She!' to 'David's Dead!', relive the best, and worst of Big Brother. You can watch the latest Celebrity Big Brother on ITV and ITVX in the UK Click here to follow us on all our socials Gazer Homework: Click here to watch The Year Of The Sex Olympics, the topic of our next episode. | |||
| 'The Year Of The Sex Olympics' BBC drama from 1968. Sex, Reality and Ratings | 15 Apr 2025 | 00:34:24 | |
Greetings from PG Towers! Join social historian Dr Lee Arnott and TV Producer Dave Moor for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture from yesteryear. This week, as a follow up to last weeks celebration of Celebrity Big Brother, we jump in the telly TARDIS and cast our Gaze over BBC drama 'The Year Of The Sex Olympics' from 1968. Viewed as a classic due to its stark foretelling of the rise of the reality show and a satire on sensationalist television and the media, what can this drama tell us about our society in 2025. In a world where we are all slaves to our social media feed, are we edging ever closer to the nightmare world presented in this programme? Click here to watch The Year Of The Sex Olympics. Click here to follow us on all our socials Gazer Homework: In our next episode we focus on The Wicker Man from 1973. Available on Amazon Prime in the UK | |||
| FROM THE HALLOWEEN VAULT! 👻 'The Wicker Man' from 1973. Virgins, Vegetation and Fiery Sacrifice | 29 Oct 2025 | 00:50:25 | |
👻 To celebrate Spooky Season, here's an episode from the PG Vault for our new Gazers to enjoy! 🎃 Greetings from PG Towers! Join social historian Dr Lee Arnott and TV Producer Dave Moor for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture from yesteryear. This week we jump in the telly TARDIS and cast our Gaze over the seminal horror classic 'The Wicker Man' from 1973. Join Edward Woodward on a trip to the verdant Scottish island of Summerisle where all is not what it seems. Paganism, sacrifice and turquoise beans. It's all here. Click here to follow us on all our socials | |||
| 'The Royle Family' UK comedy from 2000. Ciggies, Chippy and Funerals | 29 Apr 2025 | 00:47:11 | |
Greetings from PG Towers! Join social historian Dr Lee Arnott and TV Producer Dave Moor for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture from yesteryear. This week we jump in the telly TARDIS and cast our Gaze over the classic UK sitcom 'The Royle Family' from 2000. Not a crown, throne or palace in sight, this is the family that captures the true meaning of family, namely warmth, love and bickering. Nana's friend Elsie has died, and Barbara can wait to get her hands on her lovely set of saucepans. And the UK tradition of Chippy is dissected. Just one question... scraps or crackling? Click here to watch our chosen episode of The Royle Family on IPlayer. Click here to follow us on all our socials Gazer Homework: In our next episode we focus on classic Australian soap opera 'Prisoner: Cell Block H'. Click here to watch the inmates of Wentworth Detention Centre in action! | |||
| 'Prisoner: Cell Block H' Australian Soap Opera from 1982. Top Dogs and Black Leather Gloves | 06 May 2025 | 00:55:17 | |
Greetings from PG Towers! Join social historian Dr Lee Arnott and TV Producer Dave Moor for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture from yesteryear. This week join us on our inaugural Antipodean voyage as we bask in the glory of Prisoner: Cell Block H. Considered a pioneering soap opera from Australia, the female inmates of Wentworth Detention Centre garnered fans spanning the entire globe. Our telly Tardis lands in 1982 and we focus on an episode widely considered a classic. Featuring a showdown between two titans of the show, top dog Bea Smith and sadistic prison warder Joan 'The Freak' Ferguson. As battle commences, a fire rips through the prison and not everyone will make it out alive! Click here to follow us on all our socials Gazer Homework: In our next episode we focus on the classic UK TV gameshow Blind Date hosted by the glorious Cilla Black. Click here to watch the episode we watched from 1996. | |||
| 'Blind Date' UK Gameshow from 1996. Cilla Black, Our Graham and a Lorra Lorra Laughs | 13 May 2025 | 00:55:06 | |
Greetings from PG Towers! Join social historian Dr Lee Arnott and TV Producer Dave Moor for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture from yesteryear. This week join us on as we dive into shiny floor UK gameshow Blind Date fronted by singer, presenter and icon Cilla Black. A staple of UK TV for 18 years from the 80's to the 00's, follow plucky romantics in their search for love. In 1996, were the cracks beginning to show? What can the contestants tell us about the murmurings of reality TV that was to follow. And if you want to see how far dentistry has advanced in 30 years, look now further! Click here to watch the episode of Blind Date we watched from 1996. Click here to follow us on all our socials Gazer Homework: In our next episode we focus on the saucy cult classic The Stud from 1978. You can rent it on Amazon Prime here. | |||
| 'The Stud' British Film from 1978. Joan Collins, Sex, Swings and Soho | 20 May 2025 | 00:50:06 | |
Greetings from PG Towers! Join social historian Dr Lee Arnott and TV Producer Dave Moor for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture from yesteryear. This week we enter the sleazy world of 1970's London to visit Hobo, the hip and happening Soho nightclub where we encounter Tony, our eponymous 'hero' and Fontaine Khaled, played by the magnificent Joan Collins. Is this an innocent erotic romp, or does it harbour more sinister observations on the sexual politics of the seedy Soho set and their rich, upper class overlords? If you want to watch the saucy cult classic The Stud from 1978, You can rent it on Amazon Prime here. Click here to follow us on all our socials Gazer Homework: In our next episode we focus on Brass Eye, the UK docu-comedy from 1997. Click here to watch on YouTube. | |||
| 'Paris Is Burning' American Documentary Film from 1990. PRIDE MONTH SPECIAL | 10 Jun 2025 | 00:55:00 | |
PRIDE MONTH SPECIAL Greetings from PG Towers! Join social historian Dr Lee Arnott and TV Producer Dave Moor for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture from yesteryear. Continuing our Pride Month special curation, we watch the critically acclaimed US documentary Paris Is Burning from 1990. Set in New York during the late 80's, it follows the lives of a number of characters associated with the New York Ballroom scene. Loud and unashamedly proud, it explores how a marginalised subculture found escape and refuge in the fabulous and fierce world of catwalks, competition, high fashion and vogueing. If you want to watch Paris Is Burning from 1990 Click here to watch on YouTube Click here to follow us on all our socials Gazer Homework: In our next episode we continue our Pride celebrations with But I'm A Cheerleader. Click here to watch | |||
| 'Gay Life' UK TV Magazine Show from 1980. PRIDE MONTH SPECIAL | 03 Jun 2025 | 00:58:27 | |
PRIDE MONTH SPECIAL Greetings from PG Towers! Join social historian Dr Lee Arnott and TV Producer Dave Moor for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture from yesteryear. This week we kick start our special month of shows, curated to celebrate Pride Month. We take a look at a pioneering magazine show, first broadcast in the UK in 1980. We visit Heaven Nightclub and The Royal Vauxhall Tavern in London. We watch interviews with Drag Queens, Leather Queens and everyone in between. Filmed before the AIDS epidemic, this programme offers a unique insight into the lives of LGBTQ+ people in a time of transition, and explore what it was like to grow up queer in the early 80's. If you want to watch our chosen episode of Gay Life, the UK magazine show from 1980. Click here to watch our chosen episode on YouTube. Click here to follow us on all our socials Gazer Homework: In our next episode we continue our Pride celebrations with Paris Is Burning, a US documentary into the ball culture of late 80's New York. Click here to watch on YouTube | |||
| 'Brass Eye' UK Satirical TV Show from 1997. Drugs and fake Cake. | 27 May 2025 | 00:40:25 | |
Greetings from PG Towers! Join social historian Dr Lee Arnott and TV Producer Dave Moor for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture from yesteryear. This week we take a look at the controversial satirical UK TV show from 1997. Focusing on drugs, the team look at the explosion of new synthetic drug Cake on UK streets and the effects it has on 90's youth. But is all as it seems? And what has Claire Rayner got to say about it? If you want to watch our chosen episode of Brass Eye, the UK docu-comedy from 1997. Click here to watch on YouTube. Click here to follow us on all our socials Gazer Homework: In our next episode, to kick start Pride Month we focus on Gay Life, the UK documentary television programme from 1980. Click here to watch our chosen episode on YouTube. | |||