Remember any of these?
We’re living in the golden age of TV with some truly outstanding shows available to watch, but there’s no denying the appeal from a little bit of nostalgia. We would really love to see these shows back on RTÉ.
Know your Sport
What it’s about?: The show was presented by George Hamilton and featured Jimmy Magee. The rounds of questions usually included the “specialist subject”, “great moment in sport”, “mystery guest” and “buzzer” rounds.
It’s still gold: Ireland will always be a sports mad country. Fancy testing your mates at home?
Clip via – happycrappynappy
2TV
What’s it about?: The perfect lazy Sunday morning viewing from 1995 – 2001, Dave Fanning had some cracking interviews over the years. The rise of 24 hour music stations has been the death of show like this, Top 30 Hits and even Top of the Pops.
It’s still gold: There’s still plenty of room for a magazine show that can balances interviews with chart music. Take a look at this great interview with Damon Albarn.
Don’t Feed The Gondolas/ The Panel
What’s it about?: Ireland’s answer to Have I Got New For You was hosted by Seán Moncrieff and featured Brendan O’Connor and Dara Ó Briain. Monica Looly from the little village in the Wesht of Ireland called Ahascragh was also prominent.
It’s still gold: Irish politicians, celebrities and sports stars are getting away with far too much. Someone needs to take the mickey out of them.
Take a look at President Michael D. Higgins making an appearance on the show.
No Disco
What’s it about?: Donal Dineen, the late Uaneen Fitzsimons and Leagues O’Toole were Ireland’s indie darlings as audience were introduced to stacks of great new music. The decision to cancel this – along with other alternative shows like The Last Broadcast and Under Ether – were blows to the independent and underground music scene.
It’s still gold: Upcoming Irish bands still need to get as much exposure as possible.
Check out this interview on The Last Broadcast with Eminem.
Nighthawks
What it’s about?: A comedy / current affairs sketch show that ran from 1988 to 1992. Shay Healy talked to his somewhat inebriated guests – usually from a bar with cans of beer scattered everywhere – about the issues in Irish society. Take a look at Dunphy in this clip.
It’s still gold: The format is still class. Who wouldn’t love to see this again?
Blackboard Jungle
What’s it about?: From ’91-97, Ray D’Arcy put the questions to two teams of three individuals that were representing their secondary schools. A grand final was held at the end of each series.
It’s still gold: Be honest, you would still tune in if there was a school from your county on the show.
The Movie Show
What’s it about?: Dave Fanning chats about all things from the world of film. The show also had some great interviews.
It’s still gold: The show was unsuccessfully rebooted with Mairead Farrell and Eoghan McDermott at the helm, but Irish people still need to know what’s coming out in the cinema.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEhFzJDyKH0
This theme will take you back.
The Podge & Rodge Show
What’s it about?: Ballydung manor played host to a madcap variety of quizzes, reviews, interviews, news, music and talent contests, as well as racenights involving hamsters in mazes, sheep shearing and tractors. They didn’t give a feck and we loved it.
It’s still gold: Irish celebrity culture is ludicrous and it’s time that certain people were put in their place. This interview with Tubridy is excellent.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ podcast – listen to the latest episode now!
