Reflection 05: What's on Telly?: Exploring British Television

In this country, we don't often get the opportunity to watch a wide range of British television. The American preference for television produced in this country means that British-made programs have a more difficult time reaching mainstream audiences here. In fact, Americans often prefer remakes of British shows to actual British shows. While some British shows have achieved US success (e.g. Downton Abbey), most of UK television is unknown to American viewers. For this reflection, watch, then write about, two of the following UK programs. In your analysis, examine the differences and similarities between the two countries, such as tone, language, subject matter, and comedy.

Choose from two of the following programs. A great number of shows are available on YouTube or at BBC America, but those that aren't can be found from a streaming provider:

AP: Amazon Prime Instant Video
H+: Hulu Plus
NF: Netflix

Broadchurch (ITV) AP

Call the Midwife (BBC) AP, NF

The Catherine Tate Show (BBC) H+, NF

Coupling (BBC) AP, NF

Derek (Channel Four) NF

Doctor Who (BBC) AP, H+, NF

Downton Abbey (BBC) AP, NF 

An Idiot Abroad (Sky 1) AP, H+, NF
The Inbetweeners (E4) AP, H+, NF

The IT Crowd (Channel 4) AP, NF

Little Britain (BBC) H+, NF

Long Way Down (BBC) H+, NF

Long Way Round (Sky 1) H+, NF

Luther (BBC) AP, NF

Miranda (BBC) H+

The Office [UK] (BBC) AP, NF

The Only Way is Essex (ITV) H+

Shameless [UK] (Channel Four) H+, NF

Sherlock (BBC) AP, NF

Torchwood (BBC) AP, NF, H+

The Wrong Mans (BBC/Hulu) H+

Note: UK broadcasting standards are different than those in the US, so you may find more profanity, violence, even nudity, in British shows.

Required:

• MLA Style
• Must be exactly two-full pages in length

Due: Th 11.06