The Alan Clark Diaries

[altariel]

If you've not been watching The Alan Clark Diaries on BBC Four, then do, because they're bloody funny, and they're How Telly Should Be. Plus it means you'll be making BBC Four's viewing figures go up and that means it'll stay around longer. So go and watch. In fact, I think it's your moral duty.

Comments

[kathyh]

Damn. I knew I should have watched it. Did you see The Prince, the Showgirl and Me about Clark's brother Colin's experiences working on The Prince and the Showgirl with Laurence Olivier & Marilyn Monroe? Also required viewing (and a miracle of picture and film research).

[altariel.livejournal.com]

D'oh, no, I didn't see that. I hope it comes round again, BBC4 is good for that.

You've only missed one episode of the Diaries, and there are still five to come. The next one is on Thursday night.

[kathyh]

I hope it comes round again, BBC4 is good for that.

I'm sure it will, possibly even on BBC2.

You've only missed one episode of the Diaries, and there are still five to come.

I'll try and remember it this time! I wouldn't worry too much about the fate of BBC4, the BBC is very committed to its digital channels (ex-employee speaking here *g*) and BBC4 has a lot of cultural credibility and is useful to try things out. More people should be watching it because it's a terrific channel, but I don't think ratings are its main purpose. Whenever I try and predict the BBC I'm always wrong *g*, but my gut feeling is that BBC4 is a lot safer than BBC3.

[altariel.livejournal.com]

I've seen some complaints about it in the press (on the lines of it taking over the role that BBC2 should have), but it has such a strong brand that I suspect you're right, and it's safe. I'd like to see dramas like this be successful, if it means that BBC4 will start to commission more of this kind of thing.

I can't see what BBC3 offers, to be honest - but then I'm not its demographic, I guess *g*

[kathyh]

I'd like to see dramas like this be successful, if it means that BBC4 will start to commission more of this kind of thing.

Yes, absolutely. I suspect BBC4 may start to fulfill the same kind of more risk-taking role that BBC2 had when it first started up, and if things they commission end up on one of the main networks as The National Trust (though I'm not sure if that was originally a BBC4 commission) has, then I'm sure all parties will be very happy.

I can't see what BBC3 offers, to be honest - but then I'm not its demographic, I guess *g*

I'm not sure anyone is *g*.

[glitterboy1.livejournal.com]

I'll try and remember it this time!

If you don't, or if you want to watch the whole thing in order, I gathered the other day that it'll be shown on BBC2 "in the spring".

[kathyh]

Thanks. The DH does like to watch things in order so I was anticipating "...but we missed the first episode" from him.

[altariel.livejournal.com]

Mr A. is like that too - won't come into a film even if he's missed only a couple of minutes either.

[kendokamel.livejournal.com]

Sadly, BBC America doesn't carry that just yet.

Their programming has gone down the toilet, recently.

There are only so many episodes of home improvement etc. shows that one can tolerate. (Changing Rooms, Ground Force, What Not to Wear, Cash in the Attic, House Invaders, and Homefront in the Garden... repeated ad nauseum.)

[altariel.livejournal.com]

It's brand new to BBC4, so keep an eye out for it. I'd be fascinated to get a non-British perspective on it, if it does turn up.

BBC1 and BBC2 are full of that crap too. Although I do enjoy the spectacle of 'What Not To Wear' now and then. BBC4 is where we've fled to find things worth watching.