(music) (10 hours) TV shows 1980 | Thursday Throwbacks | LMBYTS #1471 | Jason Newland | 23rd October 2025

https://www.jasonnewland.com/
TV shows 1980 | Thursday Throwbacks | LMBYTS #1471 | Jason Newland | 23rd October 2025

🎙️ Podcast Host: Jason Newland 

💤 Theme: Designed to be gently boring and nostalgic to help listeners fall asleep 

🆕 Introduction to the Series

Jason introduces a new weekly show called “Thursday Throwbacks” under his "Let’s Bore You to Sleep" podcast umbrella.He emphasizes this series will focus on nostalgic topics from previous decades: TV shows, songs, movies, events, etc.Today’s episode is all about UK TV shows from the year 1980.He encourages listeners to close their eyes and relax.

📺 TV Shows from 1980 (UK Focused)

🧒 Children’s Shows

Play School – Watched as a child, aired twice daily.Rainbow – Popular kids' show with Zippy, George, Bungle.Jackanory – First book he read came from this show.Blue Peter – A childhood staple with crafts, pets, and news.John Craven’s Newsround – Gentle, child-friendly news.Metal Mickey – Fun robot sitcom.Crackerjack – Comedy and gameshow for kids.Rent-a-Ghost – Quirky supernatural show.Pipkins, Wordsworth, Wurzel Gummidge, and more.

👮‍♂️ Police & Drama Shows

Juliet Bravo – Female-led police drama.The Gentle Touch – Another female detective drama.Blake’s 7 – Sci-fi favorite; Jason was a big fan.Dr. Who – Watched from early years into adulthood.Emmerdale Farm – Early days of the rural soap.Brideshead Revisited, Secret Army, Catweazle, Survivors – Mentioned briefly.

🕵️‍♂️ Crime & Mystery

Minder – One of Jason’s all-time favorites.The Sweeney – Didn’t watch due to adult content.Professionals – Compared to Starsky & Hutch.

👨‍👩‍👧 Sitcoms & Comedy

Fawlty Towers – "Best comedy show ever" according to Jason.Terry & June – He loved this one.The Two Ronnies & Morecambe and Wise – Legendary British comedy duos.Yes Minister – Political satire, a bit too clever for him at age 9.Not the Nine O’Clock News – Edgy sketch show with Rowan Atkinson and others.Kenny Everett Video Show – Influenced Jason’s humor.Liver Birds, The Dawson Show, The Goodies, Lenny Henry Show.

🎵 Music & Variety Shows

Top of the Pops – Weekly must-watch music show.Val Doonican Show – Gentle music show on Sundays.The Old Grey Whistle Test – Music performances, not really for kids.Paul Daniels Magic Show – Iconic British magician.

🎾 Sport Shows

Wimbledon 1980 – Peak tennis era with Björn Borg & McEnroe.Grandstand, Match of the Day, Big Match – Weekly sports coverage.Pop Black – Snooker show.World of Sport – Included wrestling with Big Daddy and Giant Haystacks.

🧪 Science, Nature & Documentary

Tomorrow’s World – Futuristic science predictions.Sky at Night – Astronomy with Patrick Moore.Animal Magic – Voiceovers of zoo animals by Johnny Morris.Arthur C. Clarke’s Mysterious World – Fascination with paranormal and mystery.

💬 Game Shows & Quiz Shows

Family Fortunes, Play Your Cards Right, University Challenge, Question Time, That’s Life – Jason recalls enjoying or avoiding these depending on age.

🧛 Supernatural & Sci-Fi

Hammer House of Horror – Loved the spooky vibe.Space: 1999 – Sci-fi with spaceship adventures and transforming aliens.The Tomorrow People, Buck Rogers, Flash Gordon.

🎭 Serious / Adult Shows

Dallas – Major cultural moment ("Who shot JR?").Knots Landing, Dynasty – Mentioned alongside.Panorama, Newsnight, Nationwide – Serious shows Jason wasn’t into much as a child.

🛏️ Personal Tangents & Sleepy Ramblings In true “Let’s Bore You to Sleep” style, Jason meanders charmingly through:

His new bedtime routine (involving nightgowns!)Complaints about dim streetlights and walking in the darkMemories of family visits, old signs outside shops, and childhood TV viewing patternsReminisces about school struggles, being miscategorized as a slow learnerVinny the dog makes repeated cameos (especially with noisy ear-flapping)

💬 Jason's Style

Rambling, cozy, sleepy tone meant to lull you to sleepMix of gentle nostalgia, minor rants, and cozy personal anecdotesReassuring sign-off reminding you to be kind to yourself

🎧 Length

Over 2.5 hours of spoken audio, one of Jason’s longest recordings yet!

✅ Summary Takeaways

This transcript is a goldmine of TV nostalgia, especially if you grew up in the UK or love vintage British TV.It's perfect for bedtime listening with low energy, calming tangents, and Jason’s quirky humor.He balances trivia, personal memories, and friendly rambling beautifully.