UK votes for the 70s and 80s as the golden era of television, according to new research by True Entertainment

• The 80s was the most popular era amongst ‘Generation X’ (35%), while the ‘Baby Boomers’ preferred the 70s (28%)
• Brits feel older TV shows were more realistic in terms of social issues such as: class, race relations, war and gender issues
• 35% of Brits would say modern series just aren’t as funny as the classics
• Series and Boxsets top Britain’s go-to viewing when it comes to TV (23%), beating films, documentaries and sport

(LONDON 16/05/19) New research, released today by True Entertainment to mark their anniversary celebration of classic show M*A*S*H, which first aired in the UK on 20^th May 1973, has revealed that over a third of Brits (37%) hail the 70s and 80s as the golden era of TV. While the 80s was the most popular era amongst ‘Generation X’ (35%), the ‘Baby Boomers’ preferred the 70s (28%).*

When it came to why, over a third (36%) said that older TV shows highlighted a simpler time and way of life. Furthermore, a quarter (25%) said that older TV shows felt more realistic than modern shows, with 14% saying they would tackle more relatable themes addressing some of the most pressing social issues of their times: class, race relations, war and gender issues.

Additionally, 35% of Brits say that modern TV series just aren’t as funny as their traditional counterparts, with one in five (20%) saying the story writing used to be stronger and a similar amount (19%) felt the storylines were more relatable. Further, war-themed TV shows are an absolute staple of our viewing habits with a huge 76% of the British public saying they watch war-themed series like M*A*S*H.

13% of Brits admit they watch their favourite shows over and over again, with nearly a quarter (24%) saying bingeing their favourite shows is their preferred method of watching. Despite what some may think, Generation X (35-44) and Baby Boomers (45-54) are the most likely to settle in for an extensive bingeing session (35%/29%).

Overall, however, we’re a nation of TV lovers who prefer to get stuck into a good series (24%), beating watching films, documentaries and even sport.

TV journalist and expert, Andrew Collins said: “Clearly, nostalgia plays a part in this – we all think our childhood was better than your childhood – but while we’re definitely living through a golden age for multi-channel TV, it’s hard to argue with the sheer pulling power of great television when there were only three or four channels to choose from, and US imports like M*A*S*H were not the norm. I for one devoured this show, as it wasn’t like British drama, and its Korean war setting also set it apart. Plus, it was funny. And ran for years. Just as I think that the pop music of the 70s remains untouchable, so we must pay tribute to the telly of that era.”

To celebrate the first UK broadcast of M*A*S*H 46 years ago on 20th May 1973 True Entertainment will be airing a whole week of the best of M*A*S*H episodes, films and documentaries every night starting with the first ten episodes of M*A*S*H back to back on Monday 20th May.

 True Entertainment is available on Freeview 61, Sky 179, Freesat 142 and Virgin 189.