This is a list of

British television Regular television broadcasts in the United Kingdom started in 1936 as a public service which was free of advertising, which followed the first demonstration of a transmitted moving image in 1926. Currently, the United Kingdom has a collection ...

-related events from 1983.

Events

January

*1 January – Channel 4 airs ''One in Five'', a late-night profile of

homosexual Homosexuality is romantic attraction, sexual attraction, or sexual behavior between members of the same sex or gender. As a sexual orientation, homosexuality is "an enduring pattern of emotional, romantic, and/or sexual attractions" to peop ...

lifestyles. This programme and ''The Eleventh Hour: Veronica 4 Rose'', featuring two schoolgirls discussing

lesbianism A lesbian is a homosexual woman.Zimmerman, p. 453. The word is also used for women in relation to their sexual identity or sexual behavior, regardless of sexual orientation, or as an adjective to characterize or associate nouns with fema ...

, lead to extreme criticism for the channel and an attempt by Conservative MP John Carlisle to have the channel banned. *3 January –

Children's ITV CITV (short for Children's ITV, also known as the CITV Channel) is a British free-to-air children's television channel owned by ITV plc. It broadcasts content from the CITV archive and acquisitions, every day from 6 am to 9 pm which ...

launches as a new branding for the late afternoon programming block on ITV, replacing ''Watch It!''. *6 January **The network television premiere of Richard Donner's 1978 blockbuster '' Superman: The Movie'' on ITV, starring

Christopher Reeve Christopher D'Olier Reeve (September 25, 1952 – October 10, 2004) was an American actor, best known for playing the title character in the film ''Superman'' (1978) and three sequels. Born in New York City and raised in Princeton, New Jersey, ...

Margot Kidder Margaret Ruth Kidder (October 17, 1948 – May 13, 2018), known professionally as Margot Kidder, was a Canadian-American actress whose career spanned five decades. Her accolades include three Canadian Screen Awards and one Daytime Emmy Awa ...

Gene Hackman Eugene Allen Hackman (born January 30, 1930) is an American retired actor and former novelist. In a career that has spanned more than six decades, Hackman has won two Academy Awards, four Golden Globes, one Screen Actors Guild Award, two BAFTAs ...

and

Marlon Brando Marlon Brando Jr. (April 3, 1924 – July 1, 2004) was an American actor. Considered one of the most influential actors of the 20th century, he received numerous accolades throughout his career, which spanned six decades, including two Academ ...

. **Debut of ''

The Irish R.M. ''The Irish R.M.'' is a trilogy of books by the Anglo-Irish novelists Somerville and Ross and a 1983 television comedy-drama series based on them. They are set in the turn-of-the-twentieth-century west of Ireland. Books The television series ...

'' on Channel 4 in the UK and RTÉ1 in Ireland. *14 January – TV-am broadcasts a special edition to advertisers shortly before the official launch on 1 February. *17 January – At 6:30am, Britain's first-ever breakfast television show, '' Breakfast Time'', launches on BBC1. * 30 January – Channel 4 becomes the first broadcaster in the UK to show the Super Bowl live. *January **BBC1 starts broadcasting a full afternoon service, consisting of regional programmes, repeats and old feature films. **London Weekend Television drops in-vision continuity.

February

*1 February –

TV-am TV-am was a TV company that broadcast the ITV franchise for breakfast television in the United Kingdom from 1 February 1983 until 31 December 1992. The station was the UK's first national operator of a commercial breakfast television franchise ...

launches on ITV at 6am, with '' Daybreak'' and '' Good Morning Britain''. *4 February – The US sitcom ''

Cheers ''Cheers'' is an American sitcom television series that ran on NBC from September 30, 1982, to May 20, 1993, with a total of 275 half-hour episodes across 11 seasons. The show was produced by Charles/Burrows/Charles Productions in association w ...

'', starring

Ted Danson Edward Bridge "Ted" Danson III (born December 29, 1947) is an American actor. He achieved stardom playing the lead character Sam Malone on the NBC sitcom ''Cheers'', for which he received two Primetime Emmy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards. He ...

makes its UK debut on Channel 4. *6 February – The Australian soap opera '' Sons and Daughters'' makes its UK debut when Central becomes the first ITV region to begin showing the programme. All other ITV regions soon follow suit. *8 February – ''

Minipops ''Minipops'' is a television series broadcast in 1983 on Channel 4 in the United Kingdom. Designed primarily for younger viewers, it consisted of music performances on a brightly coloured set featuring preteen children singing then-contempora ...

'' makes its debut on Channel 4. Though a ratings success, it is axed after only one series due to heavy media criticism. *14 February – Granada faces an industrial dispute in which ''

Coronation Street ''Coronation Street'' is an English soap opera created by Granada Television and shown on ITV since 9 December 1960. The programme centres around a cobbled, terraced street in Weatherfield, a fictional town based on inner-city Salford. Origi ...

'' and ''

World in Action ''World in Action'' was a British investigative current affairs programme made by Granada Television for ITV from 7 January 1963 until 7 December 1998. Its campaigning journalism frequently had a major impact on events of the day. Its producti ...

'' are wiped out across the network. *17 February – Woodland Animations introduces a new stop-motion animated series, '' Gran'', on BBC1, following the success of ''

Postman Pat ''Postman Pat'' is a British stop-motion animated television series first produced by Woodland Animations. The series follows the adventures of Pat Clifton, a postman who works for Royal Mail postal service in the fictional village of Greendal ...

''. *22 February – The US television series

Knight Rider ''Knight Rider'' is an American entertainment franchise created by Glen A. Larson. The core of ''Knight Rider'' is its three television series: the original ''Knight Rider'' (1982–1986) and sequel series ''Team Knight Rider'' (1997–1998) ...

makes its debut on ITV with the feature length pilot episode, the following episode is shown two nights later, however, scheduling of the show varies from other ITV regions, with STV not broadcasting the hit series until the 5th April. *23 February – After months of "will she or won't she?" drama,

Deirdre Barlow Deirdre Anne Barlow (also Hunt, Langton and Rachid) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', played by Anne Kirkbride. She made her first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 20 November 1972 ...

(

Anne Kirkbride Anne Kirkbride (21 June 1954 – 19 January 2015) was an English actress, best known for her long-running role as Deirdre Barlow in the ITV (TV network), ITV soap ''Coronation Street'', which she played for 42 years from 1972 to 2014. For this ...

) makes the choice to break up with Mike Baldwin ( Johnny Briggs) and reunite with her estranged husband

Ken Ken or KEN may refer to: Entertainment * ''Ken'' (album), a 2017 album by Canadian indie rock band Destroyer. * ''Ken'' (film), 1964 Japanese film. * ''Ken'' (magazine), a large-format political magazine. * Ken Masters, a main character in ...

(

William Roache William Patrick Roache (born 25 April 1932) is an English actor. He is best known for playing Ken Barlow in the ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'' since it was first broadcast on 9 December 1960. He is listed in the ''Guinness World Records ...

) on ''

''. The episode was one of the highest-rated in the soap's history. *28 February **TV-am cuts its ''Daybreak'' programme to 30 minutes, allowing ''Good Morning Britain'' to begin half an hour earlier. Original ''Daybreak'' presenters

Robert Kee Robert Kee (5 October 1919 – 11 January 2013) was a British broadcaster, journalist and writer, known for his historical works on World War II and Ireland. Life and career He was educated at Stowe School, Buckingham, and read history ...

and

Angela Rippon Angela May Rippon (born 12 October 1944)"Angela Rippon," ''Contemporary Authors Online'', Detroit: Gale, (2008) ''Gale Biography In Context'' is an English television journalist, newsreader, writer and presenter. Rippon presented radio and tele ...

are both replaced, with Gavin Scot on weekdays and Lynda Barry on weekends. **BBC1 begins broadcasting a 30 minute Ceefax slot prior to the start of ''Breakfast Time''. It is called ''

Ceefax AM Ceefax (, punning on "seeing facts") was the world's first teletext information service and a forerunner to the current BBC Red Button service. Ceefax was started by the BBC in 1974 and ended, after 38 years of broadcasting, at 23:32:19 BST ( ...

''. It is first mentioned in the Radio Times on 21 March.

March

*10 March – Debut of the cult comedy series ''

Police Squad! ''Police Squad!'' is an American television crime comedy series that was broadcast on the ABC network in 1982. It was created by David Zucker, Jim Abrahams, and Jerry Zucker, starring Leslie Nielsen as Frank Drebin. A spoof of police procedural ...

'' on ITV, starring

Leslie Nielsen Leslie William Nielsen (11 February 192628 November 2010) was a Canadian actor and comedian. With a career spanning 60 years, he appeared in more than 100 films and 150 television programs, portraying more than 220 characters. Nielsen was bo ...

. *18 March **Amid falling ratings and mounting pressure from investors, Peter Jay steps aside as TV-am's Chief Executive allowing

Jonathan Aitken Jonathan William Patrick Aitken (born 30 August 1942) is a British author, Church of England priest, former prisoner and former Conservative Party politician. Beginning his career in journalism, he was elected to Parliament in 1974 (serving unt ...

to take on the role. **Channel 4 broadcasts in-vision teletext pages for the first time. Two magazines are shown, '' 4-Tel on View'' and '' Oracle on View'' and in fifteen minute bursts which are repeated several times each day prior to the start of each day's transmissions. Teletext pages are only shown on weekdays. *23 March – The BBC regrets that because of an industrial dispute at the printers in next week's edition of Radio Times are in short supply, but copies will be available in the South West, West, North East, parts of the South and North of England, but no S4C listings in the Wales edition.

April

*1 April –

Roland Rat Roland Rat is a British television puppet character. He was created, operated and voiced by David Claridge, who had previously designed and operated Mooncat, a puppet in the Children's ITV television programme '' Get Up and Go!'' Claridge work ...

makes his first appearance on TV-am. Created by David Claridge and launched by TV-am children's editor

Anne Wood Anne Wood, CBE (born 18 December 1937) is an English children's television producer, responsible for creating shows such as ''Teletubbies'' with Andrew Davenport. She is also the creator of ''Tots TV'' and ''Rosie and Jim''. She was a recipien ...

to entertain younger viewers during the Easter holidays, Roland is generally regarded as TV-am's saviour, being described as "the only rat to join a sinking ship". *2 and 9 April – Two issues of Radio Times fail to be published, due to industrial action. *5 April – Debut of '' First Tuesday'' on ITV, the subject matter was mainly social issues and current affairs stories from around the world, with programmes being shown on the first Tuesday of the month. *7 April – ITV airs an evening of programmes under the banner of ''ITV's Channel Four Showcase''. It includes both current and upcoming Channel 4 programmes. *9 April – The US police action series ''

T. J. Hooker ''T. J. Hooker'' is an American police drama television program starring William Shatner in the title role as a 15-year veteran police sergeant. The series premiered as a mid-season replacement on March 13, 1982, on ABC and ran on the network un ...

'' makes its UK debut on ITV, starring

William Shatner William Shatner (born March 22, 1931) is a Canadian actor. In a career spanning seven decades, he is best known for his portrayal of James T. Kirk in the ''Star Trek'' franchise, from his 1965 debut as the captain of the starship USS Enterpri ...

. *12 April – Timothy Aitken succeeds his cousin Jonathan as chief executive of TV-am, due to the IBA rules regarding MPs operating a television station. *15 April – BBC2 launches the long-running showbiz programme ''

Entertainment USA ''Entertainment USA'' was a British television series broadcast by the BBC. It was first shown on BBC2 in 1983, ran for eight years and was devised and presented by Jonathan King. The show presented entertainment news, clips, interviews and ...

'', presented by

Jonathan King Jonathan King (born Kenneth George King; 6 December 1944) is an English singer, songwriter and record producer. He first came to prominence in 1965 when "Everyone's Gone to the Moon", a song that he wrote and sang while still an undergraduate, ...

. *19 April –

and

Anna Ford Anna Ford (born 2 October 1943) is an English former journalist, television presenter and newsreader. She first worked as a researcher, news reporter and later newsreader for Granada Television, ITN, and the BBC. Ford helped launch the British ...

are axed from TV-am. *29 April –

Michael Parkinson Sir Michael Parkinson (born 28 March 1935) is an English broadcaster, journalist and author. He presented his television talk show '' Parkinson'' from 1971 to 1982 and from 1998 to 2007, as well as other talk shows and programmes both in the U ...

is appointed to TV-am's board of directors. * April – ''

No. 73 ''No 73'', later retitled ''7T3'', is a British 1980s children's TV show produced by Television South (TVS) for the ITV network. It was broadcast live on Saturday mornings and ran from 1982 to 1988. The show had an ensemble cast amongst others ...

'' launches nationally as ITV's Saturday morning children's show. It had been launched the previous year as a regional programme by TVS.

May

*1 May – Debut of ''

Alfresco Alfresco may refer to: * ''Al fresco'', or fresco, a technique of mural painting * Al fresco dining * Alfresco Software, an open-source content-management system * ''Alfresco'' (TV series), a 1980s British television comedy series * ''Al fresc ...

'' on ITV, starring

Robbie Coltrane Anthony Robert McMillan (30 March 195014 October 2022), known professionally as Robbie Coltrane, was a Scottish actor and comedian. He gained worldwide recognition in the 2000s for playing Rubeus Hagrid in the ''Harry Potter'' film series. He ...

Ben Elton Benjamin Charles Elton (born 3 May 1959) is an English comedian, actor, author, playwright, lyricist and director. He was a part of London's alternative comedy movement of the 1980s and became a writer on the sitcoms '' The Young Ones'' and ''Bla ...

Stephen Fry Stephen John Fry (born 24 August 1957) is an English actor, broadcaster, comedian, director and writer. He first came to prominence in the 1980s as one half of the comic double act Fry and Laurie, alongside Hugh Laurie, with the two starring ...

Hugh Laurie James Hugh Calum Laurie (; born 11 June 1959) is an English actor, comedian, writer, and musician. He first gained recognition for his work as one half of the comedy double act Fry and Laurie with Stephen Fry. The two men acted together in a ...

Siobhan Redmond Siobhan Redmond, ( ; born 27 July 1959) is a Scottish actress, a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company, and known for various stage, audio and television roles. Early life Siobhan Redmond was born on 27 July 1959 in the Tollcross area of ...

and

Emma Thompson Dame Emma Thompson (born 15 April 1959) is a British actress. Regarded as one of the best actresses of her generation, she has received numerous accolades throughout her four-decade-long career, including two Academy Awards, two British A ...

. It was named after the Italian word meaning "in the fresh air", unusual for a comedy sketch show of the time. *2 May – From that day, Ceefax pages are broadcast during all daytime downtime although BBC2 continues to fully close down for four hours after '' Play School''. Teletext transmissions also begin on Channel 4 at around this time. *4 May – Jack Scott retires from the Met Office and presents his final national forecast for BBC Weather after 14 years and joining ''

Thames News ''Thames News'' was the flagship regional news programme of Thames Television, serving the Thames ITV region and broadcast on weekdays from 12 September 1977 to 31 December 1992. The news service was produced and broadcast from Thames TV's headq ...

'' as its weatherman for five years. *5 May **London-based listings magazine Time Out is not allowed to publish full day's television listings for BBC, ITV and Channel 4 programmes altogether, for some reasons that the Radio Times (BBC television/radio) and TVTimes (ITV/Channel 4) has brought the rights to publish other magazines such as newspapers, before the deregulation of television listings from 1 March 1991. **''

Top of the Pops ''Top of the Pops'' (''TOTP'') is a British Record chart, music chart television programme, made by the BBC and originally broadcast weekly between 1January 1964 and 30 July 2006. The programme was the world's longest-running weekly music show ...

'' celebrates its 1000th edition. The programme is also broadcast on

BBC Radio 1 BBC Radio 1 is a British national radio station owned and operated by the BBC. It specialises in modern popular music and current chart hits throughout the day. The station provides alternative genres at night, including electronica, dance, ...

to allow viewers to listen to the programme in stereo. *11 May – Peter Adamson makes his last appearance as

Len Fairclough Leonard Franklin "Len" Fairclough is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', portrayed by Peter Adamson between his introduction in 1961 and the character's axing in 1983. Storylines Len was from Liverpoo ...

on ''

''. *17 May – ''

Engineering Announcements ''Engineering Announcements for the Radio and Television Trade'', sometimes abbreviated to ''Engineering Announcements'', was a weekly magazine of news and information intended for technicians and salespeople in the United Kingdom, produced and ...

'' is broadcast on ITV for the final time. *23 May – TV-am's new look begins as ''Daybreak'' is axed, with ''Good Morning Britain'' extending to start at 6:25am. Commander David Philpott is moved to present the weather at the weekends only, with

Wincey Willis 1948 births Living people British infotainers Weather presenters Wincey Willis (born Florence Winsome Leighton; 8 August 1948) is a British television and radio broadcaster who was most active in the 1980s. She is perhaps best known for being pa ...

becoming the new weekday weather presenter. *24 May – ''

'' is shown on Channel 4 and S4C for the first time.

June

*9–10 June – BBC1 and ITV broadcast coverage of the 1983 General Election. *15 June – The first episode of ''

The Black Adder ''The Black Adder'' is the first series of the BBC sitcom ''Blackadder'', written by Richard Curtis and Rowan Atkinson, directed by Martin Shardlow and produced by John Lloyd. The series was originally aired on BBC 1 from 15 June 1983 to 20 Ju ...

'' starring

Rowan Atkinson Rowan Sebastian Atkinson (born 6 January 1955) is an English actor, comedian and writer. He played the title roles on the sitcoms '' Blackadder'' (1983–1989) and ''Mr. Bean'' (1990–1995), and the film series ''Johnny English'' (2003–201 ...

, the first in the successful ''

Blackadder ''Blackadder'' is a series of four period British sitcoms, plus several one-off instalments, which originally aired on BBC One from 1983 to 1989. All television episodes starred Rowan Atkinson as the antihero Edmund Blackadder and Tony Robins ...

'' series of sitcoms, is broadcast on BBC1. Also featuring

Tony Robinson Sir Anthony Robinson (born 15 August 1946) is an English actor, author, broadcaster, comedian, presenter, and political activist. He played Baldrick in the BBC television series ''Blackadder'' and has presented several historical documentaries ...

Tim McInnerny Tim McInnerny ( ; born 18 September 1956) is an English actor. He is known for his many roles on stage and television, including as Lord Percy Percy and Captain Darling in the 1980s British sitcom ''Blackadder''. Early life McInnerny was born ...

and

Brian Blessed Brian Blessed (; born 9 October 1936) is an English actor, presenter, writer and mountaineer. Blessed is known for portraying PC "Fancy" Smith in ''Z-Cars'', Augustus in the 1976 BBC television production of ''I, Claudius'', King Richard IV i ...

. *24 June **BBC Schools programmes under the title ''For Schools, Colleges'' are broadcast for the final time on BBC1 ahead of its move to BBC2 in the Autumn. **

Bob Monkhouse Robert Alan Monkhouse (1 June 1928 – 29 December 2003) was an English comedian, writer and actor. He was the host of television game shows including ''The Golden Shot'', ''Celebrity Squares'', ''Family Fortunes'' and '' ''Wipeout'. Early ...

presents his last episode of ''

Family Fortunes ''Family Fortunes'' is a British television game show based on the American game show ''Family Feud''. The programme ran on ITV from 6 January 1980 to 30 December 2002. A celebrity version, ''All Star Family Fortunes'', followed from 2006 to 2 ...

'' on ITV. *25 June – The network television premiere of the 1979 ''

Dracula ''Dracula'' is a novel by Bram Stoker, published in 1897. As an epistolary novel, the narrative is related through letters, diary entries, and newspaper articles. It has no single protagonist, but opens with solicitor Jonathan Harker taking ...

'' film on ITV, starring

Frank Langella Frank A. Langella Jr. (; born January 1, 1938) is an American stage and film actor. He has won four Tony Awards: two for Best Leading Actor in a Play for his performance as Richard Nixon in Peter Morgan's '' Frost/Nixon'' and as André in Flori ...

and

Laurence Olivier Laurence Kerr Olivier, Baron Olivier (; 22 May 1907 – 11 July 1989) was an English actor and director who, along with his contemporaries Ralph Richardson and John Gielgud, was one of a trio of male actors who dominated the Theatre of the U ...

. *27 June – The shareholders of Satellite Television agree a £5 million offer to give News International 65% of the company.

July

*16 July – Debut of ''

The Mad Death ''The Mad Death'' is a television serial made by BBC Scotland. It was filmed in 1981 and transmitted 2 years later in 1983. Plot The three-part series examined the effects of an outbreak of rabies in the United Kingdom and was noted for its oc ...

'' on BBC1, the three-part series examined the effects of an outbreak of rabies in the United Kingdom and was noted for its occasionally chilling content. *22 July The hit US action-adventure series ''

The A-Team ''The A-Team'' is an American action-adventure television series that ran on NBC from January 1983 to March 1987 about former members of a fictitious United States Army Special Forces unit. The four members of the team were tried by court marti ...

'' makes its UK debut on ITV, with the feature length pilot. The full series commences a week later on 29 July. Starring

Mr.T Mr. T (born Laurence Tureaud, May 21, 1952), is an American actor. He is known for his roles as B. A. Baracus in the 1980s television series ''The A-Team'' and as Boxing, boxer Clubber Lang in the 1982 film ''Rocky III''. He is also known for ...

as B.A. Baracus,

George Peppard George Peppard (; October 1, 1928 – May 8, 1994) was an American actor. He is best remembered for his role as struggling writer Paul Varjak in the 1961 film '' Breakfast at Tiffany's'', and for playing commando leader Col. John "Hannibal ...

as "Hannibal" Smith,

Dirk Benedict Dirk Benedict (born Dirk Niewoehner; March 1, 1945) is an American film, television and stage actor, philosopher and author. He is best known for playing the characters Lieutenant Starbuck in the original ''Battlestar Galactica'' film and telev ...

as Templeton Peck (played by

Tim Dunigan Timothy P. Dunigan (born August 2, 1955) is an American actor who is best known for having played the lead role of Captain Jonathan Power in ''Captain Power and the Soldiers of the Future''. He also played con-man 1st Lt. Templeton "The Face-Man ...

in the pilot) and

Dwight Schultz William Dwight Schultz (born November 24, 1947) is an American television, film and voice actor. He is known for his roles as Captain "Howling Mad" Murdock on the 1980s action series ''The A-Team'' and as Reginald Barclay in the ''Star Trek'' ...

as "Howling Mad" Murdock.

August

*5 August – After 14 years on the air, the final edition of '' Nationwide'' is broadcast on BBC1. *16 August – ITV broadcasts '' Woodentop'' as part of its ''Storyboard'' series. It would later be turned into a series and renamed ''

The Bill ''The Bill'' is a British police procedural television series, first broadcast on ITV from 16 August 1983 until 31 August 2010. The programme originated from a one-off drama, '' Woodentop'', broadcast in August 1983. The programme focused on ...

'', commencing on 16 October 1984 and lasting until 31 August 2010. *27–28 August – BBC2 ''Rocks Around the Clock'' by broadcasting non-stop music programmes all day and also all night. *29 August – The game show '' Blockbusters'' is launched on ITV, presented by

Bob Holness Robert Wentworth John Holness (12 November 1928 – 6 January 2012) was a British-South African radio and television presenter and occasional actor. He presented the British version of '' Blockbusters''. Early life Holness was born in Vryheid, ...

and features sixth-form students as contestants.

September

*5 September ** Filmation's fantasy adventure cartoon series ''

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe ''He-Man and the Masters of the Universe'' is an American animated television series produced by Filmation based on Mattel's toy line ''Masters of the Universe''. The show, often referred to as simply ''He-Man'', was one of the most popular anima ...

'' makes its world premiere on Children's ITV. ** ITV launches the espionage drama ''

Reilly, Ace of Spies ''Reilly, Ace of Spies'' is a 1983 British television programme dramatizing the life of Sidney Reilly, a Russian-born adventurer who became one of the greatest spies ever to work for the United Kingdom and the British Empire. Among his exploits, ...

'', starring

Sam Neill Sir Nigel John Dermot "Sam" Neill (born 14 September 1947) is a New Zealand actor. Neill's near-50 year career has included leading roles in both dramas and blockbusters. Considered an "international leading man", he has been regarded as one o ...

. ** BBC1 screen part one of a four-part presentation of Mario Puzo's ''

The Godfather ''The Godfather'' is a 1972 American crime film directed by Francis Ford Coppola, who co-wrote the screenplay with Mario Puzo, based on Puzo's best-selling 1969 novel of the same title. The film stars Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, ...

''. Shown over consecutive nights, this is a specially re-edited version of both Godfather films, incorporating previously unseen material and presented in chronological order from 1901 to 1959. Directed by

Francis Ford Coppola Francis Ford Coppola (; ; born April 7, 1939) is an American film director, producer, and screenwriter. He is considered one of the major figures of the New Hollywood filmmaking movement of the 1960s and 1970s. Coppola is the recipient of five A ...

and starring

Al Pacino Alfredo James Pacino (; ; born April 25, 1940) is an American actor. Considered one of the most influential actors of the 20th century, he has received numerous accolades: including an Academy Award, two Tony Awards, and two Primetime Emmy ...

and

Robert DeNiro Robert Anthony De Niro Jr. ( , ; born August 17, 1943) is an American actor. Known for his collaborations with Martin Scorsese, he is considered to be one of the best actors of his generation. De Niro is the recipient of various accolades ...

. *6 September – ITV broadcasts ''Killer''. It would later be turned into a series and renamed ''

Taggart ''Taggart'' is a Scottish detective fiction television programme created by Glenn Chandler, who wrote many of the episodes, and made by STV Studios for the ITV network. It originally ran as the miniseries "Killer" from 6 until 20 September 19 ...

''. *9 September – London Weekend Television launches a computerised version of its ident with the tagline "Your Weekend ITV". *12 September – The children's animated series ''

Henry's Cat ''Henry's Cat'' is a British animated children's television series, created by Stan Hayward and directed by Bob Godfrey, who was also the producer of '' Roobarb'' and '' Noah and Nelly in... SkylArk''. The show starring a yellow feline, known o ...

'', created by veteran animators Stan Hayward and

Bob Godfrey Roland Frederick Godfrey MBE (27 May 1921 – 21 February 2013),Daytime on Two'' launches on BBC2. Broadcasting during term time from just after 9am until 3.00pm, the strand encompasses the BBC Schools programming previously shown on BBC1 and the BBC's adult educational programmes which are shown at lunchtime. A special version of its 'Computer Generated 2' is launched to introduce the programmes and a special sequence of Ceefax pages called the ''Daytime on Two information Service'' which is broadcast during the longer gaps between programmes. * September – Central finally launches its East Midlands service. An industrial dispute had prevented them from launching it when it first went on air at the start of 1982.

October

*2 October – ITV shows a live top flight football match for the first time since 1960. This marks the start of English football being shown on a national basis rather than on a regional basis, resulting in ''

The Big Match ''The Big Match'' was a British football television programme, screened on ITV between 1968 and 1992. ''The Big Match'' originally launched on London Weekend Television (LWT) – the ITV regional station that served London and the Home Counties ...

'' becoming a fully national programme. *3 October – ''

Bananaman Bananaman is a fictional character appearing in British comic books. Bananaman is a parody of traditional superheroes, being portrayed as a schoolboy who is transformed into a muscled, caped adult man when he eats a banana. The character origin ...

'' makes its debut on BBC1, based on the ''

Nutty ''Nutty'' was a British comic magazine that ran for 292 issues from 16 February 1980 to 14 September 1985, when it merged with ''The Dandy''. Published by D. C. Thomson & Co. Ltd, ''Nutty'' was an attempt to create a more lively and chaotic co ...

'' comic strip with the voices of

Tim Brooke-Taylor Timothy Julian Brooke-Taylor Order of the British Empire, OBE (17 July 194012 April 2020) was an English actor and comedian best known as a member of The Goodies. He became active in performing in comedy sketches while at the University of Cam ...

Graeme Garden David Graeme Garden OBE (born 18 February 1943) is a Scottish comedian, actor, author, artist and television presenter, best known as a member of The Goodies and a regular panellist on ''I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue''. Early life and education ...

and

Bill Oddie William Edgar Oddie (born 7 July 1941) is an English writer, comedian, songwriter, musician, artist, birder, conservationist, television presenter and actor. He was a member of comedy trio The Goodies. A birder since his childhood in Quinton, ...

(aka ''

The Goodies The Goodies were a trio of British comedians: Tim Brooke-Taylor (17 July 1940–12 April 2020), Graeme Garden (b. 18 February 1943) and Bill Oddie (b. 7 July 1941). The trio created, wrote for and performed in their eponymous television comed ...

''). *4 October **Debut of the Welsh children's animated series ''

SuperTed ''SuperTed'' is a Welsh superhero animated television series about an anthropomorphic teddy bear with superpowers, created by writer and animator Mike Young. Originally created by Young as a series of stories to help his son overcome his fear o ...

'' on BBC1 which was based on a series of stories written by Welsh writer, producer and animator Mike Young to help his son overcome his fear of the dark. The series became so popular it was spawned into merchandising and was broadcast in many countries worldwide. **''

The Adventures of Portland Bill ''The Adventures of Portland Bill'' is a British stop motion animated children's television series made in 1983. It is set in a fictional lighthouse on the Guillemot Rock, just off the coast from the fictional village of McGuillycuddy. Norman Ro ...

'', a stop-motion animated series from FilmFair London makes its debut on ITV. *9 October **

Gerry Anderson Gerald Alexander Anderson (; 14 April 1929 – 26 December 2012) was an English television and film producer, director, writer and occasional voice artist. He remains famous for his futuristic television programmes, especially his 1960s produ ...

and Christopher Burr's science-fiction puppet series ''

Terrahawks ''Gerry Anderson & Christopher Burr's Terrahawks'', usually referred to simply as ''Terrahawks'', is a 1980s British science fiction television series produced by Anderson Burr Pictures for London Weekend Television and created by the product ...

'' makes its debut on ITV, the show was Anderson's first in over a decade to use puppets for its characters and made use of latex Muppet-style hand puppets to animate the characters in a process Anderson dubbed "Supermacromation". **Channel 4 broadcasts

Tony Harrison Tony Harrison (born 30 April 1937) is an English poet, translator and playwright. He was born in Beeston, Leeds and he received his education in Classics from Leeds Grammar School and Leeds University. He is one of Britain's foremost verse w ...

's ''

The Oresteia The ''Oresteia'' ( grc, Ὀρέστεια) is a trilogy of Greek tragedies written by Aeschylus in the 5th century BCE, concerning the murder of Agamemnon by Clytemnestra, the murder of Clytemnestra by Orestes, the trial of Orestes, the end of th ...

'', an adaptation of classical Greek myths. *12 October –

Doris Speed Doris Speed, MBE (3 February 1899 – 16 November 1994) was an English actress, best known for her role as landlady of the Rovers Return Inn Annie Walker on ''Coronation Street'', a role she played from the programme's first episode in 1960 unt ...

makes her last appearance as Annie Walker on ''Coronation Street''. *14 October –

Max Bygraves Walter William Bygraves (16 October 1922 – 31 August 2012), best known by the stage name Max Bygraves (adopted in honour of Max Miller), was an English comedian, singer, actor and variety performer. He appeared on his own television shows, s ...

becomes the new host of ''

'' on ITV. *16 October –

Satellite Television Satellite television is a service that delivers television programming to viewers by relaying it from a communications satellite orbiting the Earth directly to the viewer's location. The signals are received via an outdoor parabolic antenna comm ...

officially begins broadcasting in the UK. The channel had launched the previous year on cable in various European countries but to view the channel in the UK, a satellite dish approximately 10 feet (3 meters) wide had been required due to the channel being broadcast via the Orbital Test Satellite. *24 October – ''

Sixty Minutes ''60 Minutes'' is an American television news magazine broadcast on the CBS television network. Debuting in 1968, the program was created by Don Hewitt and Bill Leonard, who chose to set it apart from other news programs by using a unique sty ...

'' launches on BBC1, replacing '' Nationwide'' but ended less than a year later. *25 October – BBC1 starts airing the seventh season of the US drama series ''

Dallas Dallas () is the List of municipalities in Texas, third largest city in Texas and the largest city in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, the List of metropolitan statistical areas, fourth-largest metropolitan area in the United States at 7.5 ...

''. * October – ''Ceefax In Vision'' is seen through the morning and into the afternoon on BBC2 at the weekend for the first time during the Open University’s off-season. It continues to be shown on weekend mornings until the end of January when they reopen for the new term.

November

*3 November – The network television premiere of '' Battlestar Galactica The Movie'' on ITV. Unbilled as such, this was the extended television version of the film, rather than the theatrical release version. *6 November – The final edition of ''

Sale of the Century ''Sale of the Century'' (stylized as ''$ale of the Century'') is an American television game show that originally debuted on September 29, 1969, on NBC daytime. It was one of three NBC game shows to premiere on that date, the other two being th ...

'' is broadcast on ITV after 12 years on the air. *11 November –

Dick Clement Dick Clement (born 5 September 1937) is an English writer, director and producer. He became known for his writing partnership with Ian La Frenais for television series including ''The Likely Lads'', ''Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads?'', ...

and

Ian La Frenais Ian La Frenais (born 7 January 1937) is an English writer best known for his creative partnership with Dick Clement. They are most famous for television series including ''The Likely Lads'', ''Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads?'', ''Porridg ...

hugely popular comedy-drama ''

Auf Wiedersehen, Pet ''Auf Wiedersehen, Pet'' () is a British comedy-drama television programme about seven British construction workers who leave the United Kingdom to search for employment overseas. In the first series, the men live and work on a building site in ...

'' makes its debut on ITV. *17 November – Debut of the film '' Those Glory Glory Days'' on Channel 4, part of the ''First Love'' series. *18 November – The famous "turkey" episode of ''

'' is broadcast on ITV in which one contestant (Bob Johnson) while playing the Big Money round, offered the answer to the first three questions, it scored zero for the first two questions and 21 points for the third question. Earlier in the episode, both families struggled to name a famous Irishman. *20 November – ITV begins showing the BAFTA and Golden Globe winning three part miniseries ''

Kennedy Kennedy may refer to: People * John F. Kennedy (1917–1963), 35th president of the United States * John Kennedy (Louisiana politician), (born 1951), US Senator from Louisiana * Kennedy (surname), a family name (including a list of persons with t ...

'', starring

Martin Sheen Ramón Antonio Gerardo Estévez (born August 3, 1940), known professionally as Martin Sheen, is an American actor. He first became known for his roles in the films ''The Subject Was Roses'' (1968) and ''Badlands'' (1973), and later achieved wid ...

as US President

John F. Kennedy John Fitzgerald Kennedy (May 29, 1917 – November 22, 1963), often referred to by his initials JFK and the nickname Jack, was an American politician who served as the 35th president of the United States from 1961 until his assassination i ...

. *25 November – BBC1 airs a special feature-length episode of ''

Doctor Who ''Doctor Who'' is a British science fiction television series broadcast by the BBC since 1963. The series depicts the adventures of a Time Lord called the Doctor, an extraterrestrial being who appears to be human. The Doctor explores the u ...

'' to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its first broadcast with ''

The Five Doctors ''The Five Doctors'' is a special feature-length episode of the British science fiction television series ''Doctor Who'', produced in celebration of the programme's 20th anniversary. It had its world premiere in the United States, on the Chicago ...

'', featuring all the previous Doctors alongside '' Peter Davison's'' current

Time Lord The Time Lords are a fictional ancient race of extraterrestrial life, extraterrestrial people in the British science fiction television series ''Doctor Who'', of which the series' main protagonist, The Doctor (Doctor Who), the Doctor, is a memb ...

. In the US, Chicago PBS station WTTW show the programme two days before the UK on the 23rd November. *26 November – ITV shows the 1979 time travel film '' Time After Time'', starring

Malcolm McDowell Malcolm McDowell (born Malcolm John Taylor; 13 June 1943) is a British actor, producer, and television presenter. He is best known for portraying Alex DeLarge in ''A Clockwork Orange.'' He was born in the Horsforth suburb of Leeds and raised in ...

and

David Warner David or Dave Warner may refer to: Sports * Dave Warner (strongman) (born 1969), Northern Ireland strongman competitor * David Bruce Warner (born 1970), South African alpine skier * David Warner (cricketer) (born 1986), Australian cricketer Oth ...

. *29 November – BBC1 airs ''

An Englishman Abroad ''An Englishman Abroad'' is a 1983 BBC television drama film based on the true story of a chance meeting of actress Coral Browne with Guy Burgess, a member of the Cambridge spy ring who spied for the Soviet Union while an officer at MI6. The pro ...

'', based on the true story of a chance meeting of actress

Coral Browne Coral Edith Browne (23 July 1913 – 29 May 1991) was an Australian-American stage and screen actress. Her extensive theatre credits included Broadway productions of ''Macbeth'' (1956), '' The Rehearsal'' (1963) and '' The Right Honourable Gentl ...

, with

Guy Burgess Guy Francis de Moncy Burgess (16 April 1911 – 30 August 1963) was a British diplomat and Soviet agent, and a member of the Cambridge Five spy ring that operated from the mid-1930s to the early years of the Cold War era. His defection in 1951 ...

(

Alan Bates Sir Alan Arthur Bates (17 February 1934 – 27 December 2003) was an English actor who came to prominence in the 1960s, when he appeared in films ranging from the popular children's story '' Whistle Down the Wind'' to the " kitchen sink" dram ...

), a member of the Cambridge spy ring who spied for the Soviet Union while an officer at MI6. The production was written by

Alan Bennett Alan Bennett (born 9 May 1934) is an English actor, author, playwright and screenwriter. Over his distinguished entertainment career he has received numerous awards and honours including two BAFTA Awards, four Laurence Olivier Awards, and tw ...

and directed by

John Schlesinger John Richard Schlesinger (; 16 February 1926 – 25 July 2003) was an English film and stage director. He won the Academy Award for Best Director for ''Midnight Cowboy'', and was nominated for the same award for two other films ('' Darling'' an ...

; Browne stars as herself. *30 November – Debut of the

Jim Davidson James Cameron Davidson (born 13 December 1953) is an English stand-up comedian, actor, singer and TV presenter. He hosted the television shows ''Big Break'' and ''The Generation Game''. He also developed two adult pantomime shows such as ''Bo ...

sitcom ''

Up the Elephant and Round the Castle ''Up the Elephant and Round the Castle'' is a British television sitcom, which aired from 1983 to 1985, and was produced by Thames Television for the ITV network. Starring comedian Jim Davidson, who played the role of Jim London, the show spaw ...

'' on ITV. *November – An episode of ITV's animated series '' Danger Mouse'' has viewing figures reaching 21.59 million, an all-time high for a British children's programme.

December

*3 December **For the last time to date, Radio Times misses an issue but due to a print workers dispute. **The music video for '' Michael Jackson's Thriller'', directed by

John Landis John David Landis (born August 3, 1950) is an American comedy and fantasy filmmaker and actor. He is best known for the comedy films that he has directed – such as ''The Kentucky Fried Movie'' (1977), ''Animal House, National Lampoon's Animal ...

, makes its debut on Channel 4 at 1:05am. * 5 December – Following the end of the '' Daytime on Two'' term, Ceefax is shown non-stop throughout the day on BBC2 for the first time with transmissions running continuously from around 9am until the start of programmes at 5:35pm. *10 December – ITV airs ''

The Day After ''The Day After'' is an American television film that first aired on November 20, 1983 on the American Broadcasting Company, ABC television network. More than 100 million people, in nearly 39 million households, watched the film durin ...

'', about a fictional war between the NATO forces and the Warsaw Pact countries that rapidly escalates into a full-scale nuclear exchange between the United States and the Soviet Union which were due to start World War III. *21 December – The network television premiere of ''

The Fog ''The Fog'' is a 1980 American supernatural horror film directed by John Carpenter, who also co-wrote the screenplay and created the music for the film. It stars Adrienne Barbeau, Jamie Lee Curtis, Tom Atkins, Janet Leigh and Hal Holbrook. It ...

'',

John Carpenter John Howard Carpenter (born January 16, 1948) is an American filmmaker, actor, and composer. Although he worked in various film genres, he is most commonly associated with horror, action, and science fiction films of the 1970s and 1980s. He ...

's 1980 horror film on BBC1. *22 December – ITV shows the feature-length 1979

Filmation Filmation Associates was an American production company that produced animation and live-action programming for television from 1963 until 1989. Located in Reseda, California, the animation studio was founded in 1962. Filmation's founders and pr ...

cartoon '' Flash Gordon: The Greatest Adventure of All''. *24 December – The network television premiere of the cult 1980 ''

Flash Gordon Flash Gordon is the protagonist of a space adventure comic strip created and originally drawn by Alex Raymond. First published January 7, 1934, the strip was inspired by, and created to compete with, the already established ''Buck Rogers'' adve ...

'' movie on BBC1, starring

Sam J. Jones Samuel Gerald Jones (born August 12, 1954), known professionally as Sam J. Jones, is an American actor and former football player. He is known for playing the title character in the 1980 film ''Flash Gordon'' and for starring in the short-lived ...

Melody Anderson Melody Anderson (born December 3, 1955) is a Canadian retired actress, social worker and public speaker specializing in the impact of addiction on families. As an actress, her most high-profile role was playing Dale Arden in the 1980 adaptation ...

Topol Topol may refer to: Missiles * RT-2PM Topol, a Russian intercontinental ballistic missile in service from 1985 * RT-2PM2 Topol-M, a Russian intercontinental ballistic missile in service from 1997 People * Topol (surname) * Chaim Topol, Israeli a ...

Max von Sydow Max von Sydow ( , ; born Carl Adolf von Sydow; 10 April 1929 – 8 March 2020) was a Swedish-French actor. He had a 70-year career in European and American cinema, television, and theatre, appearing in more than 150 films and several television ...

Timothy Dalton Timothy Leonard Dalton Leggett (; born 21 March 1946) is a British actor. Beginning his career on stage, he made his film debut as Philip II of France in the 1968 historical drama ''The Lion in Winter''. He gained international prominence as ...

and

. *25 December **Channel 4 airs ''

Skywhales ''Skywhales'' is a 1983 British animated drama short film by Derek Hayes and Phil Austin that depicts a fictional society of alien creatures dwelling in the atmosphere of a gas giant. The film is noted for the completeness of its depiction of a f ...

'', a animated short film by

Derek Hayes Derek Hayes (born 8 December 1977 in Dungannon) is a British former race driver from Northern Ireland who competed in various series including Formula Palmer Audi, Formula 3 Euroseries, NASCAR Busch Series and British Formula 3. In the latter, ...

and Phil Austin that depicts a fictional society of alien creatures dwelling in the atmosphere of a

gas giant A gas giant is a giant planet composed mainly of hydrogen and helium. Gas giants are also called failed stars because they contain the same basic elements as a star. Jupiter and Saturn are the gas giants of the Solar System. The term "gas giant" ...

, noted for the completeness of its depiction of a fictitious society including social structures and practices. **

Terry Wogan Sir Michael Terence Wogan (; 3 August 1938 – 31 January 2016) was an Irish radio and television broadcaster who worked for the BBC in the UK for most of his career. Between 1993 and his semi-retirement in December 2009, his BBC Radio 2 weekd ...

presents his final edition of ''

Blankety Blank ''Blankety Blank'' is a British comedy game show which started in 1979 and is still running today, albeit with some sizeable gaps. The original series ran from 18 January 1979 to 12 March 1990 on BBC1, hosted first by Terry Wogan from 1979 un ...

'' on BBC1. *26 December – The network television premiere of

John G. Avildsen John Guilbert Avildsen (December 21, 1935 – June 16, 2017) was an American film director. He is perhaps best known for directing ''Rocky'' (1976), which earned him the Academy Award for Best Director, and the first three ''The Karate Kid'' fil ...

's 1976 boxing drama film ''

Rocky ''Rocky'' is a 1976 American sports drama film directed by John G. Avildsen and written by and starring Sylvester Stallone. It is the first installment in the ''Rocky'' franchise and stars Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers, and Burgess M ...

'' on BBC1, starring

Sylvester Stallone Sylvester Enzio Stallone (; born Michael Sylvester Gardenzio Stallone, ) is an American actor and filmmaker. After his beginnings as a struggling actor for a number of years upon arriving to New York City in 1969 and later Hollywood in 1974, h ...

Talia Shire Talia Rose Shire (née Coppola; born April 25, 1946) is an American actress who played roles as Connie Corleone in ''The Godfather'' films and Adrian Balboa in the ''Rocky'' series. For her work in ''The Godfather Part II'' and ''Rocky'', Shire ...

Burt Young Gerald Tommaso DeLouise (born April 30, 1940), known professionally as Burt Young, is an American actor, author and painter. He played Rocky Balboa's brother-in-law and best friend Paulie Pennino in the ''Rocky'' film series. He was nominated for ...

Burgess Meredith Oliver Burgess Meredith (November 16, 1907 – September 9, 1997) was an American actor and filmmaker whose career encompassed theater, film, and television. Active for more than six decades, Meredith has been called "a virtuosic actor" and "on ...

and

Carl Weathers Carl Weathers (born January 14, 1948) is an American actor and former professional football player. He is known for his roles as boxer Apollo Creed in the first four ''Rocky'' films (1976–85), George Dillon in ''Predator'' (1987), Action Jac ...

. *27 December – The network television premiere of '' Oh, God!'' on BBC2,

Carl Reiner Carl Reiner (March 20, 1922 – June 29, 2020) was an American actor, stand-up comedian, director, screenwriter, and author whose career spanned seven decades. He was the recipient of many awards and honors, including 11 Primetime Emmy Awards, ...

's comedy about an unassuming supermarket manager chosen by God to spread his message and starring

George Burns George Burns (born Nathan Birnbaum; January 20, 1896March 9, 1996) was an American comedian, actor, writer, and singer, and one of the few entertainers whose career successfully spanned vaudeville, radio, film and television. His arched eyebr ...

and

John Denver Henry John Deutschendorf Jr. (December 31, 1943 – October 12, 1997), known professionally as John Denver, was an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, actor, activist, and humanitarian whose greatest commercial success was as a solo singe ...

. *28 December – ITV screen the UK terrestrial premiere of the 1976 horror film ''

Carrie Carrie may refer to: People * Carrie (name), a female given name and occasionally a surname Places in the United States * Carrie, Kentucky, an unincorporated community * Carrie, Virginia, an unincorporated community * Carrie Glacier, Olympic Nati ...

'' based on the novel by

Stephen King Stephen Edwin King (born September 21, 1947) is an American author of horror, supernatural fiction, suspense, crime, science-fiction, and fantasy novels. Described as the "King of Horror", a play on his surname and a reference to his high s ...

and starring

Sissy Spacek Mary Elizabeth Spacek (; born December 25, 1949) is an American actress and singer. She is the recipient of numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, three Golden Globe Awards, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and nominations for four Briti ...

. *29 December – Channel 4 broadcasts

Raymond Briggs Raymond Redvers Briggs (18 January 1934 – 9 August 2022) was an English illustrator, cartoonist, graphic novelist and author. Achieving critical and popular success among adults and children, he is best known in Britain for his 1978 story ...

' animated television film ''

The Snowman ''The Snowman'' is a 1982 British animated television film based on Raymond Briggs's 1978 picture book ''The Snowman.'' It was directed by Dianne Jackson for Channel 4. It was first shown on 26 December 1982, and was an immediate success. It wa ...

'' for the second time, with a new introduction by legendary pop superstar

David Bowie David Robert Jones (8 January 194710 January 2016), known professionally as David Bowie ( ), was an English singer-songwriter and actor. A leading figure in the music industry, he is regarded as one of the most influential musicians of the ...

Debuts

BBC1

*5 January – ''

Captain Zep – Space Detective ''Captain Zep – Space Detective'' is a British television children's series produced by the BBC between 1983 and 1984. Constructed as part drama and part quiz game, ''Captain Zep'' featured mysteries that would be solved by the child audience ...

'' (1983–1984) *12 January – '' Skorpion'' (1983) *16 January – ''

Dombey and Son ''Dombey and Son'' is a novel by English author Charles Dickens. It follows the fortunes of a shipping firm owner, who is frustrated at the lack of a son to follow him in his footsteps; he initially rejects his daughter's love before eventual ...

'' (1983) *17 January – '' Breakfast Time'' (1983–1989) *20 January ** '' The Climber'' (1983) ** ''

The Citadel The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, commonly known simply as The Citadel, is a Public college, public United States senior military college, senior military college in Charleston, South Carolina. Established in 1842, it is one ...

'' (1983) *14 February – ''

Little Miss "Little Miss" is a song written and recorded by the American country music duo Sugarland. It was released in November 2010 as the second single from the album '' The Incredible Machine''. Before the album's release, the song charted on the ''Bi ...

'' (along with

Mr. Men ''Mr. Men'' is a British series of children's books by English author Roger Hargreaves which began publication in August 1971. From 1981, an accompanying series of Little Miss books by the same author (but with female characters) was published. ...

reruns) (BBC1 1983–1987, BBC2 1988) *17 February – '' Gran'' (1983) *23 February – ''

The Machine Gunners ''The Machine Gunners'' is a children's historical novel by Robert Westall, published by Macmillan in 1975. Set in northeastern England shortly after the Battle of Britain (February 1941), it features children who find a crashed German aircraft w ...

'' (1983) *8 March – ''

Baker Street Boys ''The Baker Street Boys'' is a British television series made by the BBC and first shown in 1983. The series recounts the adventures of a gang of street urchins living in Victorian London who assist the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes in solv ...

'' (1983) *23 March – ''

To the Lighthouse ''To the Lighthouse'' is a 1927 novel by Virginia Woolf. The novel centres on the Ramsay family and their visits to the Isle of Skye in Scotland between 1910 and 1920. Following and extending the tradition of modernist novelists like Marcel ...

'' (1983) *29 March – ''

Tears Before Bedtime Tears are a clear liquid secreted by the lacrimal glands (tear gland) found in the eyes of all land mammals. Tears are made up of water, electrolytes, proteins, lipids, and mucins that form layers on the surface of eyes. The different types of ...

'' (1983) *7 April – ''

Jury A jury is a sworn body of people (jurors) convened to hear evidence and render an impartiality, impartial verdict (a Question of fact, finding of fact on a question) officially submitted to them by a court, or to set a sentence (law), penalty o ...

'' (1983) *13 May – ''Thief'' (1983) *3 June – '' Jack of Diamonds'' (1983) *5 June – ''

The Hot Shoe Show ''The'' () is a grammatical article in English, denoting persons or things already mentioned, under discussion, implied or otherwise presumed familiar to listeners, readers, or speakers. It is the definite article in English. ''The'' is the ...

'' (1983–1984) *15 June – ''

'' (1983–1989) *16 July – ''

'' (1983) *3 September – ''

Remington Steele ''Remington Steele'' is an American television series co-created by Robert Butler and Michael Gleason. The series, starring Stephanie Zimbalist and Pierce Brosnan, was produced by MTM Enterprises and first broadcast on the NBC network from Oc ...

'' (1982–1987) *12 September – ''

'' (1983–1993) *13 September – ''

The Dark Side of the Sun ''The'' () is a grammatical article in English, denoting persons or things already mentioned, under discussion, implied or otherwise presumed familiar to listeners, readers, or speakers. It is the definite article in English. ''The'' is the m ...

'' (1983) *22 September ** '' Give Us a Break'' (1983–1984) ** ''

Just Good Friends ''Just Good Friends'' is a British sitcom written by John Sullivan. It stars Paul Nicholas and Jan Francis as former lovers Vincent Pinner and Penny Warrender, who meet in a pub five years after he jilted her at the altar. Three series and a 9 ...

'' (1983–1986) ** ''

Breadwinners The breadwinner model is a paradigm of family centered on a wikt:breadwinner, breadwinner, "the member of a family who earns the money to support the others." Traditionally, the earner works outside the home to provide the family with income and b ...

'' (1983–1986) *3 October – ''

'' (1983–1986) *4 October – ''

'' (1983–1986) *5 October – '' Seaview'' (1983–1985) *9 October – ''

Jane Eyre ''Jane Eyre'' ( ; originally published as ''Jane Eyre: An Autobiography'') is a novel by the English writer Charlotte Brontë. It was published under her pen name "Currer Bell" on 19 October 1847 by Smith, Elder & Co. of London. The first ...

'' (1983) *16 October **''

By the Sword Divided ''By the Sword Divided'' is a British television series produced by the BBC between 1983 and 1985. The series, created by John Hawkesworth (producer), John Hawkesworth, was a historical drama set during the mid-17th century, dealing with the imp ...

'' (1983–1985) **'' Sweet Sixteen'' (1983) *24 October – ''

'' (1983–1984) *25 October – '' Don't Wait Up'' (1983–1990) *7 November – '' So You Want to be Top?'' (1983–1985) *9 November – '' Spyship'' (1983) *10 November – ''

Johnny Jarvis ''Johnny Jarvis'' is a 1983 British television drama series created and written by Nigel Williams, adapted from his novel of the same title. The series was directed by Alan Dossor and produced by Guy Slater for the BBC. The principal actors wer ...

'' (1983) *16 November – ''The Winner'' (1983) *29 November – ''

'' (1983) *13 December ** '' The Aerodrome'' (1983) ** '' No Place Like Home'' (1983–1987) *26 December – ''The Tale of Beatrix Potter'' (1982) *30 December – ''

Waters of the Moon ''Waters of the Moon'' is a 1951 stage play by N. C. Hunter which originally ran for two years at the Theatre Royal Haymarket from 1951 to 1953. It was adapted into a 1961 TV play broadcast by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. This version ...

'' (1983)

BBC2

*10 January – '' Making the Most of the Micro'' (1983) *11 January - ''

Look and Read ''Look and Read'' is a BBC Television programme for primary schools, aimed at improving children's literacy skills. The programme presents fictional stories in a serial format, the first of which was broadcast in 1967 and the most recent in 20 ...

'': ''Fairground'' (1983) *19 January – ''

The Cleopatras ''The Cleopatras'' is a 1983 BBC Television eight-part historical drama serial. Written by Philip Mackie, it is set in Ancient Egypt during the latter part of the Ptolemaic Dynasty with an emphasis on the Cleopatras. Intended to be the ''I, Cla ...

'' (1983) *7 March – ''

My Cousin Rachel ''My Cousin Rachel'' is a Gothic novel written by English author Daphne du Maurier, published in 1951. Bearing thematic similarities to her earlier and more famous novel '' Rebecca'', it is a mystery-romance, set primarily on a large estate in ...

'' (1983) *10 March – ''

Tucker's Luck ''Tucker's Luck'' is a British television series made by the BBC between 1983 and 1985. The series is a spin-off from the school drama ''Grange Hill (TV series), Grange Hill'' and capitalised on the popularity of one of the series' original char ...

'' (1983–1985) *15 March – ''

Dear Ladies ''Dear Ladies'' is a British comedy television series which aired on the BBC in 21 episodes between 1983 and 1984. It featured the comic characters Hinge and Bracket, played by George Logan and Patrick Fyffe. The comedy is set in and around t ...

'' (1983–1985) *13 April – ''

Shackleton Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton (15 February 1874 – 5 January 1922) was an Anglo-Irish Antarctic explorer who led three British expeditions to the Antarctic. He was one of the principal figures of the period known as the Heroic Age of An ...

'' (1983) *15 May – ''

'' (1983-1989) *18 May – ''

Pinkerton's Progress Pinkerton is a private security guard and detective agency established around 1850 in the United States by Scottish-born cooper Allan Pinkerton and Chicago attorney Edward Rucker as the North-Western Police Agency, which later became Pinkerton ...

'' (1983) *7 July – '' The Crystal Cube'' (1983) *3 August – '' Grey Granite'' (1983) *7 September – '' The Gathering Seed'' (1983) *15 September – ''

The Old Men at the Zoo ''The Old Men at the Zoo'' is a novel written by Angus Wilson, first published in 1961 by Secker and Warburg and by Penguin books in 1964. It was adapted, with many changes—nuclear bombing of London, not present in the novel, is added—into ...

'' (1983) *2 October – '' Micro Live'' (1983–1987) *24 October – ''

The Bob Monkhouse Show Robert Alan Monkhouse (1 June 1928 – 29 December 2003) was an English comedian, writer and actor. He was the host of television game shows including '' The Golden Shot'', ''Celebrity Squares'', ''Family Fortunes'' and '' ''Wipeout'. Earl ...

'' (1983–1986) *28 October – '' Good Behaviour'' (1983) *29 October – ''

The Beggar's Opera ''The Beggar's Opera'' is a ballad opera in three acts written in 1728 by John Gay with music arranged by Johann Christoph Pepusch. It is one of the watershed plays in Augustan drama and is the only example of the once thriving genre of satiri ...

'' (1983) *6 November – ''

Mansfield Park ''Mansfield Park'' is the third published novel by Jane Austen, first published in 1814 by Thomas Egerton. A second edition was published in 1816 by John Murray, still within Austen's lifetime. The novel did not receive any public reviews unt ...

'' (1983) *16 December – ''Heartattack Hotel'' (1983) *19 December – ''

A Talent for Murder ''A Talent for Murder'' is a 1983 British television film directed by Alvin Rakoff, starring Angela Lansbury, Laurence Olivier and Hildegard Neil;Parish p.38 the 1981, Edgar award winning Broadway theatre, Broadway play of the same name, written ...

'' (1983)

ITV

*3 January – ''

'' (Afternoon block 1983–2007, Morning block 1983–present) *4 January – '' Bloomfield'' (1983) *5 January – ''

Unknown Chaplin ''Unknown Chaplin'' is a three-part 1983 British documentary series about the career and methods of the silent film luminary Charlie Chaplin, using previously unseen film for illustration. The series consist of three episodes, with title ''My H ...

'' (1983) *6 January – ''

The Coral Island ''The Coral Island: A Tale of the Pacific Ocean'' (1857) is a novel written by Scottish people, Scottish author . One of the first works of young adult fiction, juvenile fiction to feature exclusively juvenile heroes, the story relates the a ...

'' (1983) *9 January – ''

The Forgotten Story ''The Forgotten Story'' is a 1945 historical novel by the British novel Winston Graham. In the late nineteenth century a barquentine crashes on the rocks of the Cornish coast. Adaptations Dylan Thomas was commissioned to write an adaptation of t ...

'' (1983) *10 January ** ''

Alphabet Zoo ''Alphabet Zoo'' is a series of ten-minute programmes for young children, produced by Granada Television and was broadcast on ITV for two series in 1983 and 1984. It was presented by singer Ralph McTell and actress Nerys Hughes. Each episode is d ...

'' (1983–1984) ** ''

Mike Yarwood in Persons Mike may refer to: Animals * Mike (cat), cat and guardian of the British Museum * Mike the Headless Chicken, chicken that lived for 18 months after his head had been cut off * Mike (chimpanzee), a chimpanzee featured in several books and documenta ...

'' (1983–1984) *16 January – ''

Live from Her Majesty's ''Live from...'' was a Sunday night live entertainment variety show, variety television show that aired on ITV (TV network), ITV from 16 January 1983 to 27 November 1988 and was hosted by Jimmy Tarbuck. It was broadcast live from a theatre in ...

'' (1983–1988) *22 January – ''

Luna Luna commonly refers to: * Earth's Moon, named "Luna" in Latin * Luna (goddess), the ancient Roman personification of the Moon Luna may also refer to: Places Philippines * Luna, Apayao * Luna, Isabela * Luna, La Union * Luna, San Jose Roma ...

'' (1983–1984) *24 January – ''

The Moomins The Moomins ( sv, Mumintroll) are the central characters in a series of novels, short stories, and a comic strip by Finns, Finnish writer and illustrator Tove Jansson, originally published in Swedish language, Swedish by Schildts in Finland. The ...

'' (1983–1985) *25 January – ''

The Hard Word ''The Hard Word'' (released in some regions as ''The Australian Job'') is a 2002 Australian crime film about three bank-robbing brothers who are offered a role in a bold heist while serving time in prison. The film was written and directed by Sc ...

'' (1983) *1 February **'' Daybreak'' (1983) **'' Good Morning Britain'' (1983–1992) *2 February – '' The Home Front'' (1983) *6 February – '' Sons and Daughters'' (1982–1987) *11 February – ''

Pictures An image is a visual representation of something. It can be two-dimensional, three-dimensional, or somehow otherwise feed into the visual system to convey information. An image can be an artifact, such as a photograph or other two-dimensiona ...

'' (1983) *13 February – '' Number 10'' (1983) *17 February - ''

'' (1982–1986) *20 February – ''

The Boy Who Won the Pools ''The'' () is a grammatical article in English, denoting persons or things already mentioned, under discussion, implied or otherwise presumed familiar to listeners, readers, or speakers. It is the definite article in English. ''The'' is the m ...

'' (1983) *21 February – ''

Brass Brass is an alloy of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn), in proportions which can be varied to achieve different mechanical, electrical, and chemical properties. It is a substitutional alloy: atoms of the two constituents may replace each other with ...

'' (1983–1990) *10 March – ''

'' (1982) *13 March – '' Cuffy'' (1983) *16 March – ''

Widows A widow (female) or widower (male) is a person whose spouse has died. Terminology The state of having lost one's spouse to death is termed ''widowhood''. An archaic term for a widow is "relict," literally "someone left over". This word can so ...

'' (1983–1985) *22 March – ''

Studio A studio is an artist or worker's workroom. This can be for the purpose of acting, architecture, painting, pottery (ceramics), sculpture, origami, woodworking, scrapbooking, photography, graphic design, filmmaking, animation, industrial design ...

'' (1983) *5 April – '' First Tuesday'' (1983–1993) *8 April **''

Death of an Expert Witness ''Death of an Expert Witness'' is an Adam Dalgliesh novel by P. D. James, published in 1977. It begins with the discovery of a young girl who has been murdered and dumped in a quarry. However, this is not the focus of the novel, but rather is u ...

'' (1983) **''

Make Me Laugh ''Make Me Laugh'' was an American television game show in which contestants watch three stand-up comedians performing their acts, one at a time, earning one dollar for every second that they could make it through without laughing. Each comedian ha ...

'' (1983) *9 April – ''

'' (1982-1986) *12 April – ''

Goodnight and God Bless ''Goodnight and God Bless'' is a British television sitcom which first aired on ITV in 1983.Roberts p.140 It is based around the life of popular television quiz host Ronnie Kemp, whose staff and father-in-law hate him. Actors who appeared in epi ...

'' (1983) *16 April – ''

Philip Marlowe, Private Eye ''Philip Marlowe, Private Eye'' is an American mystery series that aired on HBO in the United States from April 16, 1983 through June 3, 1986, and on ITV in the United Kingdom. The series features Powers Boothe as Raymond Chandler's title chara ...

'' (1983–1986) *18 April – ''

Spooky Spooky or Spookey may refer to: something that will cause creepiness or uncanniness. Arts and entertainment Music Musicians * Spooky (house music duo) * Spookey (UK band), a 1970s soul band based in Manchester *DJ Spooky, musician and producer * ...

'' (1983) *29 April – '' Hallelujah!'' (1983–1984) *1 May – ''

'' (1983–1984) *9 May – ''

Jamaica Inn The Jamaica Inn is a traditional inn on Bodmin Moor in Cornwall in the UK, which was built as a coaching inn in 1750, and has a historical association with smuggling. Located just off the A30, near the middle of the moor close to the hamle ...

'' (1983) *17 May – '' No Excuses'' (1983) *27 May – '' Shades of Darkness'' (1983) *8 June – ''

Jemima Shore Investigates ''Jemima Shore Investigates'' is a British mystery television series which originally aired in twelve episodes in 1983. It is based on a series of novels by Antonia Fraser about Jemima Shore, a crime-solving television presenter.Brunsdale p.361-63 ...

'' (1983) *19 June – '' Birth of a Nation'' (1983) *20 June – '' The Happy Apple'' (1983) *26 June – ''Flying into the Wind'' (1983) *3 July – ''Rhino'' (1983) *5 July – ''

Moschops ''Moschops'' (Greek for "calf face") is an extinct genus of therapsids that lived in the Guadalupian epoch, around 265–260 million years ago. They were heavily built plant eaters, and they may have lived partly in water, as hippopotamuses do. ...

'' (1983) *10 July **''

Made in Britain ''Made in Britain'' is a 1983 British television play written by David Leland and directed by Alan Clarke. It follows a 16-year-old racist skinhead and his constant confrontations with authority figures. It was broadcast on ITV on 10 July 198 ...

'' (1983) **'' A Married Man'' (1983) *22 July – ''

'' (1983–1987) *24 July – '' Now and Then'' (1983–1984) *25 July – ''

Miracles Take Longer ''Miracles Take Longer'' is a United Kingdom drama series broadcast on ITV from January 1984 to May 1984 made by Thames Television. The drama depicted the life and cases dealt with by a branch of the Citizens Advice Bureau. The programme w ...

'' (1983–1984) *26 July – ''

Storyboard A storyboard is a graphic organizer that consists of illustrations or images displayed in sequence for the purpose of pre-visualizing a motion picture, animation, motion graphic or interactive media sequence. The storyboarding process, i ...

'' (1983–1989) *29 July – '' The Cabbage Patch'' (1983) *14 August – ''

The Balance of Nature ''The Balance of Nature'' is a 1983 British television drama film directed by Paul Annett, starring Leslie Ash. Outline The film is about the beauty business, seen mostly through the eyes of a Cockney girl from a tower block. Dawn Winch ( Le ...

'' (1983) *23 August – '' Affairs of the Heart'' (1983–1985) *29 August – '' Blockbusters'' (1983–93, 1994–95, 1997, 2000–01, 2012, 2019) *31 August – ''

Charlie Muffin ''Charlie Muffin'' is a 1979 made-for-TV film based on the 1977 novel Charlie M, of the same name by Brian Freemantle. In the United States, U.S., the picture was later re-released under the title ''A Deadly Game''. A Euston Films production ...

'' (1979) *5 September **''

'' (1983–1985) **''

'' (1983) *6 September – ''

'' (1983–2011) *9 September – '' A Brother's Tale'' (1983) *12 September – ''

Dramarama Dramarama is an American, New Jersey–based alternative rock/power pop band, who later moved to Los Angeles. The band was formed in New Jersey in 1982 and disbanded in 1994. The band formally reunited in 2003 following an appearance on VH1's ...

'' (1983–1989) *14 September – ''

The All Electric Amusement Arcade ''The All Electric Amusement Arcade'' is a seven-part British children's television serial aired on ITV in 1983. The show is a musical drama, with nearly every episode featuring an original song performed by in-universe band Electric Arc. The f ...

'' (1983) *30 September – '' The Outsider'' (1983) *3 October **''

Orm and Cheep ''Orm and Cheep'' is a 1980s British children's television series that was aimed at the younger viewers of Children's ITV. It used puppets as the main characters (Orm being a worm and Cheep being a bird) and was narrated by Richard Briers. The s ...

'' (1983–1985) **''

'' (1983–1986) *4 October – ''

'' (1983–1986) *9 October – ''

The Secret Adversary ''The Secret Adversary'' is the second published detective fiction novel by British writer Agatha Christie, first published in January 1922 in the United Kingdom by The Bodley Head and in the United States by Dodd, Mead and Company later in th ...

'' (1983) *16 October – ''

Agatha Christie's Partners in Crime ''Agatha Christie's Partners in Crime'' is a 1983 British television series based on the short stories of the same name by Agatha Christie. It was directed by John A. Davis and Tony Wharmby and starred Francesca Annis and James Warwick in ...

'' (1983–1984) *23 October – ''

Highway A highway is any public or private road or other public way on land. It is used for major roads, but also includes other public roads and public tracks. In some areas of the United States, it is used as an equivalent term to controlled-access ...

'' (1983–1993) *11 November – ''

'' (1983–1986, 2002–2004) *14 November – ''

The Witches and the Grinnygog ''The Witches and the Grinnygog'' is a children's novel by the writer Dorothy Edwards, published in 1981 and shortlisted for that year's Whitbread Prize for a children's book. ''The Witches and the Grinnygog'' is a story of pre-Christian trad ...

'' (1983) *20 November – ''

'' (1983) *23 November – ''

Chessgame ''Chessgame'' is a British television series produced by Granada Television for the ITV network in 1983. Based on a series of novels by Anthony Price, the series dealt with the activities of a quartet of counter-intelligence agents: David Audley ...

'' (1983) *27 November – ''

Struggle Struggle may refer to: Film and TV * ''Struggle'' (2003 film), an Austrian film * Struggle (2013 film) * ''Struggle'' (TV series), 2007 Chinese TV series Music * ''Struggle'' (Nonpoint album), 1999 release * Struggle (Woody Guthrie album), 1 ...

'' (1983–1986) *29 November – '' Saigon: Year of the Cat'' (1983) *30 November – ''

'' (1983–1985) *10 December – ''

'' (1983) *27 December – ''

The Wind in the Willows ''The Wind in the Willows'' is a children's novel by the British novelist Kenneth Grahame, first published in 1908. It details the story of Mole, Ratty, and Badger as they try to help Mr. Toad, after he becomes obsessed with motorcars and gets ...

'' (1983–1987; 1990)

Channel 4

*6 January – ''

'' (1983–1985) *7 January – '' No Problem!'' (1983–1985) *8 January – '' The Lady Is a Tramp'' (1983–1984) *9 January - '' Story of the Alps: My Annette'' (1983) *4 February – ''

'' (1982–1993) *8 February – ''

'' (1983) *17 April – ''

Father's Day Father's Day is a holiday of honoring fatherhood and paternal bonds, as well as the influence of fathers in society. In Catholic countries of Europe, it has been celebrated on 19 March as Saint Joseph's Day since the Middle Ages. In the United ...

'' (1983–1984) *18 April – '' St. Elsewhere'' (1982–1988) *16 June – ''

Red Monarch ''Red Monarch'' is a 1983 British television film starring Colin Blakely as Joseph Stalin. It is directed by Jack Gold and features David Suchet as Lavrentiy Beria and David Threlfall as Stalin's son Vasily. ''Red Monarch'' is a comedy based o ...

'' (1983) *2 July – ''

Nana Nana, Nanna, Na Na or NANA may refer to: People and fictional characters * Nana (given name), including a list of people and characters with the given name * Nana (surname), including a list of people and characters with the surname * Nana ( ...

'' (1981) *7 August – ''

One Summer ''One Summer'' is a 1983 British television drama serial written by Willy Russell and directed by Gordon Flemyng. It stars David Morrissey and Spencer Leigh as two 16-year-old Liverpool boys from broken homes who escape from their grim lives ...

'' (1983) *6 October – ''The Nation's Health'' (1983) *4 November – ''

Who Dares Wins ''Who Dares Wins'' (Latin: ''Qui audet adipiscitur''; el, Ο Τολμών Νικά, ''O tolmón niká''; french: Qui ose gagne; it, Chi osa vince; Portuguese: ''Quem ousa vence''; German: ''Wer wagt, gewinnt'') is a motto made popular in the E ...

'' (1983–1988) *17 November – '' Those Glory Glory Days'' (1983) *24 November – ''

The Country Girls ''The Country Girls'' is a trilogy by Irish author Edna O'Brien. It consists of three novels: ''The Country Girls'' (1960), ''The Lonely Girl (''1962), and '' Girls in Their Married Bliss'' (1964). The trilogy was re-released in 1986 in a single ...

'' (1983) *25 December – ''

'' (1983)

Television shows

Changes of network affiliation

Continuing television shows

1920s

*''BBC Wimbledon'' (1927–1939, 1946–2019, 2021–present)

1930s

The Boat Race The Boat Race is an annual set of rowing races between the Cambridge University Boat Club and the Oxford University Boat Club, traditionally rowed between open-weight eights on the River Thames in London, England. There are separate men's ...

(1938–1939, 1946–2019) *''BBC Cricket'' (1939, 1946–1999, 2020–2024)

1940s

*''

Come Dancing ''Come Dancing'' is a British ballroom dancing competition show that ran on and off on the BBC from 1949 to 1998. Unlike its follow-up show, ''Strictly Come Dancing'', contestants were not celebrities. The show was created by Eric Morley, the ...

'' (1949–1998)

1950s

*''

Panorama A panorama (formed from Greek πᾶν "all" + ὅραμα "view") is any wide-angle view or representation of a physical space, whether in painting, drawing, photography, film, seismic images, or 3D modeling. The word was originally coined in ...

'' (1953–present) *'' Crackerjack'' (1955–1984, 2020–present) *''

What the Papers Say ''What The Papers Say'' is a British radio and television series. It consists of quotations from headlines and comment pages in the previous week's newspapers, read in a variety of voices and accents by actors. The quotes are linked by a scri ...

'' (1956–2008) *''

The Sky at Night ''The Sky at Night'' is a monthly documentary television programme on astronomy produced by the BBC. The show had the same permanent presenter, Sir Patrick Moore, from its first broadcast on 24 April 1957 until 7 January 2013. The latter date ...

'' (1957–present) *''

Blue Peter ''Blue Peter'' is a British children's television entertainment programme created by John Hunter Blair. It is the longest-running children's TV show in the world, having been broadcast since October 1958. It was broadcast primarily from BBC Tel ...

'' (1958–present) *''

Grandstand A grandstand is a normally permanent structure for seating spectators. This includes both auto racing and horse racing. The grandstand is in essence like a single section of a stadium, but differs from a stadium in that it does not wrap a ...

'' (1958–2007)

1960s

*''

'' (1960–present) *''

Songs of Praise ''Songs of Praise'' is a BBC Television religious programme that presents Christian hymns sung in churches of varying denominations from around the UK. The series was first broadcast in October 1961. On that occasion, the venue was the Ta ...

'' (1961–present) *''

'' (1963–1989, 1996, 2005–present) *''

'' (1963–1998) *''

'' (1964–2006) *''

Match of the Day ''Match of the Day'' (abbreviated to ''MOTD'') is a football highlights programme, typically broadcast on BBC One on Saturday nights, during the Premier League season. The show's current presenter is former England international striker Gary L ...

'' (1964–present) *''

Crossroads Crossroads, crossroad, cross road or similar may refer to: * Crossroads (junction), where four roads meet Film and television Films * ''Crossroads'' (1928 film), a 1928 Japanese film by Teinosuke Kinugasa * ''Cross Roads'' (film), a 1930 Brit ...

'' (1964–1988, 2001–2003) *'' Play School'' (1964–1988) *'' Mr. and Mrs.'' (1965–1999) *'' World of Sport'' (1965–1985) *''

Jackanory ''Jackanory'' is a BBC children's television series which was originally broadcast between 1965 and 1996. It was designed to stimulate an interest in reading. The show was first transmitted on 13 December 1965, and the first story was the fairy-t ...

'' (1965–1996, 2006) *''

Sportsnight ''Sportsnight'' was a midweek BBC television sports programme that ran from 1968 until 1997. Sportsview ''Sportsnight'' was a successor to ''Sportsview'' which started on 8 April 1954. ''Sportsview'' was devised by Paul Fox, later Controller ...

'' (1965–1997) *''

Call My Bluff ''Call My Bluff'' is a British panel game show based on the short-lived US version of the same name. It was originally hosted by Robin Ray and later, most notably, by Robert Robinson. Its most prominent panellist was Frank Muir. Format The ga ...

'' (1965–2005) *''

The Money Programme ''The Money Programme'' is a finance and business affairs television programme on BBC Two which ran between April 1966 and November 2010. It was first broadcast on 5 April 1966 and presented by "commentators" (financial journalists) William Davis ...

'' (1966–2010) *''

'' (1968–2002) *''

Screen Test A screen test is a method of determining the suitability of an actor or actress for performing on film or in a particular role. The performer is generally given a scene, or selected lines and actions, and instructed to perform in front of a came ...

'' (1969–1984)

1970s

*''

The Old Grey Whistle Test ''The Old Grey Whistle Test'' (sometimes abbreviated to ''Whistle Test'' or ''OGWT'') is a British television music show. The show was devised by BBC producer Rowan Ayers, commissioned by David Attenborough and aired on BBC2 from 1971 to 1988. ...

'' (1971–1987) *''

The Two Ronnies ''The Two Ronnies'' is a British television comedy sketch show starring Ronnie Barker and Ronnie Corbett. It was created by Bill Cotton and aired on BBC1 from April 1971 to December 1987. The usual format included sketches, solo sections, seria ...

'' (1971–1987, 1991, 1996, 2005) *''

Crown Court The Crown Court is the court of first instance of England and Wales responsible for hearing all Indictable offence, indictable offences, some Hybrid offence, either way offences and appeals lied to it by the Magistrates' court, magistrates' court ...

'' (1972–1984) *''

Are You Being Served? ''Are You Being Served?'' is a British sitcom created and written by executive producer David Croft (Croft also directed some episodes) and Jeremy Lloyd, with contributions from Michael Knowles and John Chapman, for the BBC. Set in London, t ...

'' (1972–1985) *''

Pebble Mill at One ''Pebble Mill at One'' is a British television magazine programme that was broadcast live on weekdays at one o'clock on BBC1, from 2 October 1972 to 23 May 1986, and again from 14 October 1991 to 29 March 1996. It was transmitted from the Pebb ...

'' (1972–1986) *''

Weekend World ''Weekend World'' is a British television political series, made by London Weekend Television (LWT) and broadcast from 1972 to 1988. Created by John Birt, not long after he had joined LWT, the series was broadcast on the ITV network at midday ...

'' (1972–1988) *''

Rainbow A rainbow is a meteorological phenomenon that is caused by reflection, refraction and dispersion of light in water droplets resulting in a spectrum of light appearing in the sky. It takes the form of a multicoloured circular arc. Rainbows c ...

'' (1972–1992, 1994–1997) *''

Emmerdale ''Emmerdale'' (known as ''Emmerdale Farm'' until 1989) is a British soap opera that is broadcast on ITV1. The show is set in Emmerdale (known as Beckindale until 1994), a fictional village in the Yorkshire Dales. Created by Kevin Laffan, '' ...

'' (1972–present) *''

Newsround ''Newsround'' (stylised as ''newsround'', and originally called ''John Craven's Newsround'' before his departure in 1989) is a BBC children's news programme, which has run continuously since 4 April 1972. It was one of the world's first televi ...

'' (1972–present) *''

We Are the Champions "We Are the Champions" is a song by the British rock band Queen, released from the band's sixth album ''News of the World'' (1977). Written by lead singer Freddie Mercury, it remains among rock's most recognisable anthems.

'' (1973–1987) *''

Last of the Summer Wine ''Last of the Summer Wine'' is a British sitcom created and written by Roy Clarke and originally broadcast by the BBC from 1973 to 2010. It premiered as an episode of ''Comedy Playhouse'' on 4 January 1973, and the first series of episodes foll ...

'' (1973–2010) *''

That's Life! ''That's Life!'' was a satirical TV consumer affairs programme on the BBC, at its height regularly reaching audiences of fifteen to twenty million, and receiving 10–15,000 letters a week. The series broadcast on BBC1 for twenty-one years, ...

'' (1973–1994) *'' Wish You Were Here...?'' (1974–2003) *''

Arena An arena is a large enclosed platform, often circular or oval-shaped, designed to showcase theatre, musical performances, or sporting events. It is composed of a large open space surrounded on most or all sides by tiered seating for spectators ...

'' (1975–present) *''

Jim'll Fix It ''Jim'll Fix It'' is a British television series broadcast by the BBC between May 1975 and July 1994 and was devised and presented by Jimmy Savile and produced by Roger Ordish. The show encouraged children to write in a letter to Savile with a ...

'' (1975–1994) *''

Rentaghost ''Rentaghost'' is a British children's television comedy show, originally broadcast by the BBC between 6 January 1976 and 6 November 1984. The show's plot centred on the antics of a number of ghosts who worked for a firm called Rentaghost, which ...

'' (1976–1984) *''

One Man and His Dog ''One Man and His Dog'' is a BBC television series in the United Kingdom featuring sheepdog trials, originally presented by Phil Drabble, with commentary by Eric Halsall and, later, by Ray Ollerenshaw. It was first aired on 17 February 1976 and ...

'' (1976–present) *''

The Krypton Factor ''The Krypton Factor'' is a British game show produced by Granada Television for broadcast on ITV. The show originally ran from 7 September 1977 to 20 November 1995, and was hosted by Gordon Burns and usually broadcast on the ITV network on ...

'' (1977–1995) *''

3-2-1 ''3–2–1'' was a British game show that was made by Yorkshire Television for ITV. It ran for ten years, from 29 July 1978 to 24 December 1988, with Ted Rogers as the host. It was based on a Spanish gameshow called '' Un, dos, tres... resp ...

'' (1978–1988) *''

Grange Hill ''Grange Hill'' is a British Children's television series, children's television drama series, originally produced by the BBC and portraying life in a typical Comprehensive school (England and Wales), comprehensive school. The show began its ru ...

'' (1978–2008) *''

Ski Sunday ''Ski Sunday'' is the BBC Sports weekly magazine-style television show covering winter sports, broadcast in the United Kingdom on Sundays in a late afternoon or an early evening time-slot. It began in 1978, and is currently presented by Ed Leigh ...

'' (1978–present) *''

Terry and June ''Terry and June'' is a BBC television sitcom, which was broadcast on BBC1 from 1979 to 1987. The show was largely a reworking of '' Happy Ever After'', and starred Terry Scott and June Whitfield as a middle-aged, middle-class suburban couple, Te ...

'' (1979–1987) *''

The Book Tower ''The Book Tower'' is a British television series for children, produced by Yorkshire Television, that ran for 11 series from 3 January 1979 to 16 May 1989. Initially presented by ''Doctor Who'' star Tom Baker (1979–81), each episode explo ...

'' (1979–1989) *''

'' (1979–1990, 1997–2002) *'' The Paul Daniels Magic Show'' (1979–1994) *''

Antiques Roadshow ''Antiques Roadshow'' is a British television programme broadcast by the BBC in which antiques appraisers travel to various regions of the United Kingdom (and occasionally in other countries) to appraise antiques brought in by local people (g ...

'' (1979–present) *''

Question Time A question time in a parliament occurs when members of the parliament ask questions of government ministers (including the prime minister), which they are obliged to answer. It usually occurs daily while parliament is sitting, though it can be ca ...

'' (1979–present)

1980s

*''

The Gentle Touch ''The Gentle Touch'' is a British police drama television series made by London Weekend Television for ITV which began on 11 April 1980 and ran until 1984. The series is notable for being the first British series to feature a female police off ...

'' (1980–1984) *''

Juliet Bravo ''Juliet Bravo'' is a British television police procedural drama series, first broadcast on 30 August 1980, that ran for six series and a total of 88 episodes on BBC1. The theme of the series concerned a female police inspector who took over con ...

'' (1980–1985) *''

Cockleshell Bay Cockleshell Bay is a stop-motion children's television series which was shown at lunchtime on ITV during the early 1980s. It was made by Cosgrove Hall for its parent company, the ITV broadcaster Thames Television. Other children's programmes in ...

'' (1980–1986) *''

Play Your Cards Right ''Play Your Cards Right'' (or ''Bruce Forsyth's Play Your Cards Right'') is a British television game show based on, and played similarly to, the American show ''Card Sharks''. History ''Play Your Cards Right'' broadcast on ITV from 1 February ...

'' (1980–1987, 1994–1999, 2002–2003) *''

'' (1980–2002, 2006–2015, 2020–present) *'' Children in Need'' (1980–present) *'' A Fine Romance'' (1981–1984) *''

Punchlines ''Punchlines'' was a comedy panel game show that aired on ITV from 3 January 1981 to 22 December 1984 and was hosted by Lennie Bennett. The show itself was based on a failed 1979 American game show pilot of the same name hosted by Bill Cullen, wh ...

'' (1981–1984) *''

Finders Keepers Finders, keepers, sometimes extended as the children's rhyme finders, keepers; losers, weepers, is an English language, English adage with the premise that when something is unowned or abandoned, whoever finds it first can claim it for themself pe ...

'' (1981–1985) *'' Freetime'' (1981–1985) *''

Game for a Laugh ''Game for a Laugh'' was a British light entertainment programme which ran for 56 editions and four specials between 26 September 1981 and 23 November 1985, made by LWT for the ITV network. Description The show revolved around a variety of ...

'' (1981–1985) *'' Tenko'' (1981–1985) *'' That's My Boy'' (1981–1986) *'' Razzamatazz'' (1981–1987) *'' Bergerac'' (1981–1991) *'' The Saturday Show'' (1982–1984) *'' The Young Ones'' (1982–1984) *''

Odd One Out ''Odd One Out'' is a British game show based on the American version entitled ''Knockout (game show), Knockout''. It aired on BBC One, BBC1 from 16 April 1982 to 19 April 1985 and was hosted by Paul Daniels. The show is based on a short-lived Am ...

'' (1982–1985) *'' On Safari'' (1982–1985) *''

Only Fools and Horses ''Only Fools and Horses....'' is a British television sitcom created and written by John Sullivan. Seven series were originally broadcast on BBC One in the United Kingdom from 1981 to 1991, with sixteen sporadic Christmas specials aired until t ...

'' (1981–2003) *''

'Allo 'Allo! ''Allo 'Allo!'' is a British sitcom television series, created by David Croft and Jeremy Lloyd, starring Gorden Kaye, Carmen Silvera, Guy Siner and Richard Gibson. Originally broadcast on BBC1, the series focuses on the life of a French caf ...

'' (1982–1992) *''

Wogan ''Wogan'' is a British television talk show which was broadcast on BBC1 from 1982 until 1992, presented by Terry Wogan. It was usually broadcast live from the BBC Television Theatre in Shepherd's Bush, London, until 1991. It was then broadcast ...

'' (1982–1992) *''

Saturday Superstore ''Saturday Superstore'' is a British children's television series that aired on BBC1 from 2 October 1982 to 18 April 1987. It was shown on Saturday mornings with presenters including Mike Read, Sarah Greene, Keith Chegwin, and John Craven. The s ...

'' (1982–1987) *'' The Tube'' (1982–1987) *''

Brookside Brookside may refer to: Geography Canada * Brookside, Edmonton * Brookside, Newfoundland and Labrador * Brookside, Nova Scotia United Kingdom * Brookside, Berkshire, England * Brookside, Telford, an area of Telford, England United States * Br ...

'' (1982–2003) *''

Let's Pretend ''Let's Pretend'', created and directed by Nila Mack, was a CBS radio series for children. Prior to being renamed ''Let's Pretend'', the program had a variety of titles and formats. In its most famous form, ''Let's Pretend'', the Peabody Award ...

'' (1982–1988) *''

Timewatch ''Timewatch'' is a long-running British television series showing documentaries on historical subjects, spanning all human history. It was first broadcast on 29 September 1982 and is produced by the BBC. The ''Timewatch'' brandname is used as a ...

'' (1982–present) *''

Countdown A countdown is a sequence of backward counting to indicate the time remaining before an event is scheduled to occur. NASA commonly employs the terms "L-minus" and "T-minus" during the preparation for and anticipation of a rocket launch, and eve ...

'' (1982–present) *''

Right to Reply ''Right to Reply'' (sometimes called ''R2R'') is a British television series shown on Channel 4 from 1982 until 2001, which allowed viewers to voice their complaints or concerns about TV programmes. It featured reports, usually presented by a v ...

'' (1982–2001)

Ending this year

* 6 February – ''

The Professionals A professional is someone who is skilled in a profession. Professional or professionals may also refer to: * Professional sports Music *The Professionals (band), a British punk rock band formed in 1979 * ''The Professionals'' (The Professionals ...

'' (1977–1983) * 8 March – '' Animal Magic'' (1962–1983) * 15 March – ''

'' (1983) * 21 April – ''

ITV Playhouse ''Playhouse'' is a British television anthology series that ran from 1967 to 1983, which featured contributions from playwrights such as Dennis Potter, Rhys Adrian and Alan Sharp. The series began in black and white, but was later shot in colour ...

'' (1967–1983) * 12 May – '' Gran'' (1983) * 5 July – '' The Gaffer'' (1981–1983) * 21 July – ''

Andy Robson ''Andy Robson'' is a 1982 British children's television series, produced by Tyne Tees Television, which aired on the ITV (TV network), ITV network for two series in 1982 and 1983. It was based on Frederick Grice's novel ''The Courage of Andy R ...

'' (1982–1983) * 5 August – '' Nationwide'' (1969–1983) * 19 October – ''

Butterflies Butterflies are insects in the macrolepidopteran clade Rhopalocera from the Order (biology), order Lepidoptera, which also includes moths. Adult butterflies have large, often brightly coloured wings, and conspicuous, fluttering flight. The ...

'' (1978–1983, 2000) * 28 October – ''

The Bounder ''The Bounder'' is a British sitcom which ran from 16 April 1982 to 28 October 1983, made by Yorkshire Television. The series starred Peter Bowles (of ''To the Manor Born'' fame) as Howard Booth, an ex-convict who served two years in jail. He li ...

'' (1982–1983) * 30 December – '' The Good Old Days'' (1953–1983)
'' Story of the Alps: My Annette'' (1983)

Births

* 31 January – James Sutton, actor (''Hollyoaks'') * 5 February –

Gemma McCluskie Gemma Rose Veronica McCluskie (5 February 1983 – 1 March 2012) was a British television actress. Her most notable role was in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', in which she played Kerry Skinner. In March 2012, McCluskie disappeared from he ...

, actress (d.

2012 File:2012 Events Collage V3.png, From left, clockwise: The passenger cruise ship Costa Concordia lies capsized after the Costa Concordia disaster; Damage to Casino Pier in Seaside Heights, New Jersey as a result of Hurricane Sandy; People gather ...

), * 14 March –

Johnny Flynn John Patrick Vivian Flynn (born 14 March 1983) is a British actor and singer-songwriter. He has starred as Dylan Witter in the Channel 4 and Netflix television sitcom '' Lovesick'', and portrayed David Bowie in the film '' Stardust''. Flynn i ...

, actor * 15 March –

Sean Biggerstaff Sean Biggerstaff (born 15 March 1983) is a Scottish actor. He is best known for playing Oliver Wood in the ''Harry Potter'' film series, appearing in ''Philosopher's Stone'' (2001), '' Chamber of Secrets'' (2002), and '' Deathly Hallows – P ...

, actor * 21 March –

Bruno Langley Bruno Langley (born 21 March 1983) is an English former actor. He is known for his roles as Darren Michaels and Todd Grimshaw in ''Coronation Street'' (2001–2004, 2007, 2011, 2013–2017) and Adam Mitchell in ''Doctor Who'' (2005). In Octob ...

, actor * 23 March – Ellie Price, television journalist * 22 April –

Elliott Jordan Elliott Jordan (born 22 April 1983) is an English actor best known for playing Callum Monks in the BBC drama '' EastEnders'' and Jack in the ITV comedy drama '' Benidorm''. Career Jordan started acting at The Sylvia Young Theatre School then ...

, actor * 5 May –

Lucy-Jo Hudson Lucy-Jo Hudson (born 4 May 1983) is an English actress, known for her roles as Katy Harris in ''Coronation Street'', Rosie Trevanion in '' Wild at Heart'' and Donna-Marie Quinn in ''Hollyoaks''. Her role as Rhiannon Davis in ''Doctors'' in 201 ...

, actress * 13 May –

Natalie Cassidy Natalie Ann Cassidy (born 13 May 1983) is an English actress. She has played Sonia Fowler in ''EastEnders'' since 1993, appeared in the BBC Two sitcom-horror ''Psychoville'' and was a contestant on the seventh series of ''Strictly Come Danci ...

, actress * 30 May –

Jennifer Ellison Jennifer Lesley Ellison (born 30 May 1983) is an English actress, former glamour model, television personality, dancer and singer. Ellison is perhaps best known for playing Emily Shadwick in the television soap opera ''Brookside'' until 2003, and ...

, actress * 31 May –

Reggie Yates Reginald (Reggie) Yates (born 31 May 1983) is a British writer and director with a career spanning three decades on screen as an actor, television presenter and radio DJ. Yates played Leo Jones in ''Doctor Who'' and has worked at the BBC in ra ...

, actor and television and radio presenter * 6 June **

Gemma Bissix Gemma Bissix (born 6 June 1983) is an English actress. She has been acting since the age of 9. Her most prominent roles have been in soap operas, as Clare Bates in '' EastEnders'' (1993–1998, 2008) and Clare Devine in ''Hollyoaks'' (2006–200 ...

, actress ** Ella Smith, actress * 30 June –

Cheryl Cole Cheryl Ann Tweedy (born 30 June 1983) is an English singer and television personality. Born and raised in Newcastle upon Tyne, she rose to fame in late 2002 upon winning a place in Girls Aloud, a girl group created through ITV's '' Popstars: ...

, singer * 19 July –

Brooke Kinsella Brooke Kinsella (born 17 July 1983) is a British actress, author and anti-knife crime campaigner. A graduate of the Anna Scher Theatre School, Kinsella has been acting since childhood. She has had various roles on television and in film. Her mos ...

, actress and writer * 20 July –

Rory Jennings Rory Jennings (born 20 July 1983) is a British actor, radio personality for Talksport, and poker player. He played Craig Dixon in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' appearing on screen between 27 July and 7 September 2007. Early life Jenn ...

, actor * 5 August –

Kara Tointon Kara Louise Tointon (born 5 August 1983) is an English actress, known for portraying the role of Dawn Swann in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. In 2010, she won the BBC competition series ''Strictly Come Dancing'', and in 2015, she appeared as ...

, actress * 7 August –

Tina O'Brien Tina Michelle O'Brien (born 7 August 1983) is an English actress. She is best known for her portrayal of Sarah Platt in the long-running ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'' (1999–2008, 2015–present). She also appeared in the BBC One drama s ...

, actress * 21 August –

Chantelle Houghton Chantelle Vivien Houghton (born 21 August 1983) is an English television personality, glamour model, and columnist. In 2006, she competed in the fourth series of the Channel 4 reality series ''Celebrity Big Brother''. Houghton was sent in as ...

, reality TV star * 24 August –

Christopher Parker Christopher Parker (born 24 August 1983) is an English actor and television presenter, best known for portraying Spencer Moon on BBC One soap opera ''EastEnders'' between 2002 and 2005. Early career Christopher Parker's career began at an e ...

, actor * 28 October – Joe Thomas, actor * 17 November –

Harry Lloyd Harry Charles Salusbury Lloyd (born 17 November 1983) is an English actor. His performance in the Channel 4 miniseries '' The Fear'' (2012) earned him a British Academy Television Award nomination. He gained prominence through his roles as Will ...

, actor

Deaths

References

External links

List of 1983 British television series
at

IMDb IMDb (an abbreviation of Internet Movie Database) is an online database of information related to films, television series, home videos, video games, and streaming content online – including cast, production crew and personal biographies, ...

{{Years in TV by country, 1983

Events

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Debuts

BBC1

BBC2

ITV

Channel 4

Television shows

Changes of network affiliation

Continuing television shows

1920s

1930s

1940s

1950s

1960s

1970s

1980s

Ending this year

Births

Deaths

See also

References

External links