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Programmes that have aged poorly and programmes that have aged well?

510 replies

HaveYouHadYourBreak · 05/04/2026 16:13

What programmes that you loved have surprised you on rewatching?

I've just finished the first series of This Life and was surprised at how well it has aged for the most part (but so much smoking!). It was refreshing to see people with imperfect teeth and pubic hair and wobbly bums living in a grotty house share past their early 20s. I'm re-living my youth with the music too.

But Coupling! Oof! I remember it being really good but some clips I've seen (like making sex videos without consent and the way women are talked about) demonstrate exactly why I've never seen any re-runs.

OP posts:
trappedbynerves · 05/04/2026 17:31

Buffy. Past season 1 a lot of it holds up, but Buffy and Angel's relationship is a hell of a lot less romantic than I remember it. It definitely just feels creepy/groomy and I'm very disappointed in Giles for supporting it instead of telling Angel that he was much too old, even in his human age, to be sniffing around a 16 year old.

Back in the 90s, I was so annoyed with Joyce when she does just that in season 3. But my god was she right.

Bertiebiscuit · 05/04/2026 17:25

Lou7171 · 05/04/2026 17:15

Frasier has aged better than Friends.

Never was a contest though, Frasier was genius imo.

Lou7171 · 05/04/2026 17:15

Frasier has aged better than Friends.

Breadcat24 · 05/04/2026 17:09

Depends on the writing
I could happily watch Porridge again
What I cannot understand is the recent repeats of Carry on and on the buses

benten54 · 05/04/2026 17:02

Cheers has aged surprisingly well. Any sexist nonsense from Sam is shot down brilliantly by Carla/Diane or rebuked by Woody/ Norm etc.

CruCru · 05/04/2026 16:37

Sex and the City aged rather badly I thought. There’s an episode where a friend of Carrie’s films himself having sex with models without them knowing.

HaveYouHadYourBreak · 05/04/2026 16:34

Although one of them on This Life has just said he spends £20 a week on food! I've changed my mind. It has not aged well. 🤣🤣🤣

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HaveYouHadYourBreak · 05/04/2026 16:25

InternetResearchedOut · 05/04/2026 16:18

I happened across an episode of Yes Prime Minister the other evening, which remains so topical. DC love Father Ted too.

Most of my family work for the civil service including Whitehall. I've never seen any episodes but the clips I've seen make us all nod cynically!

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InternetResearchedOut · 05/04/2026 16:19

I actually missed This Life the first time round, though (was working abroad), so you have inspired me to go and watch!

InternetResearchedOut · 05/04/2026 16:18

I happened across an episode of Yes Prime Minister the other evening, which remains so topical. DC love Father Ted too.