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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to find old TV far more watchable than today?

36 replies

ShakyBake · 31/05/2026 20:46

Am I unreasonable to find anything I've watched that was made in the last 20+ unwatchable?

Let me explain;

As soon as I start anything recently made I find it to not be believable, it seems clear the people are acting - I can't get drawn in. Aside from that I find any modern story bleak and not easy watching at all.

Contrast that to the something like the Catherine Cookson drams or the Granada productions of the 90's (+ dramas such as London's Burning), I can easily lose myself watching that. It's the same with movies with me too, after the 1990's I have very few favourite films whereas before I have loads.

Same with the Soaps - I can instantly be drawn into those 'classic coronation street / EastEnders ' repeats but recent episodes , no chance.

Is this an age or nostalgia thing do you think. I'm genuinely interested if anyone else thinks the same way as me.

OP posts:
Createausername1970 · 31/05/2026 22:32

I agree! Radio 4 Extra is good for older dramas/comedies as well.

I am enjoying one modern series at the moment - The Brokenwood Mysteries. We have been binge watching them. Currently up to series 8. Series 12 is just airing, so we will be up to date soon - boo hoo!

Gorse · 31/05/2026 22:26

Not really old, but Morse, Lewis, and Endeavor have such good stories, the acting is superb and speech is clear. In so many of the more modern programs the speech is mumbled and peppered with too much effing and blinding. Going back a bit further, A Touch Of Frost is simply brilliant. I don't know how many times I've watched it, but there's always something I've missed before.
Thinking of David Jason, does no one make comedy like Only Fools And Horses any more? Oh yeah, the wonderful Father Ted. Gentle, piss taking comedy, could watch it all day - I wonder what comedic masterpieces we've been denied since Graham Lineham got cancelled.

Leapintothelightning · 31/05/2026 21:40

DH and I are currently bingeing ER! Enjoying it so much more than some recent shows I’ve watched, although I do also like the “dumbed-down” easy-watching Netflix dramas from time to time

Propagandalf · 31/05/2026 21:37

TV programming is watered down now so not to offend the so-called "modern audiences". Read: snowflakes.

Litebreeze · 31/05/2026 21:25

Yanbu I’m finding the family films of old good

SocialistMummy · 31/05/2026 21:24

Whenever I watch something from the 70s I'm amazed at how well written it was and how good the acting is - the writing and acting today is usually laughable!

ExitPursuedByABare · 31/05/2026 21:20

I binge watched Jewel in the Crown during an extended hospital stay. Bloody fabulous.

Now to see if Brideshead Revisited is available.

Barrello · 31/05/2026 21:18

Yes!

I think it’s largely because in the past writers treated their audience like adults.

Nowadays a lot of stuff seems very dumbed down. In fact I believe Netflix have told writers to bear in mind people watch over their phones and go to recap major plot points constantly.

NotAnotherScarf · 31/05/2026 21:08

And that is just the adverts....yes I know people shit themselves. I've done it. I just don't want to be reminded

DreamingOfGeneHunt · 31/05/2026 20:49

Yes!

I'm currently watching Man About The House. The only TV channels I watch are Drama, Yesterday, Talking Pictures and That's TV.

mumofoneAloneandwell · 31/05/2026 20:47

Me, on season 7 of classic holby city

Yes yanbu

Sex And The City Yes GIF