The 90s docusoaps craze.

[AnAlpacaForChristmasPleaseSanta]

Inspired by a thread about old telly shows got me thinking about the 90s docusoaps and my god there were so many of them.

The Cruise (which gave us the fab Jane McDonald)
Holiday Reps
Airport
Hotel
Lakesiders.
Vets in practice.
Driving school.

It all seems so random now, I know the shows documenting the emergency services shows are still popular these days but I cannot imagine now sitting down watching someone's day working in a department store or taking their driving lesson. But me and 10 million other people used to do just that. Different times!

Just remembered another one, Paddington Green about people who lived around the area. But I cannot remember anything that happened in it.

Every single one of them is better than Love Island.

Does anyone remember when Love Island was a celeb programme. Jane what's her name fancied Lee Sharpe and he had to let her down gently.

Oh my gosh, Maureen was wonderful. And Airport. I also love mockumentaries. I also miss Supernanny and One Born Every Minute.

Wash your mouth out!!

I'm watching the Armstrong's on YouTube now. I'm about 3 minutes on and this is HILARIOUS!

Watching the test card would be better than Love Island! I think it still made sporadic appearances in the 90s.

I don't think it was a strange or weird craze at all. It gave people an insight into different industries and areas before there was social media, in line with the aims for tv- to educate, inform and entertain.

Paddington Green, watched it all and I can't remember anything either apart from the fact it was addictive tv. Life of Grime was good too, nothing beats a wee boak at the telly.

Yes! I remember that one! I remember watching it and actually thinking it was a spoof docu soap!

I think my issue with a lot of the 90's docu sopas there was always one person who thought they were a 'character' and would play up for the camera. I used to imagine that far from being a fun colleague they thought they were (I'm mad me) they were probably in reality considered a total PITA in real life.

Leo on Airport.. officious little shit.

@CountTo10 I think my issue with a lot of the 90's docu sopas there was always one person who thought they were a 'character' and would play up for the camera. I used to imagine that far from being a fun colleague they thought they were (I'm mad me) they were probably in reality considered a total PITA in real life.

Yes, this is probably very true. I seem to remember a point where Jeremy Speake really believed he was something, you could almost feel his co workers rolling their eyes behind his back.

Eddie Stobart: Trucks and Trailers
Ice Road Truckers

A bit more recent but favourites in our household.

Driving School is on the BBC Iplayer, if anyone wants to revisit Maureen... (I haven't rewatched myself, so no idea how it holds up after all this time!)

Loved that programme

🫣🫣🫣🫣🫣

"Doctor Gillian McKeith who later had to admit that she wasn't really a doctor at all except in her own head but it still didn't stop her talking absolute bollocks."

And hilariously fake fainting on I'm a Celebrity Grt Me Out of Here 😆

When I'm having a bad day that's one of the TV clips I watch to make myself laugh 😂

I remember really enjoying The Family on channel 4. 00s though, not 90s.

Aren't these all still on?

All started with Big Brother and that programme where people tried to deprive themselves of sleep for as long as possible and it was filmed. Also there was an American one where they all lived in a flat. I really wanted to move to America and love like that.

I can’t remember what it was called That driving school one where you literally watched people who were really struggling to learn to drive there was that famous woman who took loads of times to pass her test

That’s the one I just thought of couldn’t think of title

Yes - I only saw the first one but it was fascinating. The wayward older daughter who was out clubbing every night and lost her job, and the mum who didn't seem to do anything but sit around in her dressing gown all day and argue with her daughters over them borrowing her 'All Saints' top and the poor dad who seemed to be the only one keeping the show on the road.

Then, of course, there was the relentless poverty porn shows like benefits street on Channel 4. I don’t think they would do that as much now.

The original Shipwrecked was absolutely brilliant. No prizes, no gameplay.. it was a proper survival show. Loved it.