1990s documentary, can you remember it?

[MN164]

I'm really struggling to remember the name of it so can't search for it anywhere and it's really frustrating me .....

The theme was to go into ordinary people's homes and let them, usually couples, talk about their home and how it looks. It sounds very dull and mundane, but they chose a wide range of people and the simple discussion revealed a lot about the people. There was no interviewer or commentary, it was purely letting people sit on their sofa and talk.

There were many different people from different strokes. The elderly couple that still had garish 50/60 wallpaper and carpets. The new wealth Essex mansion where they changed their white sofa every 3 months. The council flat occupants etc etc etc.

I remember being captivated by it at the time and then never saw it again.

Can anyone else remember this show (think it was BBC but not sure)?

Summer on the Estate (1990)

I remember it well and also have been trying to think of the programme name to no avail. It was a great show and I'd love to see it again. We regularly quote the architect on the show who described anything that didn't fit the look he wanted as a 'rogue element'. I also loved the mature couple who basically hated everything in their house but wanted to get value for money so didn't want to change things till they were worn out. It would be great if they made a modern day version. I think it was on BBC2 but have tried googling previously to find out what it was called but with no luck. I've had a look at Summer on the Estate but unfortunately that doesn't look like the same show. I hope someone will remember what it was called.

There were two "Summer on the Estate" Documentary's One was from 1990, the other was from 1992.

Modern Times ?

Was it Signs of the Times?

I remember the documentary series too.

Single people and couples were interviewed about their homes and how they decorated it.

There were even spoofs with Wayne and Waynetta Slag et al on the Harry Enfield & Chums Show.

Can I remember the name of the bloody documentary series? No. I fucking can't.

Not Signs of the Times, no.

It was a documentary series with the simple premise of asking householders, not professionals, about their homes.

No 'experts' involved at all. Just a collection of people, some uber modern, some chintzy and some utter, utter oddballs.

Yes. I think it was signs of the times too.

Sorry, 80sMum!

Taking a second look at your suggestion, yes.

It was Signs of the Times. And there are episodes available to watch too.

Could you link to the episodes, please? Thanks.

I still remember this, the elderly couple who hated their carpet, to the extent they wouldn't invite anyone to their home, it had really impacted their lives, but they wouldn't just replace. Another couple citing Aberystwyth as the worst place they could imagine living. I remember being g incensed, they clearly hadn't been to Aberystwyth, just thought it was some shit town in Wales. From what I recall Aberystwyth is quite a nice town, if a bit remote. Will be watching the episodes linked above, thanks.

Brilliant. Can't wait to watch it again. Thank you!

I'm so watching this again.

Does anyone have a link to the episodes, please?

Rooiboscz they are on iplayer

Signs of the Times was shot by the amazing Martin Parr, my all time favourite photographer.

I think he recently shot the current BBC I dents.

Thanks! That's what I meant when I posted Modern Times. I've wondered about these documentaries too, but kept searching for the wrong title!

Here they are

I have just lost an afternoon to these. Utterly fantastic. As you are all so very clever, anyone help me find another 90s documentary about teenage pregnancy. I think it was around 1998/99, that is all I can really remember.

Can anyone remember The Family? I think that's what it was called. The first real fly on the wall documentary in the 70s. ( sorry I have hijacked the thread op)

OMG!!!

Thank you so much. I am going to enjoy watching those tonight!

I love you Telly Addicts. Thanks again!!!

Oh yes! I remember the Wayne and Waynetta slob take off really well! I used to watch that program a lot. Another good documentary from the 90's was the Lido. I think it was a Modern Times documentary.

Just finished watching the 6 episodes.

Love how there is no title or credit music. In fact there is no intro at all, just straight into the programme. I also love how there is no background music, interlude music, no commentator, no opinions or editorial offered. The whole thing is left bare and open for you to listen and judge for yourself.

I feel like there was another series of these. I have a really vivid memory of an Essex mansion with gold taps that wasn't in this series of 6.

Any ideas if there was another series or similar documentary?

OMG - the couple with the house who hated the carpet and then used that to make every purchasing decision since and have hated them all. I remember watching this when it was first on and that few minutes of TV has stuck with me and I have often thought about them when I have been deciding what furnishings to buy over the last 25 years. Honestly I have always been haunted about how one purchase had dictated the life they lead. Just watched it again and I am sad for them all over again. Why did they let it paralyse them? Fascinating. Thanks so much for the link.

Oh, I remember these, thanks very much for the links and the OP, just settling down now to indulge.