Why Has a Popular 70s Comedy Show Stopped Being Repeated?

The 70s was the golden era of British comedy, a period that produced a number of popular shows that continue to be cherished by audiences decades after their initial broadcast. One such show is The Goodies, a quintessential comedy that remains a cultural touchstone. Despite its enduring popularity, The Goodies is no longer being repeated on television. This article delves into the reasons behind this decision, including rights issues, cultural shifts, and the availability of original footage.

The Rights to Re-broadcast

One prominent factor behind the discontinuation of repeats for The Goodies and other 70s comedies is the issue of broadcasting rights. In the case of The Goodies, a lack of a proper contract with the BBC makes it difficult to access the original episodes for re-broadcast. This is a common scenario for many shows from that era, where contracts were not always formalized as they are today. As a result, networks face legal challenges when considering re-airing these series, leading to their exclusion from regular schedules.

The Cultural Shift in Comedy

Over the decades, humor styles have evolved considerably. What amused viewers in the 1970s might not translate seamlessly to current audiences. Moreover, as cultural norms have shifted, some of the comedic elements in these older shows may come across as outdated or even offensive. For example, in the case of The Goodies, an episode featuring Bill Oddie in blackface highlights how certain aspects of the show would not be acceptable today. This shift in cultural values means that reruns may no longer be as well-received, making their inclusion on mainstream schedules less appealing.

The Availability of Original Footage

Another significant challenge for the re-broadcast of 70s comedies is the preservation and accessibility of the original footage. The quality of tapes from that era is often poor, which poses logistical difficulties in sourcing and restoring them for broadcast. In some cases, tapes were simply recycled or lost due to economic constraints during the 1980s and 1990s, leading to a dearth of available material. Even when tapes are found, the cost and technical expertise required to restore them can be prohibitive, making re-broadcasting less feasible.

The Competition with New Content

Networks today are inundated with a vast array of new programming, making the decision to repeat older shows more challenging. New shows often draw larger audiences, and the cost-effectiveness of re-broadcasting older episodes might not justify the investment. The viewer base for older series can be fragmented, and the periodic repeats that were common in the past may no longer attract enough viewers to make them financially viable. As a result, networks might prioritize newer, fresher content, which can result in the discontinuation of regular repeats for classic shows like The Goodies.

Conclusion:

While The Goodies continues to be repeated occasionally, the reasons for its absence from regular schedules include rights issues, shifting cultural norms, and the technical and economic challenges of re-broadcasting. The 70s produced a wealth of beloved comedies, but the realities of modern broadcasting make it increasingly difficult to ensure that these shows are regularly available to contemporary audiences.

(Keywords: 70s Comedy Shows, The Goodies, Repeats and Rights Issues)