PixabayWith millions of Brits settling down to watch the TV every evening, it’s imperative that there are some good shows to keep us entertained. Luckily, a study has found that Brits think we’re currently living in a ‘Golden Age’ of television.
The study into the quality of TV through the decades revealed 54 per cent of avid TV-watchers believe there has never been a better time to have square eyes.
Virgin Media commissioned the poll of 2,000 TV fans to celebrate the launch of the new Virgin TV Ultra HD channel, and found 47 per cent of people said the quality of TV shows broadcast in the last five years are of the highest they have ever been, with 44 per cent considering themselves a ‘telly addict’.
PixabayAs well as the quality of the shows, for 42 per cent of viewers the leap in technology meant special effects look more realistic than ever before, with 37 per cent being drawn to the box thanks to improved picture quality and 4K ultra high definition – which is four times the quality of HD.
A third also believe the improvement is down to better writers and A-list acting talent getting involved in small screen projects.
David Bouchier, chief digital entertainment officer of Virgin Media, said:
We’re spoilt with an amazing choice of top telly shows from the likes of Breaking Bad, Blue Planet, The Walking Dead, and up to today’s Bodyguard – we’re truly enjoying a ‘Golden Age’ of television.
Viewers have never had it better with the best TV shows being available in the best picture quality – 4K ultra high definition. It really is the next best thing to being there.
Sony Pictures TelevisionAlthough the television of recent years is being held in high regard, the 80s was named the decade which produced the best comedy shows and sitcoms, with shows such as Only Fools and Horses, Blackadder and The Young Ones making their debut.
However, despite the outstanding comedic timing and storylines of the 80s, the survey, which was conducted on OnePoll.com, found this decade has produced the greatest drama shows on TV, such as Game of Thrones, Line of Duty and Stranger Things.
And of course, let’s not forget great and innovative television like Love Island, Naked Attraction and Gogglebox.
Channel 4As a result of the entertaining new shows, a quarter of people upgraded their television setup so they could watch their favourite shows in the best possible quality, and we’ve got so used to the high standards that one in four Brits say it now ‘annoys’ them when they’re forced to watch something in standard definition.
When asked which iconic TV moments they would like to relive in 4K Ultra HD, the 1969 grainy black and white footage of Neil Armstrong’s ‘one small step for man’ was the most popular choice.
Del Boy’s classic comedy fall through the bar in Only Fools and Horses (1989) and England’s 1966 Football World Cup victory are also moments we’d like the opportunity to see in perfect clarity.
BBCAudrey Hepburn was named the celebrity most people would like see in 4K Ultra HD quality, followed by Scarlett Johansson and Johnny Depp.
Bouchier added:
With Virgin TV Ultra HD we’re offering our customers the ultimate TV viewing experience.
Tune in every night for a brilliant line up of must-see shows from critically acclaimed dramas, to beautifully shot wildlife and nature documentaries, to the front-row feeling of a rock concert from the biggest names in music – all in stunning 4K Ultra HD.
Virgin TV Ultra HD is the UK’s first dedicated 4K ultra high definition entertainment channel and launches on September 17 on channel 999 at 8.15pm.
Find out more information about Virgin TV Ultra HD here.
Check out the top iconic moments Brits want to see in 4K Ultra HD:
1. The moon landing, 1969
2. Del Boy falls through the bar, Only Fools and Horses, 1989
3. England victory at 1966 World Cup final, 1966
4. David Attenborough’s gorilla encounter, Life on Earth, 1979
5. ‘Fork Handles’, The Two Ronnies, 1976
6. Basil hits his car with a branch, Fawlty Towers, 1975
7. The Queen’s coronation, 1953
BBC8. ‘Don’t mention the war’, Fawlty Towers, 1975
9. Opening Ceremony at the London 2012 Olympics, 2012
10. Morecambe and Wise Christmas Special, 1976
11. Blackadder Goes Forth finale, 1989
12. Fall of the Berlin Wall news coverage, 1989
13. David Bowie’s appearance on Top of the Pops as Ziggy Stardust singing ‘Starman’, 1972
14. Princess Diana’s funeral, 1997
15. Monty Python’s ministry of silly walks, 1970
16. The wedding of Charles and Diana, 1981
17. Nelson Mandela being released from prison, 1990
18. Dirty Den hands Angie divorce papers on Christmas Day, EastEnders, 1986
19. Susan Boyle’s performance, Britain’s Got Talent, 2009
20. Who shot J.R?, Dallas, 1980
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Emily Brown first began delivering important news stories aged just 13, when she launched her career with a paper round. She graduated with a BA Hons in English Language in the Media from Lancaster University, and went on to become a freelance writer and blogger. Emily contributed to The Sunday Times Travel Magazine and Student Problems before becoming a journalist at UNILAD, where she works on breaking news as well as longer form features.