Series 1

Controversially: That Was the Year That WasSeries 1

2023
10 Episodes

Episodes

1976
S01E01

1976

Bill Grundy met the sweary Sex Pistols, and a pile of bricks outraged the art world.

23 Sept 2023
1983
S01E02

1983

A deep dive into '83 when two 007s vied for box office success, pop star Boy George made a splash, Diana, Princess of Wales upstaged her husband, and Shergar was seized.

30 Sept 2023
1979
S01E03

1979

Jan Leeming narrates a look back at key events in TV, film, showbusiness and politics, including Monty Python causing a storm of protest with Biblical parody The Life of Brian, while The Kenny Everett Video Show upset moral campaigner Mary Whitehouse.

07 Oct 2023
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S01E04

1974

A look back at outrageous events of 1974, replaying the most controversial moments in TV, cinema, music, showbiz and politics, including film The Exorcist, TV's Tiswas and the three-day working week.

09 Jan 2024
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S01E05

1984

The year of 'video nasties', Frankie Goes to Hollywood's outrageous hit, PM Margaret Thatcher's year-long battle with striking coal miners, and US President Reagan's misguided joke about bombing Russia.

13 Jan 2024
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S01E06

1986

Shockingly moments in 1986 - from celebrity scandal and sporting skulduggery to bare bottoms on TV - featuring Grange Hill's drugs storyline, Maradona's 'Hand of God' and EastEnders' gay couple.

20 Jan 2024
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S01E07

1988

Jan Leeming narrates the multiple headlines of 1988, when NWA created the blueprint for gangsta rap, Edwina Curry caused a storm in an egg-cup, and anti-gay Section 28 became UK law.

28 Jan 2024
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S01E08

1972

A look at the shocking news, showbiz and politics of 1972: the year of Chuck Berry's My Ding-a-Ling, the film A Clockwork Orange, TV's Love Thy Neighbour and an ever-vigilant Mary Whitehouse.

04 Feb 2024
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S01E09

1990

We rewind to 1990 to replay shocking and controversial moments in TV, music, showbiz, and politics - including Madonna's bondage fest ban on MTV, Poll Tax riots and Milli Vanilli's mime act.

11 Feb 2024
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S01E10

1968

Archive highlights of the year the assassination of Presidential hopeful Robert Kennedy stunned a disbelieving world, the Beatles dabbled in mysticism, and musical Hair let it all hang out.

18 Feb 2024