100 Most Wanted Lost TV Shows of the VCR Age

[Ray Langstone (was saintsray)]

Ok, this is a list.
AGAIN.
After the overwhelming thumbs-up I got for the Most Wanted Lost TOTP Performances, I thought I'd do something different.... and similar.
So this is a list of what I think are the "100 Most Wanted Lost TV Shows of the VCR Age".
By that, I mean when your average Joe and/or Joanne Public could comprehend the possibility of buying a video recorder.
I am naturally aware of VCRs being on the market for YEARS for those people who could afford them, but I've chosen 1978 as the year here, because the Betamax was being imported by then and they were actually being sold in your high street.
This is also the same year that the BBC started to keep most things, this is when there became a standardized archiving policy.
So, to recap, this only refers to shows that have episodes missing after 1978, so no DW.
When looking through the list, some folk may be surprised with the lack of classic comedies, single plays, drama series, sci-fi and even pop shows.
This is again due to the fact that most of them have no episodes missing in the qualifying time period, and, also because more of these types of shows were retained in this time period.
That said, I've put my selected 101 in order from when they first appeared on TV (even if before 1978) as I thought it would be interesting.
While I'm sure there will be LOTS of disagreements about my selections, I expect perhaps 40 to 50% would be selected in a public poll.
There's no Tv-am, news programmes or sport - with one exception - and if anyone wants explanations on why, I will post these in my replies.
An article about why these 101 were selected will likely be featured by Transdiffusion in the next few weeks....

100 Most Wanted Lost TV Shows of the VCR Age 1978-date.
Come Dancing, BBC 1, first broadcast 20/09/1950, number of episodes missing ≥ 1978:- At least 30 editions 1978-1993
Out of Town, Southern, first broadcast 08/07/1960, number of episodes missing ≥ 1978:- At least 66 editions 1978-1980
Points of View, BBC 1, first broadcast 02/10/1961, number of episodes missing ≥ 1978:- At least 160 editions, 1978-1984
Gus Honeybun, Westward/TSW, first broadcast 25/12/1962, number of episodes missing ≥ 1978:- Over 1000 editions, 1978-1992
Hogmanay, STV/Grampian, first broadcast 31/12/1962, number of episodes missing ≥ 1978:- 11 editions 1978-1999
Merry Go Round, BBC 1, first broadcast 15/01/1963, number of episodes missing ≥ 1978:- 27 editions, 1978-1981
Play School, BBC 1, first broadcast 21/04/1964, number of episodes missing ≥ 1978:- At least 850 editions, 1978-1987
Finding Out, various ITV companies, first broadcast 21/09/1964, number of episodes missing ≥ 1978:- 6 episodes, 1978-1979
the Eamonn Andrews Show, ABC*/Thames, first broadcast 04/10/1964, number of episodes missing ≥ 1978:- 11 episodes, 1979
Crossroads, ATV/Central, first broadcast 02/11/1964, number of episodes missing ≥ 1978:- 88 episodes, 1978-1981
Songs of Praise, BBC 1, first broadcast 24/01/1965, number of episodes missing ≥ 1978:- 80 episodes, 1978-1981
Tomorrow's World, BBC 1, first broadcast 07/07/1965, number of episodes missing ≥ 1978:- 5 episodes, 1981
Jackanory, BBC 1, first broadcast 13/12/1965, number of episodes missing ≥ 1978:- 204 episodes, 1978-1981
How?, Southern, first broadcast 22/03/1966, number of episodes missing ≥ 1978:- 35 episodes 1978-1981
Gardeners' World, BBC 2, first broadcast 05/01/1968, number of episodes missing ≥ 1978:- At least 200 editions, 1978-1985
Magpie, Thames, first broadcast 30/07/1968, number of episodes missing ≥ 1978:- 197 editions, 1978-1980
the Sound of...., Border, first broadcast 19/08/1968, number of episodes missing ≥ 1978:- At least 14 editions 1978-1981
Scene, BBC 1, first broadcast 26/09/1968, number of episodes missing ≥ 1978:- 9 episodes, 1978-1980
a Question of Sport, BBC 1, first broadcast 02/12/1968, number of episodes missing ≥ 1978:- 21 editions, 1979-1996
Women Only, HTV, first broadcast 26/10/1970, number of episodes missing ≥ 1978:- 51 editions, 1978
Screen Test, BBC 1, first broadcast 18/11/1970, number of episodes missing ≥ 1978:- 46 editions, 1978-1984
Sale of the Century, Anglia/Sky, first broadcast 09/10/1971, number of episodes missing ≥ 1978:- 154 editions, 1978-1991
Play Away, BBC 2, first broadcast 20/11/1971, number of episodes missing ≥ 1978:- 26 editions 1978-1984
Clapperboard, Granada, first broadcast 14/04/1972, number of episodes missing ≥ 1978:- 35 editions 1978
Pebble Mill (At One), BBC 1, first broadcast 02/09/1972, number of episodes missing ≥ 1978:- At least 1000 editions 1978-1986
About Britain, various ITV companies, first broadcast 17/10/1972, number of episodes missing ≥ 1978:- At least 27 editions 1978-1983
Pipkins, ATV, first broadcast 01/01/1973, number of episodes missing ≥ 1978:- 43 episodes, 1978-1981
We Are the Champions, BBC 1, first broadcast, 13/06/1973, number of episodes missing ≥ 1978:- 46 episodes, 1978-1987
Look Who's Talking, Border, first broadcast 26/07/1973, number of episodes missing ≥ 1978:- At least 17 episodes 1978-1983
Why Don't You Just Switch Off Your Television Set And Go And Do Something Less Boring Instead?, BBC 1, first broadcast 20/08/1973, number of episodes missing ≥ 1978:- 59 episodes, 1978-1986
Tiswas, ATV, first broadcast 05/01/1974, number of episodes missing ≥ 1978:- 90 editions 1978-1982
Just a Nimmo, BBC 2, first broadcast 04/02/1974, number of episodes missing ≥ 1978:- 6 editions 1978
Pobol Y Cwm, BBC/S4C*, first broadcast 16/10/1974, number of episodes missing ≥ 1978:- At least 122 editions 1978-1982
Celebrity Squares, ATV, first broadcast 20/07/1975, number of episodes missing ≥ 1978:- 25 editions 1978-1979
Runaround, Southern, first broadcast 02/09/1975, number of episodes missing ≥ 1978:- 23 editions 1978-1981
Saturday Night at the Mill, BBC 1, first broadcast 06/03/1976, number of episodes missing ≥ 1978:- 11 editions, 1978-1980
Garnock Way, STV, first broadcast 01/04/1976, number of episodes missing ≥ 1978:- 77 episodes 1978-1979
Star Turn (Challenge), BBC 1, first broadcast 05/05/1976, number of episodes missing ≥ 1978:- 17 editions 1978-1980
Thingummyjig, STV, first broadcast 02/07/1976, number of episodes missing ≥ 1978:- At least 25 editions 1978-1982
the Electric Theatre Show, Grampian, 09/07/1976, number of episodes missing ≥ 1978:- At least 167 editions 1978-1984
Cuir Car?, Grampian, first broadcast 31/07/1976, number of episodes missing ≥ 1978:- Approximately 31 editions 1979-1981
(Multi-Coloured) Swap Shop, BBC 1, first broadcast 02/10/1976, number of episodes missing ≥ 1978:-At least 42 editions 1978-1981
the Masterspy, ATV, first broadcast 10/09/1977, number of episodes missing ≥ 1978:- 10 episodes 1978-1980
Our Show, LWT, first broadcast 10/09/1977, number of episodes missing ≥ 1978:- 9 episodes 1978
Good Afternoon/After Noon/Afternoon Plus, Thames, first broadcast 12/09/1977, number of episodes missing ≥ 1978:-At least 500 editions 1978-1984
Sounds of Britain, various ITV companies, first broadcast 14/09/1977, number of episodes missing ≥ 1978:- Approximately 50 editions 1978-1980
Parosi, BBC 1, first broadcast 02/10/1977, number of episodes missing ≥ 1978:- 13 editions 1978
Gharbar, BBC 1, first broadcast 19/10/1977, number of episodes missing ≥ 1978:- At least 100 editions 1978-1985
Hop, Skip and Jump, Ulster, first broadcast 19/12/1977, number of episodes missing ≥ 1978:- At least 15 editions 1978-1985
Mind Your Language, ITV*/LWT, first broadcast 30/12/1977, number of episodes missing ≥ 1978:- 11 episodes 1986
Dave Allen, ATV, first broadcast 03/01/1978, number of episodes missing:- 10 episodes 1978
Cheggers Plays Pop, BBC 1, first broadcast 10/04/1978, number of episodes missing:- 7 editions 1983-1984
Saturday Banana, Southern, first broadcast 08/07/1978, number of episodes missing:- 32 editions 1978-1979
Noel Edmonds Lucky Numbers, BBC 1, first broadcast 09/09/1978, number of episodes missing:- 18 editions 1978-1979
the Losers, ATV, first broadcast 21/11/1978, number of episodes missing:- 1 episode 1978
the Great Egg Race, BBC 2, first broadcast 02/01/1979, number of episodes missing:- 1 edition 1982
the Saturday Morning Show, LWT, first broadcast 06/01/1979, number of episodes missing:- 11 editions 1979
Roadshow Disco, BBC 1, first broadcast 01/10/1979, number of episodes missing:- 6 editions 1979
Family Fortunes, ATV/Central. first broadcast 06/01/1980, number of episodes missing:- 18 editions 1980-1982
Airport Chaplin, STV, first broadcast 08/01/1980, number of episodes missing:- 5 episodes 1980
the Adventure Game, BBC 2, first broadcast 02/05/1980, number of episodes missing:- 1 episode 1980
the Masterbuilders, Grampian, first broadcast 31/08/1980, number of episodes missing:- 13 episodes 1980
Hear Here, STV, first broadcast 05/09/1980, number of episodes missing:- 138 editions 1980-1984
Metal Mickey, LWT, first broadcast 06/09/1980, number of episodes missing:- 1 episode 1983
Where Are The Lads of the Village Tonight?, ATV, 09/11/1980, number of episodes missing:- 1 episode 1980
Good Morning Scotland, BBC Scotland, first broadcast 01/12/1980, number of episodes missing:- 4 editions 1980
Get Set, BBC 1, first broadcast 11/07/1981, number of episodes missing:- 41 editions 1981-1983
First Day, ATV, 04/09/1981, number of episodes missing:- 1 episode 1981
Bullseye, ATV/Central, first broadcast 28/09/1981, number of episodes missing:- 15 episodes 1981-1986
Number 73, TVS, first broadcast 02/01/1982, number of episodes missing:- 9 episodes 1986-1987
On Safari, TVS, first broadcast 16/02/1982, number of episodes missing:- 22 episodes 1982-1984
Saturday Superstore, BBC 1, first broadcast 02/10/1982, number of episodes missing:- 8 episodes 1982-1984
Closedown from the Opening Night of S4C, 02/11/1982, number of episodes missing:- 1 edition 1982
Unforgettable, Channel 4, first broadcast 09/11/1982, number of episodes missing:- Approximately 33 editions 1982-1986
Murun Buchstansangur, Channel 4, first broadcast 14/11/1982, number of episodes missing:- Approximately 36 editions 1982-1987
In the Mouth of the Dragon, TVS, first broadcast 11/12/1982, number of episodes missing:- 6 editions 1982
Chips' Comic, Channel 4, first broadcast 09/03/1983, number of episodes missing:- 16 editions 1983-1984
Dramarama, various ITV companies, first broadcast 18/04/1983, number of episodes missing:- 16 editions 1984-1988
the Saturday Picture Show, BBC 1, first broadcast 21/04/1984, number of episodes missing:- 65 editions 1984-1986
the Brief, TVS, first broadcast 26/06/1984, number of episodes missing:- 12 episodes 1984
the Gaymer's Olde English Cyder Celebrity Sixes, LWT, 22/12/1984, number of episodes missing:- 1 episode 1984
Hiawatha, Channel 4, 27/12/1984, number of episodes missing:- 1 episode 1984
Loose Ends, BBC 1, first broadcast 08/01/1985, number of episodes missing:- 6 episodes 1985
Shammy Dab, Grampian, first broadcast 08/01/1985, number of episodes missing:- 52 episodes 1985-1989
Home Cookery Club, ITV*, first broadcast 21/03/1985, number of episodes missing:- 146 episodes 1985-1989
Password. Ulster, first broadcast 02/09/1985, number of episodes missing:- Approximately 42 episodes 1985-1988
Mouthtrap, Anglia, first broadcast 04/03/1986, number of episodes missing:- 18 episodes 1986
Summertime Special, TVS, first broadcast 19/07/1986, number of episodes missing:- 7 episodes 1986-1988
ITV Promo Slot for the Tube, Tyne Tees for Channel 4 for ITV, 16/01/1987 JUST THIS!
Going for Gold, BBC 1, first broadcast 24/01/1987, number of episodes missing:- At least 48 episodes 1987-1992
Motormouth/Motormouth on Sunday, TVS, first broadcast 30/09/1988, number of episodes missing:- 49 episodes 1987-1991
Sky Star Search, Sky, first broadcast 06/02/1989, number of episodes missing:- 419 episodes 1989-1991
the Art Sutter Show, Grampian, first broadcast 06/10/1989, number of episodes missing:- At least 11 episodes 1993-1996
Up Yer News, BSB, first broadcast 19/02/1990, number of episodes missing:- Approximately 115 episodes 1990
31 West, BSB, first broadcast 26/03/1990, number of episodes missing:- 174 episodes 1990
the Last Laugh, BSB, first broadcast 26/03/1990, number of episodes missing:- 20 episodes 1990
(Jools Holland's) Happening, BSB/Sky, first broadcast 31/03/1990, number of episodes missing:- 27 episodes 1990-1991
A Beetle Called Derek, TVS, 07/07/1990, number of episodes missing:- At least 6 episodes 1990-1991
Robson's People, Tyne Tees, 09/08/1991, number of episodes missing:- 12 episodes 1991-1993
the Big Breakfast, Channel 4, 28/09/1992, number of episodes missing:- Over 1000 episodes 1992-2002
Wolf It, STV/TVS, 14/11/1993, number of episodes missing:- 19 episodes 1993-1994

CONGRATULATIONS FOR MAKING IT TO THE BOTTOM OF THE LIST!

[Pete Morris]

Here's a clip from a possibly missing episode of Robson's people.
Also posted in the Youtube thread

www.youtube.com/watch?v=34RyU7Kfja8

[stevehoare61]

Fascinating Ray. Its hard to believe so much was still being wiped even late into the 80s etc . Dr Who with its successes has not done too poorly compared to some.

[Pete Morris]

three episodes of Points Of View. Don't know if they are missing.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCA9p77DUdI
www.youtube.com/watch?v=FubnHibaxS8
www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRLVANk6Qkc

[Ray Langstone (was saintsray)]

Jun 15, 2023 13:19:08 GMT Pete Morris said:

three episodes of Points Of View. Don't know if they are missing.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCA9p77DUdI
www.youtube.com/watch?v=FubnHibaxS8
www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRLVANk6Qkc

AFAIK the first one and the third one have been spotted previously.

That said, I can't recall seeing the second one.

[Marie Griffiths]

Mind Your Language, was shown in India and enjoyed despite it not being PC by today's standards.

[sonnybh]

I heard Mind Your Language was remade in one or two countries.

[brucew]

I'm sure my mum had an episode or two of Sky Star Search on VHS, I will ask her to have a look.

[Kelvin Walker]

TWO editions of A Question of Sport) listed on TV Brain as missing do actually EXIST which I confirmed with Ray back then, 15th December 1992 (see 24th April 2017 post) and 20th April 1993 (see 15th January 2020 post).

[Ray Langstone (was saintsray)]

Jun 18, 2023 16:10:58 GMT Kelvin Walker said:

TWO editions of A Question of Sport) listed on TV Brain as missing do actually EXIST which I confirmed with Ray back then, 15th December 1992 (see 24th April 2017 post) and 20th April 1993 (see 15th January 2020 post).

You DID!

[sonnybh]

I've heard the original master tapes of the BBC's 1988 adaptation of The Lion The Witch & The Wardrobe have gone AWOL, but I presume a digital copy was made for the DVD release.

[robkeeley]

Jul 4, 2023 20:48:15 GMT sonnybh said:

I've heard the original master tapes of the BBC's 1988 adaptation of The Lion The Witch & The Wardrobe have gone AWOL, but I presume a digital copy was made for the DVD release.

As I understand it, all BBC 1" tapes from the 80s and early 90s were junked after being copied to D3 (unlike the earlier 2" tapes)? This would presumably include all three series of The Chronicles of Narnia (1988-90).

[sonnybh]

Jul 5, 2023 20:53:41 GMT robkeeley said:

Jul 4, 2023 20:48:15 GMT sonnybh said:

I've heard the original master tapes of the BBC's 1988 adaptation of The Lion The Witch & The Wardrobe have gone AWOL, but I presume a digital copy was made for the DVD release.

As I understand it, all BBC 1" tapes from the 80s and early 90s were junked after being copied to D3 (unlike the earlier 2" tapes)? This would presumably include all three series of The Chronicles of Narnia (1988-90).

OK that would explain things.