Welcome to another episode of My 70s TV Childhood. This time, we’re returning to the world of Gerry Anderson’s iconic puppet series. Growing up in 1970s Britain, Thunderbirds and other Anderson creations like Stingray, Captain Scarlet, and Joe 90 were a big part of my TV memories.

We explore the genius of Gerry and Sylvia Anderson and their revolutionary Supermarionation technique, which brought their characters to life. I reminisce about the Tracy family of Thunderbirds, their heroic missions with International Rescue, and the incredible vehicles like Thunderbird 2 and the underused Thunderbird 3 (Why?). There’s also Lady Penelope and Parker, whose quirky British humour added charm to the show.

I share my fond memories of playing with a Thunderbird 2 toy and the amusing fact that it was blue instead of its original green, thanks to advice from a child psychologist!!

In this episode, we also touch on the cultural backdrop of space exploration in the 60s and 70s, which heavily influenced these shows, and revisit the darker tones of Captain Scarlet and the fantastical gadgetry of Joe 90. These shows, despite their puppetry, offered drama, adventure, and a sense of wonder that still resonates today.

Were you captivated by the heroics of Thunderbirds or intrigued by the darker world of Captain Scarlet? Or perhaps you have your own Gerry Anderson favourite? Want to share your memories of these unique characters? Let us know on our blog, Facebook, or Twitter! Your stories make this podcast even better.

Take care,
Oliver

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I’m not sure what possessed me to venture into the dusty cellar this week, but I’m glad I did. Deep in the archives of My 70’s TV Childhood Towers, I unearthed copies of the Radio Times and TV Times from 19th November 1975. Armed with these fragile treasures, I pieced together a fascinating snapshot of what was on TV that chilly Wednesday evening nearly 50 years ago.

It was a typical night of 70’s British television, full of familiar favourites and forgotten gems. BBC1 was its dependable self, with shows like Play School, Magic Roundabout, and Nationwide. Of course, there was Till Death Us Do Part, a sitcom that even now divides opinions as sharply as it did then. On BBC2, things took a more refined turn, but the schedule reminded me of something I had almost forgotten—just how often the channel was off-air. Imagine that today, staring at a blank screen for hours!

ITV offered more variety and, dare I say, flair. Rainbow and The Sooty Show added a splash of colour, while Boy Dominic intrigued me. The drama followed a young boy navigating life in 19th-century Yorkshire, but I’ll admit, it’s not one I remember watching. Maybe you do?

It was also a night that highlighted how much TV has changed. Back then, families were often divided on whether to watch ITV at all—Granny, for example, might have disapproved of its “immorality.” Thinking about that now, compared to the vast and varied content available at the touch of a button, it feels like a story from another century.

So, what were you watching on 19th November 1975? Did you love the warm familiarity of Nationwide or the sports-filled excitement of Sportsnight? Or perhaps Boy Dominic rings a bell?

Let me know—I’d love to hear your memories.

Oliver

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Email: [Oliver@My70sTVChildhood.com]

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Hello, 70s TV lovers! Welcome to a brand-new episode of My 70’s TV Childhood Quiz! We’re excited to take you on another journey through the colourful, quirky, and unforgettable world of British TV in the 1970s. Get ready for four rounds packed with nostalgia, surprises, and a few fresh twists!

First up is Round One: Animal Magic, where we’ll test your memory of the famous four-legged (and sometimes winged!) friends that brightened our screens. How many of these iconic animal stars can you remember?

Next, we move on to Round Two: Marathon - Fil Rouge, where we revisit episodes from the podcast. Do you remember the dynamic duo from Vision On, or that cheeky troublemaker from the Tufty Club who was always getting into scrapes? This round is a little treat for our loyal listeners!

Then it’s time for Round Three: Mystery Voice, an exciting new addition! We’ll play you snippets from legendary voices of the 70s—think you can recognise them just by sound? Listen closely and see if you can identify each one!

And finally, Round Four: TV Times brings you a whirlwind of trivia from the golden age of television. From The Six Wives of Henry VIII to Worzel Gummidge, it’s a round that will put your memory to the test!

We’re also gearing up for our Christmas quiz, and we’d love your input! We’re looking for the very best questions from our listeners. Send your favourite questions and answers to quiz@my70stvchildhood.com, and you might see them featured in our festive special!

So, how did you do? Let us know! And if you enjoyed this episode, why not share the fun with a friend and keep the 70s TV spirit alive?

Until next time, take care and happy quizzing!

Oliver

Contact us:

Email: [Oliver@My70sTVChildhood.com]

Blog: [Link]

Facebook: [Link]

Twitter: [Link]

Youtube: [Link]

Get in touch!

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