Season 1

Episodes • 2011

Charlie Brooker
Fear

1. Fear

30 min

From hysterical public information films to grisly crime dramas, terror spills out of almost every channel. As Charlie explores TV's approach to fear, you won't know whether to laugh or scream. Warning: contains traces of Michael Buerk and a semi-naked lady.

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The Lifecycle

2. The Lifecycle

30 min

From kids shows to Countdown, TV has something to infuriate anyone of any age. Warning: this episode contains creepy dolls and the 1980s Oxo dad.

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Aspiration

3. Aspiration

30 min

From Dallas to Grand Designs, TV continually rubs desirable lifestyles in your face, making you feel inadequate in the process. Warning: contains Sophie Dahl and coffins.

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Love

4. Love

30 min

Charlie Brooker argues that TV has warped our expectations of romance with a toxic combination of Blind Date and rom-coms. Do 'soulmates' even exist? Warning: this episode contains traces of Dirty Den and suggestive swimwear.

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Progress

5. Progress

30 min

From the moon landings to Blake's 7 to CSI: Miami, Charlie Brooker argues that television has warped our relationship with technology. Warning: this episode contains a computerised Simon Cowell and a lady in a silver catsuit.

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Knowledge

6. Knowledge

30 min

Charlie Brooker traces how TV's notion of knowledge has changed from bespectacled experts to celebrity presenter drivel.

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