The TV That Changed Me

We could all do with a bit of Christmas cheer at the moment and this episode has it by the bucket loads! In a special Christmas edition of The TV That Changed Me, Beth is joined by the musician Iora as they discuss all the Christmas specials that have made their Christmases over the years. Expect chocolate fountains, a naked Alan Davies and a whole load of reasons we've gone off James Corden.  Content warning This episode contains discussion of homophobic slurs. Credits Produced by: Beth Watson Edited by: Beth Watson Music by: Iora Find us on the interweb Beth Watson: @b.wott on Instagram & @bwatson19 on Twitter The TV That Changed Me: @tvchangedme on Instagram & @tvchangedmepod on Twitter  

With Euphoria's second season dropping in early 2022, Beth sits down with her pal Alice to discuss the show's controversial first series. Expect honest chats about identity and addiction as well as fun diversions including femidoms, Gunwharf Quays and Ammonite. They also hear from a real-life Gen Zer about what the show gets right (and wrong) about being a teen in 2021. Eagle-eared listeners will also notice this is our first ever studio recording! We hope you enjoy the sexy sound quality. Further reading  It's time to stop talking about generations - Louis Menand Sam Levinson and Zendaya on the Hopefulness of Euphoria Credits Produced by: Beth Watson Edited by: Beth Watson Music by: Iora Find us on the interweb Beth Watson: @b.wott on Instagram & @bwatson19 on Twitter The TV That Changed Me: @tvchangedme on Instagram & @tvchangedmepod on Twitter  

With the world and her wife catching covid this week, we've been indoors watching And Just Like That and catching up with the Twitter discourse. In this special bonus episode, Beth is joined once again by her best mate Immy to chat the SATC reboot and the controversies that followed. Further reading  Sex and the City sequel has a mouthful of teething troubles Could Carrie Have Saved Mr. Big on ‘And Just Like That…'? Credits Produced by: Beth Watson Edited by: Beth Watson Music by: Iora Find us on the interweb Beth Watson: @b.wott on Instagram & @bwatson19 on Twitter The TV That Changed Me: @tvchangedme on Instagram & @tvchangedmepod on Twitter

Earlier this year, the Channel 4 show It's a Sin gripped the nation with its heart-breaking portrayal of a group of queer friends living through the HIV/Aids crisis of the early 1980s. But 20 years earlier, its creator Russel T Davis sent shockwaves through British television with a very different portrayal of an LGBTQ+ friendship group. Queer as Folk was released in 1999 and was an unapologetic portrayal of three gay men living in and around Manchester's Canal Street. The show was ground-breaking for the time and its impact was felt all over the world. Today on the show we're hearing from Ben and Benja from Bear Back Podcast about the effect it had on their very own coming out stories. Diversions include Kate Bush, Will & Grace and Sam Smith's cover of 'I feel love.' About Bear Back Podcast  Bear Back is hosted by same-name, transnational couple Ben and Benja who deliver a weekly comedy podcast that explores the cultural quirks of their respective homelands – the UK and Argentina. As two larger gay males, known as bears, both looking back on their life experiences to date, the podcast's title – ‘Bear Back' – seems apt.    The duo discuss everything from LGBTQ+ culture, food and drink, citizenship, language and public transport – via The Cheeky Girls and the history of the ballpoint pen – all why they navigate their life together in Warwickshire, England.    New episodes drop every Friday across all major podcast platforms or you can listen direct via the show's website: https://shows.acast.com/bear-back     Credits Produced by: Beth Watson Edited by: Beth Watson Music by: Iora Find us on the interweb Beth Watson: @b.wott on Instagram & @bwatson19 on Twitter The TV That Changed Me: @tvchangedme on Instagram & @tvchangedmepod on Twitter

How did TV shape Britain's relationship with the EU? And where do our preconceptions about European countries come from? Today on the show Beth is talking to historian David Lawton about German stereotypes, World War II references and British Nationalism in the eighties sitcom Auf Wiedersehen, Pet.  About David David is a PhD student at Queen Mary University working on Euroscepticism in Britain from 1970-2000. He has written on culture in the 1980s and has worked on the history of television in the 20th century. He is also a musician in the band Preen.  More on Auf Wiedersehen, Pet What Auf Wiedersehen, Pet teaches us about Britain and Europe by Tom Draper Credits Produced by: Beth Watson Edited by: Beth Watson Music by: Iora Find us on the interweb Beth Watson: @b.wott on Instagram & @bwatson19 on Twitter  The TV That Changed Me: @tvchangedme on Instagram & @tvchangedmepod on Twitter  

What would you do if you found out you had a doppelganger? Someone with the same name, hobbies, sexuality and even love for 90s TV as you? Would you totally freak out? Or would you send them a DM and invite them on your podcast?  In a spooky season special of The TV That Changed Me, Beth is joined by her doppelganger Beth Watson (yes, really) to discuss doppelgangers and queer icons in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. About the other Beth Watson Beth Watson is a theatre-maker, performer & drag king, writer and performer of upcoming Hasbian, and host of Queer Diary: the night which invites LGBTQ+ adults to delve back into their teenage diaries in front of a live audience.  Beth is also a member of The Family Jewels Drag Kings (under the name Dan Load), and co-director of Bechdel Theatre, a grassroots community organization which supports, connects and amplifies people of marginalized genders in and through theatre and performance. More on Buffy A complete timeline of every Joss Whedon controversy- Gabrielle Sanchez Revisiting “Buffy's” First Lesbian Kiss 20 Years Later- Ely Belle Credits Produced by: Beth Watson Edited by: Beth Watson Music by: Iora Find us on the interweb Beth Watson: @b.wott on Instagram & @bwatson19 on Twitter  The TV That Changed Me: @tvchangedme on Instagram & @tvchangedmepod on Twitter

What came first? The British teenage experience or Skins? Today Beth is answering that very question with writer, performer and binge-watching connoisseur Eleanor Rattenbury. The two also reminisce on sixth-form life, Glen's vodka and Eleanor's very own Skins audition.  About Eleanor  Eleanor is a writer and performer from London. In April 2021 she launched the blog Midnight Culture (midnightculture.co.uk) a place for the binge watchers, revenge bedtime procrastinators and anyone who loves film, TV, games or literature. When Eleanor isn't writing about the culture we consume in the early hours, she is working on her first novel and cramming in as many references to food as possible! As a performer Eleanor specialises in physical, immersive, and interactive performance and has worked as a collaborative artist with a number of theatre companies in the West Midlands. You can currently find Eleanor on tour with Quick Duck Theatre in Fashion Spies, a family-friendly, choose-your-own adventure show! Spoilers This episode contains spoilers for series 1 & 2 of Skins from around 48 minutes.  More on this How we made Skins interview with Father/Son co-creators How a Show About Sex, Drugs, and Teens Changed British Culture - Hannah Ewens Credits Produced by: Beth Watson Edited by: Beth Watson Music by: Iora Find us on the interweb Beth Watson: @b.wott on Instagram & @bwatson19 on Twitter  The TV That Changed Me: @tvchangedme on Instagram & @tvchangedmepod on Twitter  

What makes a person brave? Can TV characters help us step out of our comfort zones? Can you be tough and vulnerable at the same time? This week Beth is joined by comedian Mariana Feijó to discuss bravery in the iconic teen detective show- Veronica Mars. The two also unpack love triangles, polyamory and being an indie kid. As you might expect there's big time Veronica Mars spoilers throughout... so proceed with caution! Content warning: This episode contains references to sexual assault. Credits Produced by: Beth Watson Edited by: Beth Watson Music by: Iora Find us on the interweb Mariana Feijó: @Marianasbits Doughty podcast: https://shows.acast.com/doughtypod Beth Watson: @b.wott on Instagram & @bwatson19 on Twitter  The TV That Changed Me: @tvchangedme on Instagram & @tvchangedmepod on Twitter

Today Beth is joined by comedian Matt Hoss. The two discuss everything Matt did learn (and probably shouldn't have learned) about morality, masculinity and being an outsider from Mark and Jeremy on Peep Show. Content note: this episode contains references to self-harm at 20 minutes. Credits Produced by: Beth Watson Edited by: Beth Watson Music by: Iora Find us on the interweb Matt Hoss: @matthosscomedy Beth Watson: @b.wott on Instagram & @bwatson19 on Twitter  The TV That Changed Me: @tvchangedme on Instagram & @tvchangedmepod on Twitter

It's Pride month every month on The TV That Changed Me podcast, but since it is June we thought we'd do something super gay to celebrate. And what could be gayer than spending an hour processing our feelings about The L Word? On this week's episode we're discussing the iconic queer TV show with Radio Presenter & Producer, Shivani Dave. And, as The L Word means so much to so many, we start off by hearing from a gaggle of queers about what the show means to them.  Credits Produced by: Beth Watson Edited by: Beth Watson Music by: Iora Find us on the interweb Shivani Dave: @ShivaniDave on Twitter  Beth Watson: @b.wott on Instagram & @bwatson19 on Twitter  The TV That Changed Me: @tvchangedme on Instagram & @tvchangedmepod on Twitter  

Californiaaaaaaaaaaa. Here we come! This week, Beth is chatting teen dramas and on-screen sex with actor, comedian and aspiring orgasm expert Helen Duff. Diversions include Sex Education, Bridgerton and stand-up hanky panky. You might have guessed this already, but this isn't one to listen to with grandma (unless she's super chill). **Beware!** Spoilers appear for Sex Education, Bridgerton and The OC Content note: This episode contains references to eating disorders from 52 minutes. Credits Produced by: Beth Watson Edited by: Beth Watson Music by: Iora Find us on the interweb Helen Duff: @duffmarvel Come As You Are Podcast: @comeasyouarepod Beth Watson: @b.wott on Instagram & @bwatson19 on Twitter  The TV That Changed Me: @tvchangedme on Instagram & @tvchangedmepod on Twitter    

Today Beth is joined by her real-life bestie, Immy. The two discuss friendship, bathing and mental health in two of their favourite shows; Girls and Sex and the City. You'll also be hearing from Immy's pink karaoke microphone which, despite doing little to improve her audio, she insisted on holding the entire time.   **Caution** Girls spoilers from around 27 minutes.   Links we chatted about Please Stop Comparing ‘Girls' and ‘Sex and the City'  (we won't) The Woke Charlotte Meme is rewriting Sex and the City's problematic past   Credits Produced by: Beth Watson Edited by: Beth Watson Music by: Iora Find us on the interweb Beth Watson: @b.wott on Instagram & @bwatson19 on Twitter  The TV that Changed Me: @tvchangedme on Instagram & @tvchangedmepod on Twitter

How does a superhero deal with loss?  Do we get to create a perfect world on behalf of someone else? Is a utopia for one always a utopia for all? Today on the show we're talking to utopian scholar, community organiser and unashamed superhero fan, Ibtisam Ahmed about the big questions in Marvel's WandaVision.  Expect explorations of grief, queer childhood and a whole lot of Beth not knowing much about the Marvel universe.  **Caution** Big spoilers from around 38 minutes. Links we chatted about Wiccan and Hulkling: Queer and Immigrant Utopia in Young Avengers, Ibtisam Ahmed Credits Produced by: Beth Watson Edited by: Beth Watson Music by: Iora Find us on the interweb Ibtisam Ahmed @ibzor Beth Watson: @b.wott on Instagram & @bwatson19 on Twitter  The TV that Changed Me: @tvchangedme on Instagram & @tvchangedmepod on Twitter  

Are there certain shows you just can't stop going back to? Comfort TV that you'll always stick on when you're feeling down? For Mercedes Bull, podcaster & Disney obsessive, Once Upon a Time is that show.  We caught up about using film & TV to soothe our anxiety, the evolution of the Disney princess and what keeps drawing us back to fairy tales and the ‘Seven Basic Plots' time and time again. About Mercedes Mercedes is a Product Marketing Manager for a Brighton-based tech company. When she's not busy creating launch strategies, she's one half of ChatDisney Podcast. Mercedes also runs her own blog, My Disney Blog, and in case you haven't guessed yet, is completely devoted to all things Disney. Credits Produced by: Beth Watson Edited by: Beth Watson Music by: Iora Find us on the interweb Mercedes Bull: @mercedeslois ChatDisney: @chatdisney Beth Watson: @b.wott on Instagram & @bwatson19 on Twitter  The TV that Changed Me: @tvchangedme on Instagram & @tvchangedmepod on Twitter  

From examining grief to talking about love & labia, Fleabag has made Mel and Clancy from The Open House Podcast reflect on a lot of life's harder questions. This week, they join Beth to discuss their love for Phoebe Waller-Bridge and the life lessons we can all learn from watching Fleabag (Season 2). Slight diversions include foxes, Love Actually, and things our therapists say. Credits Produced by: Beth Watson Edited by: Beth Watson Music by: Iora Find us on the interweb Open House Podcast: Instagram @openhousepod and on Twitter @_OpenHousePod. Beth Watson: @b.wott on Instagram & @bwatson19 on Twitter  The TV that Changed Me: @tvchangedme on Instagram & @tvchangedmepod on Twitter

From Kenan and Kel to Moesha, the nineties is often considered to be the ‘Golden Age' of black sitcoms as TV networks tried to recreate the success of The Cosby Show. But quickly after the new millenium, many of these shows began to disappear and sitcoms centring black lives became close to impossible to find. In this episode of The TV That Changed Me, Beth speaks to journalist Micha Frazer-Carroll about how rewatching Sister, Sister in lockdown led her to investigate what happened to the black TV shows of her youth. Links we chatted about  Sister, Sister is back. In praise of the Nineties black sitcom boom Credits Produced by: Beth Watson Edited by: Beth Watson Music by: Iora Find us on the interweb Micha Frazer-Carroll: @Micha_Frazer on Twitter Beth Watson: @b.wott on Instagram & @bwatson19 on Twitter  The TV that Changed Me: @tvchangedme on Instagram & @tvchangedmepod on Twitter

Beth is joined by her brother James to discuss their teenage obsession, Gilmore Girls. The two dissect small town life, rate Rory's love interests and reflect on how the show brought them together after years of being at odds. **This episode contains Gilmore Girls spoilers** Links we chatted about  ‘Why Gilmore Girls endures' by Saul Austerlitz Michel Gerard- Gilmore Girls fandom Credits Produced by: Beth Watson Edited by: Beth Watson Music by: Iora Find us on the interweb Beth Watson: @b.wott on Instagram & @bwatson19 on Twitter  The TV that Changed Me: @tvchangedme on Instagram & @tvchangedmepod on Twitter  Learn more about the show: thetvthatchangedme.com

The TV that Changed Me is a podcast about TV and how it shapes our lives. Through conversations with comedians, artists and some of her closest pals, writer & reviewer Beth Watson will find out how some of the world's biggest TV shows have made us who we are. We'll be taking a deep dive into our favourite TV characters, poking holes in some questionable story lines and, most importantly, exploring the real-life impact of on-screen representation.