RTBWTV December 2022 - Unwrapping the mystery of Christmas Specials

When did Christmas shows become a thing?

In our leisurely swim (rather than deep dive) through the classic television that flitted across the black and white screens of the UK from the Suez Crisis in 1956 until the three day week in 1974, Co hosts Guy Morgan and David Newell ponder on why there were no overt ITC Xmas episodes, when they were all the rage in comedy.

The Avengers (or Chapeau Melon et Bottes de Cuire) did have one in 1965 and Maigret had a couple. Tune in to our theory as to why festive episodes are a tricky sell for world wide syndication.

Also, we touch upon Episode One of The Persuaders, with Roger Moore's self designed wardrobe, plus a surplus of cravattes and sideburns. 

And how did the ghost story keep children from spotting Santa coming down the chimney?

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