BBC One is looking for a "breakthrough format" that will revive desperately low audiences for Saturday night television. "We haven't been doing brilliantly" said a spokeswoman for the channel, which is seeking this decade's version of the Generation Game or Noel's House Party.
ITV1 has had some stellar Saturday shows over the past few years, with Stars In Their Eyes and Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? but says record lows are because people are choosing new digital channels and alternative ways to spend their free time.
Why has popular TV become such a challenge? How could the schedulers get you watching on Saturday nights?
The following comments reflect the balance of views we have received:
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What's needed ? Good drama. A fine example was the recent re-screening on BBC4 of John Hopkins exceptional plays from 1966 'Talking To A Stranger'. A ground-breaking drama made nearly 40 years ago and still utterly compelling. We need contemporary drama serials and single plays from new writers and there are also plenty of contemporary novels which are begging to be adapted for television. Stop assuming we all want yet another Jane Austen. Put a stop to Casualty - it's had a long enough run. And the same with Holby City. Seen it all, bought the T-shirt...next please.
Frank Collins, Manchester, UK Saturday night would be enlivened by a periodical trip around the universe with Doctor Who. The expanding of scientific and other knowledge over the last decade would be incredibly fruitful for a show of it's kind (and there is no other of it's kind). Who's dumbing down? I don't think so...
Gus Andrews, Australia
Please can I add my voice to those calling for a rerun of The Goodies? Comedy classic, up there (nearly) with Monty Python, yet we never get to see them any more!
Comedy Fan, UK
I've always thought the BBC was supposed to be the broadsheet of the TV world, however the past few years the BBC has been dumbing down to almost insulting levels. We want Good Drama, adaptations of Books have always been popular and I would imagine relatively easy to produce and Documentaries that actually tell us something we don't already know, and without the constant dramatisation - if it's a good subject, done well it just shouldn't need it.
EW, UK
 |  After Grandstand throw in a double bill of classic Cartoons  |
Here's an idea - emulate, not copy previous winning formulae of BBC listings. After Grandstand throw in a double bill of classic Cartoons. Get rid of those awful links between programmes. Then you need a family orientated show. Here's an idea. A crackerjack style show - this time featuring Parents and Kids. Follow it up with a ground breaking sci fi show. Next a regular period drama - something swashbuckling to appeal to the masses. Then have a small 15 minute max programme built round the lottery. Next show a US import programme like Monk or poach crowd winners like CSI from C5. After this show a blockbuster new or classic movie. End the late slot with a Match of the Day style sports round up with John Inverdale - One of the Beebs real stars! Hope this has been useful. Casualty does have a place to play in your listings but it's too severe and melancholy for Saturday night entertainment!
David Sharpe, Scotland
ALL television is a total disgrace now, there is nothing but filth and violence (even on so called children's tv now). The media seems to think that by getting more and more outrageous they will win viewing figures, and to hell with moral standards. Well it may be starting to backfire on them all now (hopefully), people really want to go back to the sort of TV that we had in the fifties and sixties, decent and safe, YES safe. People want escapism, they don't want to see all the grisly reality of everyday life that they have to live with everyday anyway.
Helen, England
Whatever the BBC decides to do with the Saturday night schedule, please please please don't just copy ITVs lowest common denominator format. Saturday night TV should be fun, except we get inane lottery shows and Casualty, which disregarding Eastenders, must be the most depressing programme on TV! It should not be on at this time on this day. Fun fun fun that's what we want. Later with Jools please! Bring back The Floor Show but give each comedian more time.
Simon, England
Television has been getting worse over the last few years - taking 'dumbing down' to new levels. I don't want to see endless game shows, lifestyle and reality programmes. It's been done before. Bring back the basics - good documentaries, wildlife, great British comedy (like men behaving badly, the Royle family and red dwarf) and decent films. How about a great drama, that lets face it only the Americans seem to do well, such as CSI, ER or The West Wing. Or something the BBC does very well - literary adaptations along the lines of Pride & Prejudice but perhaps more modern novels could be adapted for television (like Zadie Smith's White Teeth on C4). The BBC used to create challenging, interesting programmes. Now it shows programmes like Rogue Traders. Say no more.
Sarah, UK
There's no innovation any more. It's like that scene in Alan Partridge where he suggests the most awful programmes by just throwing together a genre and a celebrity with some wacky twist. "It's the National Lottery with Eamonn Holmes, on holiday", "It's Ant and Dec in a gameshow where you win the prizes in the adverts". People who make these sorts of programmes should be ashamed of themselves. The reason Spooks is so popular is because it's original. People watch it because there's actually been effort put into making it a good and unique programme. It's the same with Strange, 24, Phoenix Nights, Dave Gorman. Heck, even Noel's House Party was a genuinely new format. Well done the BBC for having systematically removed or "updated" everything they can ever have been proud of. Top of the Pops is turning into RI:SE, Richard Blackwood is the acceptable face of youth culture (thanks a lot!) and as for Doctor Who (one of the most original and still hugely popular programmes the BBC has ever produced) - well, they've never given a convincing reason why that dropped other than that they were scared of not being "cool" enough. I'm 21. I listen to Radio 1. I'm led to believe I'm a very important part of the demographic. Well, I've got news for you. I don't want to be cool. I want to see something made by people with ideas - who really care.
Dominic di Nezza, England
If I am going to watch TV on a Saturday night, it is because I am not going out. So I would therefore need some stimulation to counter this staying-in-at-home feeling. I would like to have a laugh (programmes like the BBC's Dead Ringers, Have I got news for you, for example) and then I'd like to relax, so maybe a Hollywood movie - without needless interruptions for the news. Let the increasingly more 'tabloid' channels mess about with game show formats and reality TV. Stick with quality entertainment BBC, you know it makes sense. EG: 20:00 Comedy 1 20:25 Comedy 2 20:50 BBC News & Lottery 21:00 Saturday Movie 22:50+/- A live Music Show, such as Jules Holland etc. Stop the re-runs, bring back original comedy.
Dave Small, Wales
Obviously everyone has very different tastes and ideas about what Saturday night viewing should mean. It would be great if the BBC really took notice of what's been said in this exchange of opinions because I'm sure if they did then they'd get manage to put together some Saturday evening's entertainment which really appeals to most of the audience. I personally am totally in favour of scrapping the lame attempts to make the Lottery entertaining - just get the draw over with and let us watch something else! Anything else.
Amy Stokes, England
Get to the root of the problem first - who will be at home watching TV on a Saturday night? Young families for whom Basil Brush and Dr. Who would be great at the beginning of the evening; the late night schedules already cover those returning from a night out and a film to compete with a hired video covers that, but what about the rest of us in the 8pm to 11pm slot? At that time there is very little of merit on offer. At least Michael Wood's Shakespeare was a welcome oasis in a desert of unremarkable TV. Horizon, Chronicle (remember that one?)David Attenborough. What about a new Detective Series? and I don't mean 'reality TV'b ut P.D.James' Commander Dalgliesh or H.R.F.Keating's Inspector Ghote - a series set in India would be a welcome change to the hospital/police soaps we get now. Tailor the programmes to suit the people who will be at home on a Saturday evening and then success (and high ratings) should follow. And then we'll all be happy.
MM, Wales UK
Much as I love Only Fools and Horses, it is now time for the Beeb to find their new Only Fools - establish a new comedy classic that appeals to the majority. Get back Match Of The Day as this to used to be a late Saturday evening tradition!
Paul, UK
| Richard Blackwood is the most unfunny person on TV |
Have some music shows where every act has to involve people playing instrument. Stop these clone shows that stifle creative and imaginative development. We have become a nation of clones. Richard Blackwood is the most unfunny person on TV. Give John Peel a Prime Time Music on TV show
Craig Chapman, England Might I recommend that the BBC have a word with David Attenborough, who presided over the spectacular rise of BBC2? Sky has the stranglehold on all decent films and God forbid that another Dawn French or Ruby Wax series is commissioned. Do what Sir David did. Find some real comedy talents, such as Dave Gorman (but please God not another 'lad' like Johnny Vaughan) and give him free rein. Then get Sir David to give us another of his own wildlife series. If all else fails how about some long overdue re-showings of the Goodies, or Spike Milligan's Q series? Go on, take a chance.
Chris, UK
The BBC seems to have decided that everybody loves soap operas and quiz shows and nothing else. Wrong!!! I remember when Saturday night's TV was something you looked forward to. Shows like Doctor Who were a great family event that the kids and Mum and Dad enjoyed. It was good to see Strange but it only ran for six weeks� Bring back some creative, imaginative TV! Give us a good comedy, the odd movie and finish off with The Timelord!
Anthony Hall, UK
| Buffy got the shunt-it-around-the snooker slot on BBC2 |
Saturday should be a night for adventure and escapism not dreary hospital soaps. Bring back the Generation Game WITHOUT Jim Davidson. Lily Savage or Julian Clary (or even Dale Winton or Cilla) would give it a new lease of life. The BBC could have shown Buffy for the last seven years on Saturday nights and got peak viewing figures but sadly it got the shunt-it-around-the snooker slot on BBC2. What a missed opportunity! Concentrate on quality of programmes rather than quantity of viewers and they'll get back the world-wide reputation they once had and the ratings would take care of themselves.
Peter, Scotland How about re-showing Ken Burns' documentaries The Civil War and The West? Also, why not commission an epic series on the history of all the countries that made up the USSR, before, during and after its formation/break up? Surely that is a huge, untapped reservoir of fascinating history, much of which is still unknown to many in Western Europe?
Frances, UK
Saturday night TV has been dismal for years. I thought ironic that this article appeared a few days after the first Saturday night's TV listings I can ever remember choosing to stay in for - Shakespeare, Midsummer Night's Dream and the Colour Purple. If we can have more like that I might be tempted to turn the box on more often.
Lynn, UK
| Why do the television companies feel that every drama series has to turn into a soap opera |
Why do the television companies feel that every drama series has to turn into a soap opera. Take the Bill and Casualty for example, both of them used to be good dramas when they first stated out, focused on the main theme of the program. Both of them have become more like soap operas then drama, focusing mainly on the relationships of the main characters. Why can't UK television follow examples such as CSI, where the soap side has been kept to a bare minimum.
Simon, UK I've thought for a long while that Saturday TV was deliberately bad in an attempt to get grown ups out of the house to do something less boring instead (an adult equivalent of 'Why Don't You?'). Maybe the Beeb should be a bit daring and try to find some new acting talent instead of relying on vehicles for 'stars' who are generally very bad presenters or has-been actors who now get lead roles because they were once in a soap.
Rachel, UK
The BBC used to be at the forefront of good programming, making thought provoking and stimulating programmes. Its documentaries used to challenge, and were at a level where sometimes it might be a little difficult to understand for the layman without any knowledge, but in today's era of making programmes that are also shown to mass worldwide audiences on the discovery channel and the like the programmes are dumbed down and no longer stimulating.
Get back to the cutting edge BBC, make the licence fee worth it, pull out of trying to make too many programmes by creating new digital stations and invest the money in quality original programmes. Bring back Dr Who, put Top of the Pops back on Thursday in its original format without all the backstage rubbish - all we want is to see the bands and the chart. Stop making 4 episodes of Eastenders a week, when 2 was quite enough, stop making things all interactive, it really annoys me. I just want to be entertained. No more lottery, hospital, cop, makeover, reality stuff, its really dull
Simon Roberts, UK
| I wonder whether one-off programmes would work |
I wonder whether one-off programmes would work. I mean such things as Murder in Mind, which is great. One of the problems with Saturday is that younger people in particular don't stay in every Saturday so would not necessarily be inclined to watch something which stretched over a period of weeks. I enjoy the one or two hour dramas that are more self-contained. However, even having said that, the best drama of the week, Spooks, should be shown every day!!
Andrew, Spain/UK The BBC need to realise that not everyone goes out on Saturday night and those that do stay in would like something to watch other than game shows. Putting a good quality film on or a decent drama to compete with Sky might just get the viewers back! I very rarely watch terrestrial TV as the quality is just not there!
Alexandra, Manchester
Sometimes to go forward you need to take a step back first. The new format may not work but the old one certainly did. What the BBC should do is go back to the old format. It worked very well before so why shouldn't it work today? As the BBC may know, Doctor Who was, and still is very popular, and to bring it back would certainly boost ratings (possibly with Paul McGann as he's only done one). I also think that the lottery was much better when it first began. I think they should scrap all these different incarnations of the show (winning lines, jet set, etc) and have one lottery show like the old one, with Mystic Meg and a few celebrity guests. Noel's House Party should also be considered for a return as I always enjoyed watching that, but if so, don't make any fancy changes, just bring it back in it's original format. Remember: "if it's not broken, don't fix it!"
Alan White, UK
The BBC needs to spend some money and attract talent to Saturday nights. No more members of the public! I can walk down the street and watch ordinary people for free. I object to paying over a �100 a year for a licence to see them on my telly. Just draw the lottery numbers, don't faff about with pathetic quizzes. Let's have talented comedians and singers - a variety show with a bit of class. Not Noel "lowest common denominator" Edmunds with his custard pies and buckets of water. Get Eddie Izzard, Peter Kay, Jools Holland and Shirley Bassey on the same show and watch the ratings take off.
David Jones, UK
| The weekend is for escaping from the real world |
Most childless adults spend the night out (or in with no TV!), However those of us with children would like to see something aimed at families. Why not a family oriented films, things like Romancing the stone, Disney films or Indiana Jones. Another suggestion would be the David Attenborough series - both of my children miss them if they are shown mid week. The one thing I hate is 'reality' type TV or things like Casualty/the Bill, the weekend is for escaping from the real world.
Caron, England Saturday evenings used to be a chance for the whole family to watch TV together. Examples: Basil Brush visually was for children but the humour was for both child and adult with out offending anyone. Doctor Who again visually appealed to children, the Mum was there for support if things got too scary and the Dad had the beautiful assistant. Today we have the Lottery. Casualty does not appeal to all ages. What was a drama programme has turned into a nine months of the year soap. My dream list would be: Football results; Doctor who; Basil Brush; Quiz show; News; Parky; Film
Martin H , UK
It's an easy-peasy job to get a decent Saturday night line-up - BBC1 was doing it for many many years until they mucked about with their shows too much. As a reminder for the hard-of-thinking execs, here's a sample for them: 5.30pm - Basil Brush. The new Basil series on CBBC is hilarious and deserves a much better timeslot. 6pm Doctor Who. See if the new animation on BBCi is any cop, and if so, get Richard E Grant to do a live action version. 6.30pm The Generation Game - with Dale Winton or Paul O'Grady following in legendary shoes of Larry Grayson. 7.30pm The Lottery Show - a variety show with comedians, pop stars and the draws themselves. 8.10pm Casualty. 9pm New historical-based drama, like Tenko, The Duchess of Duke Street or Secret Army - the kind of thing the BBC simply can't do badly 10pm News 10.20pm Parkinson. Simple, really.
Scorby Dunbar, UK
What the BBC has been lacking for a few good years is quality drama. I think viewers are tired of the "classic" costume dramas and want original, well-written serials. We all know these cost money hence the incessant output of "reality" TV shows such as Changing Rooms, the excretal Bargain Hunt, etc and the schizophrenic round robin of the Lottery show in its various formats. So, something like Spooks might the answer. This is well-written, original entertaining and vaguely thought-provoking. Ah, for the old line up of Jim'll Fix It, Basil Brush, Doctor Who and Parky, eh?
Richard Dinnick, UK
It's because there are so many channels available to most people, and the pool of genuinely talented performers is not big enough to draw on to spread over literally hundreds of tv channels, which is why "joe public" is left to entertain themselves via endless mind numbing quiz shows, docusoaps and "karaoke graduates" who put themselves up for shows like "fame academy", "popstar the rival" Saturday nights t v heyday will never return as long as satellite and digital options are available and the major terrestrial channels are willing to employ pro.actors/entertainers and not mediocre wannabes
A Hallett, UK
| It's the lack of variety that makes Saturday night the most depressing on the box |
It's the lack of variety that makes Saturday night the most depressing on the box. When will the BBC and ITV realise that the public are tired of endless game shows on Saturday evenings. The BBC's golden years of Saturday night ratings in the 1970s relied on a variety of programming, not just yet more game show vehicles for the limited talents of presenters such as Ulrika, Dale and Ian Wright. Bringing back 'Dr. Who' might be seen as a backwards step by many, but it would at least give us viewers a chance to watch something different on Saturdays. Come to think of it, even the return of 'Noel's House Party' would be welcomed, and I never thought I'd hear myself say that...!
John S, UK What is sadly lacking are programmes that really stimulate the imagination - programmes that would allow our immensely talented script writers and producers a chance to realise their true potential and creativity. Back in 1989, I'd be the first suggest that Dr Who had run it's course and should be junked. By the same token, I think it is now time to bring it back. Let's not forget, there is a whole Universe out there and the possibility for true family entertainment is (or indeed, should be) mouth-watering. Strong lead and supporting actors, good writers and producers as well as 100% commitment from the BBC, and one of the most innovative programmes in TV history could very well endear the nation once more. But please, no more custard pies, Auntie.
Gary McCartney, UK
Oh bring back the days of Basil Bush, followed by Dr Who and then Jim'll Fix It.
Bob Watson, Spain
| Create new drama and bring back classics |
Last week I stayed in thinking I needed to relax in front of the TV. I couldn't believe it! Trash! I found myself surfing channels in the desperate attempt to find something interesting, but there was nothing. Bring back drama - bring back stories. Create new drama and in the meantime bring back classics: Tales of the Unexpected and Bouquet of Barbed Wire etc. Great films, great documentaries. But for God's sake stop the reality TV! It's so mind-numbingly boring.
Nat, UK They could always put Bruce Forsyth back on the Generation Game...
Tom H, UK
Perhaps a more intelligent approach to programming instead of mind numbing quiz games and B grade celebrity type shows. More good drama (eg Casualty), quality comedy (Fools and Horses) and decent movies. An ideal world might see a good drama, a big movie and perhaps followed by a good chat show and some classic comedy. But please scrap ALL formats of the lottery quiz and anything with Ian Wright as he really is not good enough to hold his own on BBC One on a Saturday night. Bottom line is compelling drama will improve things no end.
Simon, UK
The National Lottery show can be binned and the numbers drawn between programmes. We should be able to make intelligent enjoyable programmes along the lines of "The West Wing",24,The Shield,CSI and The Sopranos which no UK is able to hold a candle to.
Stephen, Scotland
| I have no desire to see shows where people are put down for our enjoyment |
The BBC is searching for a "breakthrough format" but perhaps the biggest problem is that we are tired of formulaic TV. Where has the innovation gone? Why are we subjected to the same inarticulate stars? I have no desire to see more (new or rehashed) game shows, reality shows (now called 'unscripted' shows), dating shows, or shows where people are put down for our enjoyment and entertainment. Why not import some decent foreign programmes (not everything has to come from the US!) to fill the gap?
Mark, Dundee, Scotland The BBC has gone too American, go back to the old format.
David Duncan, UK / USA
Saturday night television is a very strange one to get right. On Saturday early evening people want simple stuff, programmes that they can dip in and out of. People want this because people are either coming home from a day's shopping or their getting ready to go out. A family variety show like Noel's House Party is what's needed for this time of night. Around 8pm is just about right with programmes like Casualty. Then around 9pm people want a good film to watch. They don't want gameshows etc they want to be able to get in a take-away and spend the night watching a film.
Jonathon Churchill, Swansea, UK
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