The Back Side of Television (2021– ) User Reviews

Insightful and enlightening!

[StuckInTheGroove · 9/10 · 12 October 2023]

I thought I was a discerning viewer until I watched this show. A behind-the-scenes analysis of the decision-making processes that determine why and how shows come and go. Not what I was expecting, but entertaining and enlightening.

S2/E3 my favourite episode overall. Great insight into current news reporting and its ability to exaggerate and catastrophise and dramatise even a non-story. Also includes a historical comparison of news, now and then.

MIght have scored a 10/10, but minus one point for the blatant omission of any Foxtel show combined with the shameless plugging about the opening credits of a Foxtel show... isn't it ironic?

Too much sermonising and shaming

[Chriper7 · 3/10 · 12 July 2023]

I decided to start with episode 2 because it was reportedly about an infamous news report to be revisited. Anyhow, 7 or 8 minutes in, I'm still being preached at about how terrible straight, white men are and how Australian TV is awful for not having more LGBTQ content 40 years ago, and how all the representations of gay characters weren't good enough.

After an ordinary day, I don't want to put on a show and be given a sermon about what a despicable person I am just for existing. If the presenter wanted to address this issue, at least don't make such sweeping generalisations about a demographic of his audience (incidentally the same thing he reports he doesn't appreciate being done regarding his own demographic) and maybe lose some of the giant chip on his shoulder. I just wanted to watch this 'infamous news report' from the past, free from being lectured.