Controversially: That Was the Year That Was

202344m

Series exploring a year through the archives with a look back at key moments in the media.

Production

Logo for BBC Studios

Seasons

10 Episodes • Premiered 2023

Still image for Controversially: That Was the Year That Was season 1 episode 1: 1976

1. 1976

Bill Grundy met the sweary Sex Pistols, and a pile of bricks outraged the art world.

Still image for Controversially: That Was the Year That Was season 1 episode 2: 1983

2. 1983

A deep dive into '83 when two 007s vied for box office success, pop star Boy George made a splash, Diana, Princess of Wales upstaged her husband, and Shergar was seized.

Still image for Controversially: That Was the Year That Was season 1 episode 3: 1979

3. 1979

Jan Leeming narrates a look back at key events in TV, film, showbusiness and politics, including Monty Python causing a storm of protest with Biblical parody The Life of Brian, while The Kenny Everett Video Show upset moral campaigner Mary Whitehouse.

Still image for Controversially: That Was the Year That Was season 1 episode 4: 1974

4. 1974

A look back at outrageous events of 1974, replaying the most controversial moments in TV, cinema, music, showbiz and politics, including film The Exorcist, TV's Tiswas and the three-day working week.

Still image for Controversially: That Was the Year That Was season 1 episode 5: 1984

5. 1984

The year of 'video nasties', Frankie Goes to Hollywood's outrageous hit, PM Margaret Thatcher's year-long battle with striking coal miners, and US President Reagan's misguided joke about bombing Russia.

Still image for Controversially: That Was the Year That Was season 1 episode 6: 1986

6. 1986

Shockingly moments in 1986 - from celebrity scandal and sporting skulduggery to bare bottoms on TV - featuring Grange Hill's drugs storyline, Maradona's 'Hand of God' and EastEnders' gay couple.

Still image for Controversially: That Was the Year That Was season 1 episode 7: 1988

7. 1988

Jan Leeming narrates the multiple headlines of 1988, when NWA created the blueprint for gangsta rap, Edwina Curry caused a storm in an egg-cup, and anti-gay Section 28 became UK law.

Still image for Controversially: That Was the Year That Was season 1 episode 8: 1972

8. 1972

A look at the shocking news, showbiz and politics of 1972: the year of Chuck Berry's My Ding-a-Ling, the film A Clockwork Orange, TV's Love Thy Neighbour and an ever-vigilant Mary Whitehouse.

Still image for Controversially: That Was the Year That Was season 1 episode 9: 1990

9. 1990

We rewind to 1990 to replay shocking and controversial moments in TV, music, showbiz, and politics - including Madonna's bondage fest ban on MTV, Poll Tax riots and Milli Vanilli's mime act.

Still image for Controversially: That Was the Year That Was season 1 episode 10: 1968

10. 1968

Archive highlights of the year the assassination of Presidential hopeful Robert Kennedy stunned a disbelieving world, the Beatles dabbled in mysticism, and musical Hair let it all hang out.

Cast

Photo of Jan Leeming

Jan Leeming

Self - Narrator (voice)

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