I like to believe there should be two distinct and identifiable bands running right across the Saturday night schedule – one at about 7pm and another at 10. The first should be packed solid with so-called “family” entertainment: light, bright, non-offensive, multiple age-group programming, regardless of the genre. Game shows, comedies, dramas, talent and variety shows and general entertainment… whatever. At 7pm the TV should be dripping with the stuff.
At 10, the atmosphere is different because you can cut the kids out of the picture but, more importantly, it’s getting to that time of night where nothing is getting started. It’s generally not a time when you might grab a few minutes in front of the box before going off to do something else. No – I submit that if you’re watching at ten, it’s because you’ve gotten comfortable there and, frankly, good for you. However, this means it’s not a time for disposable telly — you demand something more engaging, something you can become involved in and care about. A good story, maybe a film or a drama, something gritty or something funny, but something you can relax into and which will entertain you.