It's either a really great week for you if you're an American fan of British TV, if you're into anything from drama to sci-fi to shameless celebrity famewhoredom. And really, that's how British TV is largely broken up into these days. First off, the last "Doctor Who" for David Tennant before his … [Read more...]
Expect a Doctor Who – Waters of Mars Review soon – Preview Clips and Pictures
November 13, 2009 By Leave a Comment
The BBC promotion machine is going into overload as we get close to Doctor Who: Waters of Mars airing on Sunday. I will watch it using the magic of the internet and provide a review of Waters of Mars as soon as I can. American fans are reminded that it will air on BBC America December 19th at … [Read more...]
British TV Podcast Show #6
November 12, 2009 By Leave a Comment
This week Chrissy & Ryan are really excited about November 15th when there will be a cornucopia of great British TV running whether you are in the US or Britain. We preview Doctor Who: The Waters of Mars (running in the UK), The Prisoner (in the US), as well as discuss Christmas telly, John … [Read more...]
Gavin and Stacey Returning This Month
November 9, 2009 By 2 Comments
UK odd couple Gavin and Stacey are coming back this month for a third series. After the explosive Christmas special last year, the latest season is sure to be an interesting exploration of the star crossed - or rather region crossed - lovers. Here's an excerpt from the BBC's press release last … [Read more...]
Dispatches from the North: The BNP on Question Time
November 4, 2009 By Leave a Comment
When I lived in the States I had a hard time even choosing between two major political parties. I even found people would insist on telling me how they classified my political affiliations because the idea that I have none was downright sacrilegious to them. In truth, I am the elusive "swing voter" … [Read more...]
British TV Podcast Show #5
November 3, 2009 By Leave a Comment
The British TV Podcast. This week Chrissy & Ryan do a quick review of "The Wedding of Sarah Jane Smith," news, what's on TV this week, DVD releases, and a feature on actress Romola Garai ("Emma"). Listen now to Show #5 Here … [Read more...]
Anglophile Reviews: Fawlty Towers Remastered DVD Set
November 2, 2009 By 1 Comment
I've made it quite known that my favorite British Comedy of all time is Yes, Minister. However, there is a new contender in the runner: Fawlty Towers. I was provided a copy of the new Remastered DVD Box set to review by the kind folks at the BBC and took to watching it right away. My wife and I got … [Read more...]
This Week in Doctor Who: Tons of Doctor Who News – SPOILERS
October 31, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Yesterday was a big news day for Doctor Who fans - we finally got an air date of the November special "Waters of Mars" as well as a corresponding US Airdate. We also got some more preview clips and there was an interview with David Tennant. So, here's a breakdown of all the Doctor Who News this … [Read more...]
Talking Telly: Why the BBC Is Right To Keep iPlayer To Itself
October 28, 2009 By Leave a Comment
A couple of weeks ago, there was rejoicing on all shores after it was announced that the BBC would make a international version of its iPlayer. Finally, "Doctor Who" and "Torchwood" on the same air date as the UK! It was like Christmas for DW fans. Even if we do have to pay, which is only fair - … [Read more...]
British TV Podcast Show #4 Live
October 27, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Editor's Note: The folks behind the brilliant British TV Podcast I wrote about earlier this week have agreed to post weekly when their new podcast goes live to let us know all about it. Welcome! This week's British TV Podcast with Chrissy & Ryan includes a discussion of whether actors Lee … [Read more...]
Talking Telly: Never Fear Fans, John & Edward On Way Out On ‘The X Factor’
October 26, 2009 By 4 Comments
I never thought I'd say this, especially after she got the No. 1 single in Britain a week after Robbie Williams unfairly didn't, but I have to agree with Cheryl Cole. John & Edward, the Irish twins who cannot really sing on "The X Factor", have become my guilty pleasure. Instead of looking up … [Read more...]
Awesome British TV Podcast
October 24, 2009 By Leave a Comment
One of the treats of running Anglotopia are all the interesting people that contact me through the blog. This week I was contacted by someone who runs their very own British TV podcast - and it's brilliant. Anglophiles have needed this for ages and I'm glad someone has finally stepped up and put … [Read more...]
Fawlty Towers has been Remastered for its 30th Anniversary
October 24, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Classic British TV comedy, Fawlty Towers has been remastered and released on DVD for it's 30th anniversary. From the BBC Blurb this past week: Join the BBC in celebrating the 30th anniversary of John Cleese's (Monty Python's Flying Circus, A Fish Called Wanda) legendary TV series, Fawlty Towers! … [Read more...]
Doctor Who SPOILERS: Promo Pictures from Tennant Doctor on the Sarah Jane Adventures
October 23, 2009 By Leave a Comment
While I'm a huge Doctor Who fan and watch Torchwood, I have not taken up the other Who spinoff "The Sarah Jane Adventures." Mostly because it's targeted at children and if the Tardis isn't present, I'm not really interested. Well, David Tennant is going to guest start in 2 upcoming episodes of The … [Read more...]
Talking Telly: ‘The X Factor’ Fangs Come Out Early
October 12, 2009 By 3 Comments
I swear that Talking Telly will not turn into a weekly recap of "The X Factor". Mostly because I expect to keep an interest in the show for about two more weeks, which is still three weeks and 1/2 hour more than I made it through "Strictly Come Dancing". But tonight was the first live final, the … [Read more...]
Occupation Coming to BBCAmerica: It’s Worth Watching
October 12, 2009 By 2 Comments
This is by no means a review of the entire show - but a three part miniseries that aired Earlier this summer in the UK about the Iraq war is about to air on BBC America and it's worth taking the time to watch. It explores the human consequences of war by telling the personal stories of three … [Read more...]
Breaking News: BBC To Launch iPlayer for the USA and the Rest of the World!
October 8, 2009 By 7 Comments
This is HUGE news - the BBC is finally going to get around to creating an iPlayer for the American audience. From the leaked plans, we will have to pay for the privilege - which is fine. Most of us are paying in some way or another to get our British TV fix. Paid Content: UK has the scoop. Here's … [Read more...]
The New Doctor Who Logo and Animation Revealed
October 6, 2009 By 1 Comment
With much fanfare this morning, the BBC released the new logo/animation of the Doctor Who logo that will be used when the Matt Smith years begin in 2010. Here is the New Doctor Who Logo: I like it! … [Read more...]
Happy 40th Birthday Monty Python!
October 5, 2009 By 1 Comment
Today marks a momentous day - the 40th birthday of iconic British Comedy troupe, Monty Python. To mark the day - fellow Anglophile blogger Brit Fancy has kindly written us a fabulous post talking all about what makes Monty Python great. Check out her excellent Anglophile blog here. Today marks … [Read more...]
Talking Telly: Things US TV Should Steal From the Telly, Pt. 1
September 30, 2009 By 4 Comments
I have been enjoying my nice, legally purchased access to UK telly, via UKTV2C.com, and I am making a lot of random finds and observations that I have as someone who has addictively watched American cable since first getting it in my 20's. And I thing the Americans have stolen all the wrong ideas, … [Read more...]
Talking Telly: A Welcome Change In Direction For BBC America
September 29, 2009 By 3 Comments
Jack Davenport (who will forever be Steve from "Coupling" for me, but is probably Norrington from "Pirates of the Caribbean" for others) recently did an interview with The Daily Telegraph where he talked about his new ABC show "FlashForward", which is performing really well for a new show and might … [Read more...]
Demo of the Incredible UKTV2C Expat British TV Service – British TV in the USA
September 27, 2009 By 5 Comments
Mike Gamble, the owner of UKTV2C, the premiere UK TV Slingbox provider, asked me to put together a short screencast detailing the service, it's features and cost. I really think that UKTV2C is the best solution for getting British TV anywhere in the world, including in the USA. It's legal, easy … [Read more...]
Talking Telly: A Surprising Beginning to ‘The X Factor’
September 22, 2009 By 2 Comments
This is only the second series of "The X Factor" I've even attempted to watch. To be honest, last year's competition was a lot like "American Idol" has become - lots of manufactured drama with the singers and the judges and not so much real talent. And Simon Cowell looked as bored as I was. … [Read more...]
Why You Need to See QI According to Me…and John Hodgman
September 19, 2009 By 3 Comments
If you don't mind, I'd like to continue my Stephen Fry lovefest for just one more week. I love QI. It is hilarious and informative. It can be rude. But it is so fantastically British. Featuring a panel of celebrities (Alan Davies is a regular, semi-regulars include Jo Brand, Phil Juppitus, … [Read more...]
Dispatches from the North: Last Night of the Proms
September 16, 2009 By 7 Comments
This past Saturday night was an iconic annual British event called Last Night of the Proms. The Proms is a summer classical music festival that spans two months and this year consisted of over 100 promenade concerts. The Last Night of the Proms is televised by the BBC every year and the finale of … [Read more...]
Talking Telly: Random TV Nuggets From Dragon*Con
September 14, 2009 By 4 Comments
Boy, there's nothing like writing a first column to give me writer's block. There is so much about British TV to talk about that it's hard to nail down stuff like the ultimate show or what show you should never, ever watch (that's Big Brother). So for now I'm going to talk about what me and everyone … [Read more...]
Top Gear’s James May Builds House out of Lego’s
September 11, 2009 By 2 Comments
James May, from the hit show Top Gear, is hard at work on a show about Toys called James May's Toy Stories. The subject of one episode will chronicle his project to build a house entirely out of Legos. Two million Legos to be exact. I loved Legos when I was growing up and I think building a … [Read more...]
Love Actually and Notting Hill Writer to Pen Episode of Doctor Who
September 10, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Exciting news for my fellow Whovians out there. Richard Curtis, writer of films such as Love Actually and Notting Hill is going to take a spin at writing an episode of Doctor Who - when Matt Smith takes over in the next season. From the BBC Article: Screenwriter and film director Richard Curtis … [Read more...]
Introducing Talking Telly by Dana Franks
September 10, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Anglotopia has landed another fantastic columnist! I met Dana at DragonCon when we did a panel together for BritTrack. Her passion for British TV and British Culture floored me and I knew she'd be a perfect fit for Anglotopia. Dana is going to write a regular column about British TV called "Talking … [Read more...]
British Pound Exchange Rate
Anglotopia was founded by Jonathan and Jackie Thomas for people who love Britain - whether it's British TV, Culture, History or Travel - we cover it all. Anglotopia was started to get us back to the UK for a trip and it did that in 2009. Now, the goal is for Anglotopia to make our dreams of traveling to the UK whenever we want a reality.
