10 TV Shows from the Late 70s and Early 80s We’ll Never See Again

Television in the late 1970s and early 1980s had a magic all of its own. Saturday mornings were filled with foam, flans, and phone-ins, while evenings brought sketch shows, game shows, and family entertainment that glued everyone to the sofa. It was a time when TV felt unpredictable, creative, and sometimes downright chaotic — and that’s exactly why we loved it.

But as the decades rolled on, many of those beloved programmes quietly disappeared from our screens. Some were replaced by slicker formats, others simply ran their course, but all left behind a treasure chest of memories. Here’s a look back at 10 unforgettable shows from the late 70s and early 80s that are gone for good — but never forgotten.

1. Tiswas (1974–1982)

If you grew up in the late 70s or early 80s, Saturday mornings probably meant one thing — Tiswas. Forget the tidy polish of today’s kids’ shows; this was pure chaos beamed into your living room. Hosted mainly by Chris Tarrant and Sally James, with appearances from Bob Carolgees (and his puppet Spit the Dog), it was part comedy, part mayhem, and part custard pie fight.

The infamous Phantom Flan Flinger became a cult hero, splatting cream pies in the faces of guests and celebrities alike. And who could forget the “Cage of Doom,” where kids (and sometimes adults) would be locked in and covered with buckets of water and foam? It was messy, loud, and completely unpredictable — exactly what children loved.

Tiswas felt like your show as a kid: it wasn’t neat, it wasn’t grown-up, and that was the point. Parents often hated the noise and the nonsense, but that only made it even more exciting. When it ended in 1982, Saturday mornings suddenly felt a lot quieter.

2. Multi-Coloured Swap Shop (1976–1982)

Before the days of eBay and Facebook Marketplace, kids had Swap Shop. Every Saturday morning, Noel Edmonds invited children to call in live and trade their toys, games, and records. Add in Keith “Cheggers” Chegwin’s roving reports, John Craven’s news updates, and Maggie Philbin’s tech demos, and you had the perfect blend of fun and information.

It wasn’t just about swapping either — big-name pop stars would turn up to chat, perform, or answer kids’ questions. For a generation, Swap Shop was an appointment to view, and its interactive style set the stage for live Saturday morning TV in the years to come.

3. Magpie (1968–1980)

ITV’s answer to Blue Peter, Magpie was pitched as the “cooler” kids’ magazine show. With presenters like Mick Robertson, Jenny Hanley, and Susan Stranks, it felt less polished than its BBC rival, but that was part of its charm.

Instead of appeals for milk bottle tops, Magpie often tackled pop culture, fashion, and music in a way that connected with slightly older children. The theme tune alone — “Magpie, Magpie, up above the street…” — is enough to spark instant nostalgia for those who tuned in after school.

4. The Kenny Everett Video Show (1978–1981)

Zany, surreal, and sometimes a little bit naughty, The Kenny Everett Video Show was unlike anything else on TV at the time. Everett’s quick-fire comedy sketches, outrageous characters, and cheeky sense of humour kept viewers laughing — while the show also doubled as a showcase for the biggest pop stars of the day.

From Bowie and Blondie to Rod Stewart, the musical performances were as memorable as the comedy. Kenny’s infectious energy and catchphrases made him a household name, and the show became a cult classic.

5. World of Sport (1965–1985)

For nearly two decades, ITV’s World of Sport was the go-to Saturday afternoon fix for football highlights, racing, and most memorably — wrestling. Long before the WWE dominated screens, British wrestling stars like Big Daddy and Giant Haystacks brought in millions of viewers.

Families would gather around the TV, cheering as these larger-than-life characters grappled in the ring. For many, it’s the wrestling bouts that stand out most, but World of Sport was also the backdrop to the nation’s sporting weekends.

6. The Adventure Game (1980–1986)

Quirky doesn’t even begin to cover it. The Adventure Game was part sci-fi, part puzzle-solving, and completely original. Contestants — often celebrities — were transported to the planet Arg, ruled by the alien Argonds, and tasked with solving bizarre challenges.

The show’s most famous feature was the Vortex, where players had to cross a grid without being zapped out of existence. It was nerve-wracking, surreal, and unforgettable — a true hidden gem of early 80s television.

7. 3-2-1 (1978–1988)

Few shows confused and entertained in equal measure quite like 3-2-1. Hosted by Ted Rogers, it combined variety acts, cryptic riddles, and game show drama — with the ever-present mascot Dusty Bin waiting in the wings.

Contestants had to solve mind-bending clues to avoid going home with the dreaded Dusty Bin prize — a brand-new… bin. Rogers’ rapid-fire “three-two-one” finger routine became a national talking point, and while most viewers admitted the clues made no sense, the show was a ratings hit.

8. Crackerjack! (1955–1984)

“It’s Friday, it’s five o’clock… it’s Crackerjack!” For decades, this was the ultimate end-of-week treat for kids. The variety show blended sketches, games, music, and prizes, with presenters like Ed “Stewpot” Stewart, Eamonn Andrews, and Stu Francis.

Children dreamed of winning the famous Crackerjack pencil, while gags like “Ooh, I could crush a grape!” became playground favourites. Though revived in later years, the original show ended in 1984 — leaving behind a trail of laughter and fond memories.

9. Play Away (1971–1984)

A spin-off from Play School, Play Away was aimed at slightly older children and featured music, games, and comedy sketches. With Brian Cant, Toni Arthur, and other familiar Play School faces leading the fun, it had a warm, friendly feel that kids loved.

The format encouraged imagination and silliness, making it both entertaining and educational. For many, Play Away was a gentle stepping stone from pre-school TV into the wider world of children’s entertainment.

10. The Two Ronnies (1971–1987)

No list of lost classics would be complete without The Two Ronnies. Ronnie Barker and Ronnie Corbett were comedy royalty, and their Saturday night sketch show became one of Britain’s most loved programmes.

From the legendary “Four Candles” sketch to Corbett’s rambling chair monologues, their wordplay, timing, and chemistry made the show unforgettable. When it ended in the late 80s, it marked the close of a golden era of family comedy.