List of BBC Radio programmes adapted for television

Many BBC radio comedy programmes have been successful enough for the writers and performers to adapt them into television programmes. Unless otherwise stated these programmes were originally broadcast on BBC Radio 4, and then broadcast on one of the BBC's TV channels. The following list gives some of the more notable ones.


Radio version Television version Notes
Absolute PowerAbsolute Power
An Actor's Life For MeAn Actor's Life For MeBBC Radio 2 programme turned BBC1 sitcom
After HenryAfter HenryBBC Radio 4 programme turned ITV sitcom
The BooshThe Mighty Boosh
Blue JamJamBBC Radio 1 radio production. Channel 4 television production.
The Clitheroe KidThe Clitheroe Kid
Count Arthur Strong's Radio Show!Count Arthur Strong
Dave Hollins: Space Cadet sketches in Son of ClichéRed DwarfMany changes.
Dead RingersDead Ringers
Delve SpecialThis is David Lander, This is David HarperBroadcast on Channel 4
Fist of FunFist of FunBroadcast on BBC Radio 1
GeniusGenius
The Goon ShowTelegoons
Goodness Gracious MeGoodness Gracious MeRadio version was funded by BBC TV in the hopes the series would eventually transfer to television.
Hancock's Half HourHancock's Half Hour, Hancock
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the GalaxyThe Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
I'm Sorry I Haven't a ClueI'm Sorry I Haven't a ClueUnaired pilot
I've Never Seen Star WarsI've Never Seen Star Wars
Just a MinuteJust a MinuteUnaired pilots and both ITV (1994–1995) and BBC1 (1999, 2012) series.
Knowing Me, Knowing YouKnowing Me, Knowing You
Life With The LyonsLife With The Lyons
Little BritainLittle Britain
That Mitchell and Webb SoundThat Mitchell and Webb LookThe TV version was made in January 2006 and started airing in September.
Naked RadioNaked VideoNaked Radio was first broadcast on BBC Radio Scotland
The News QuizHave I Got News For YouMany changes. It is disputed whether HIGNFY is actually based on TNQ or not. Former News Quiz panellist Ian Hislop is now a panellist on HIGNFY
On The HourThe Day Today
On the Town with The League of GentlemenThe League of GentlemenMoved from town of Spent to Royston Vasey.
People Like UsPeople Like Us
Radio ActiveKYTV
Room 101Room 101Broadcast on Radio 5
Second ThoughtsSecond ThoughtsBBC Radio Four radio series transferred to ITV
Whose Line Is It Anyway?Whose Line Is It Anyway?Broadcast on Channel 4

Television to radio transfers

Some television series transfer in the other direction. Both the science fiction series Doctor Who and Blake's 7 have become short-lived radio series. Several comedies, such as To the Manor Born (in 1997) and One Foot in the Grave, have also been transferred.

As another example, in 2004 the Andy Hamilton comedy Trevor's World of Sport transferred to Radio 4. Having largely failed in its television incarnation, it was felt the older medium might suit it better. This would seem to create the impression that, whereas popular radio shows are "promoted" to television, an unpopular television show was being "demoted" to radio. However, public opinion on the radio series has been mostly positive, suggesting that it was a good decision.

Television version Radio version Notes
All Gas and GaitersAll Gas and Gaiters
Blake's 7Blake's 7
Dad's ArmyDad's Army
Dr Finlay's CasebookDr Finlay's Casebook & The Adventures of a Black Bag
Doctor WhoDoctor Who
MastermindMastermind
One Foot in the GraveOne Foot in the Grave
Steptoe and SonSteptoe and Son
To the Manor BornTo the Manor Born
Trevor's World of SportTrevor's World of Sport
Yes MinisterYes Minister

Radio programmes transferred to independent television
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.