British TV Throughout the Years Quiz

From classic children's TV to modern dramas, these ten British programmes span almost seven decades. How well do you know your television history? Good luck and have fun!

An ordering quiz by Kalibre. Estimated time: 3 mins.

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. 'Blue Peter'

'Blue Peter' first appeared on 16 October 1958, presented by Christopher Trace and Leila Williams. Its famous Blue Peter badge was introduced in 1963, giving children a special way to be recognised for their achievements.

2. 'Doctor Who'

The Doctor first appeared on television in "An Unearthly Child." The original story introduced schoolteachers Ian and Barbara, who discover that their pupil Susan lives with a mysterious grandfather and travels in a remarkable machine called the TARDIS.

3. 'The World at War'

This ambitious 26-part documentary series took four years to make and used extensive archive footage alongside interviews with people who experienced the Second World War. Actor Laurence Olivier provided its memorable narration.

4. 'EastEnders'

The first episode opened in Albert Square on 19 February 1985. The BBC's new soap opera introduced viewers to the residents of London's fictional Walford, beginning with a memorable scene involving the local publican, Den Watts.

5. 'Changing Rooms'

The idea was simple but often risky: two pairs of friends or neighbours swapped houses and redecorated a room in each other's homes. Presenter Carol Smillie was joined by carpenter 'Handy' Andy Kane, while designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen became one of the show's best-known faces.

6. 'Life on Mars'

After a car accident, modern-day detective Sam Tyler wakes up in 1973 and finds himself working alongside the very old-fashioned DCI Gene Hunt. The mystery is whether Sam has travelled back in time, is in a coma, or has lost his mind.

7. 'The Great British Bake Off'

The first series featured ten amateur bakers travelling around Britain to tackle different baking challenges. The locations included Scotland for biscuits, Sandwich for bread and Bakewell for puddings. Bradford baker Edd Kimber, known as The Boy Who Bakes, was crowned the first winner in 2010.

8. 'The Sixth Commandment'

This four-part BBC drama was based on the real-life deaths of teacher Peter Farquhar and his neighbour Ann Moore-Martin in Buckinghamshire. Timothy Spall and Anne Reid played the victims in a disturbing story involving deception and manipulation.

9. 'Boarders'

Created by Daniel Lawrence Taylor, this comedy-drama follows five Black teenagers from inner-city London who win scholarships to an elite private school. Taylor drew inspiration from a real newspaper story about young Black men sent to study at Rugby School.

10. 'The Other Bennet Sister'

Based on Janice Hadlow's novel, this period drama gives Mary Bennet, the often-overlooked sister from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, the starring role. Instead of focusing on Elizabeth's story, it follows Mary as she tries to find her own place in the world.

Source: Author Kalibre

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor ladymacb29 before going online.
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What's the Correct Order?	Choices
1. ((1958) )	'Life on Mars'
2. ((1963) )	'Blue Peter'
3. ((1973) )	'The Other Bennet Sister'
4. ((1985) )	'Doctor Who'
5. ((1996) )	'The Sixth Commandment'
6. ((2006) )	'Changing Rooms'
7. ((2010) )	'The Great British Bake Off'
8. ((2023) )	'EastEnders'
9. ((2024) )	'The World at War'
10. ((2026) )	'Boarders'