Even More Forgotten TV Shows of 80s

[@sicilia71]

OMG we used to sing the words "I'm a story teller & my stories must be told" EVERY time someone was lying in school and it's because of that programme. I'm in my 50s and i've never forgotten that tune BUT i forgot where we got it from....until now. Thank you so much. Plus i loved Sledgehammer so much. I've got it on DVD

[@stuviewtv]

Such a wonderful theme tune with so much nostalgia attached to it.

[@MacStoker]

agreed... before that we sang "jackanory tells a story" for the liars lol

[@rw8733]

I cried 😢

[@DavidNettleton-l3r]

Me too 😅😅

[@noka79]

that is the first thing that came to mind for me, what makes it even funnier is that the person we would sing it to most was called John

[@emmettorafferty1006]

Sledge Hammer was unforgettable loved it 🎉😂❤

[@wraith7193]

And such a cool theme tune!

[@Cheepchipsable]

"I was the more efficient Elvis!"

[@tonybrett5209]

Trust me, I know what I'm doing

[@NotesOfBoredom]

After Peter Bowles was mentioned - the only opening credits playing in my head were: "I'm h - a - p - p - y. I'm h - a - p - p - y. I know I am, am sure I am.. I'm h - a - p - p - y.." Used to watch "Only When I Laugh" with my dad - miss you dad..

[@rw8733]

@@NotesOfBoredom The brilliant Richard Wilson.

[@donnahollins5071]

The Storyteller and The Labyrinth . Forgotten over the decades but instantly brought back my childhood. The mind only needs that little trigger. Thanks

[@andrewsewell1518]

Story teller, one of the themes i never forgot, i still sing it out loud today,everytime i think someone is lying to me

[@leedswiggy]

I remember all of these this time. 👍I miss the 80s soooo very much.

[@ukar69]

That Storybook International theme has been sitting in a locked away part of my brain for decades, yet only needs a small prompt to bring it all back.

[@stuviewtv]

That theme is incredibly nostalgic.

[@ukar69]

@@stuviewtv it hits you right in the feels.

[@badninja1971]

50+ years old & still knowing the words to story teller today is spooky. 😂

[@thesausagecontinuim1971]

been singing it my whole life ... literally lol... wow never thought i would ever see it again!!!

[@robfellows4096]

A warm glow of nostalgia for 'Into the Labyrinth' - which I watched for the first time during lockdown in 2020! A great example of big ambitions and committed acting overcoming what would now be considered a micro-budget! Bring me the Nidus!!!

[@markbrown7269]

Storybook International? *Core memory unlocked* I think I first watched that while staying with my paternal grandparents! Happy tears indeed.

[@Julie-sm7sp]

I remember watching Me & My Girl, i did love anything that Richard O'Sullivan was in though 😁 The theme tune from Storybook International certainly brought back memories, i think we all knew those words off by heart. Great video as always Stu.

[@stuviewtv]

Hi Julie. You're right about the words to the Storyteller song. Once heard never forgotten!

[@Julie-sm7sp]

​@@stuviewtvI was singing along as it was on 😅 many thanks Stu.

[@musicalneptunian]

Into the Labyrinth was shown in the 80s on Australian TV! Yes! I remember Rothco. I never thought on this list there would be anything I actually watched as a kid. I loved this. Those three kids would hold hands with Rothco and chant his name. It was on after school in the afternoons on ABC.

[@tthomas5323]

My dad was is in an episode of Storybook International. He played the blacksmith in the episode “Secret Soup” which was filmed in Wales.

[@stuviewtv]

Fantastic!

[@leechilds3725]

Brilliant the storyteller that brings back memories. Thanks for these clips

[@stuviewtv]

No problem Lee. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@M2Mil7er]

Oh, I've not forgotten Manimal. I rewatched it recently, along with another niche '80s favourite of mine: Automan.

[@stuviewtv]

Automan is another series I will probably feature at some point.

[@robsmith6281]

Sledgehammer was on late at night remember staying up every time.

[@raresoulie]

I used to tape it

[@rw8733]

He was in Columbo. 😊

[@Chillmax]

I remember and watched all of these, except for the first wild west one. Love Sledgehammer, just been watching it recently, a wonderful antidote to modern, zero fun garbage. I was mesmerised by Manimal, I'm sure because of the effects, but also because Simon was so dizzyingly handsome, something in the 1980's, that this little boy had to keep to himself ;-).

[@dawnyWestScotland]

Oh yes Story teller International I’d forgotten about until I saw the lovely animation. 🦊 Peter Bowles was a great actor!

[@awall1701]

Blott on the landscape was great, Storyteller was brilliant. Into the Labyrinth was another I remember and enjoyed, Captain Zep - I dont think my brain was working properly to figure out the mystery but still watched it and hoped I would figure it out. 🤣🤣Manimal I do remember. Thank you for the trip down memory lane, great video. Keep up the great work.

[@stuviewtv]

Many thanks!

[@Algee-le3gp]

Storybook International, Me & My Girl, Manimal, and Captain Zep: Space Detective. I remember those four very well. I can't believe it's been about forty years since I saw them. Manimal stands out in particular, even though it was short lived. I found the special effects mesmerising. Thank you.

[@smudgersnature7289]

Brilliant, thanks for reigniting my memories. One programme I used to love watching was the US police show Mclains Law. Only ran for one series I think. I loved the theme tune and the lead role was by the brilliant James Arness.

[@jack1d1XB]

Don't know if you covered it but there was one about a Boy who got in a Lift but never arrived at the destination he wanted, instead found different darkly ( zones )with strange people? This would have been a 70s era on TV.

[@traceys8065]

That's the first time I've heard the Storyteller theme tune since the 80s yet I knew all the words. What a wonderful piece of nostalgia. 😄

[@stuviewtv]

Once heard never forgotten!

[@dominicg11]

I was exactly the same - automatically singing along

[@loopymoo6468]

Never in all these years have I noticed the similarity between Simon Cadell and Rik Mayall. But I can't unsee it now.

[@lucius4556]

Did you know the lady in Doc Martin with the neckbrace is Simon Cadels sister.

[@loopymoo6468]

​@@lucius4556I had to Google her because I've never managed to get through five minutes of Doc Martin 😂 I recognised her immediately, one of those prolific actresses where you know the face but not the name. I did not know she was Simon Cadell's sister!

[@zappababe8577]

There are around a dozen or so episodes of Storybook International on KZbin, I found them a while ago. Yes, they're very comforting old stories. "The good end happily, the bad unhappily. That is what fiction means." - Miss Prism, The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde. Unfortunately, still very true.

[@justmyster1976]

Love this channel. Ben watching for ages but hadn't thought to subscribe until today. Brilliant content and narration.

[@stuviewtv]

Many thanks!

[@justinthehedgehog3388]

Two series I remember well from the early 80's was The Dark Side of the Sun, (I bought the soundtrack to that on cassette at the time). The other was "The Old Men at the Zoo", which terrified me, and still gives me the chills now. I emailed the BBC in 2001 and asked if it would ever be released, but was told there were no plans to. I did find a VHS rip on KZbin and kept it; think that's the best we're going to get for now.

[@deswynne8172]

I loved the series Sledge Hammer, absolutely bonkers. Staying with forgotten TV shows, does anyone remember the cartoon series Fantomcat? It was on ITV in 1995 & Robert Powell provided the voice of our sword wielding hero. He was trapped in a painting & was released in modern day Metro City. Staying with the 80's, another forgotten Richard O'Sullivan series is Dick Turpin, I recently watched it on Rewind TV it's very enjoyable, I liked the theme tune too.

[@rw8733]

So many memories. Thanks, Stu. 😢😊

[@stuviewtv]

My pleasure as always!

[@carolebarker2195]

Bootle Saddles! That was the one! You did well finding the intro and the theme tune, Stu. Rare indeed. I remembered Debbie Arnold being in it as well. It was a good idea but I think it ran out of steam at the end. I remember Manimal, it was a big thing at the time, despite being up against Dallas. Don't remember the children's shows much as I was probably at work or out for the evening back in the 80s. I remembered Me and My Girl being on, thought it was a bit corny though.

[@stuviewtv]

Hi Carole. Yes, I was pleased I managed to find clips of Bootle Saddles. There's not much out there about it sadly.

[@carolebarker2195]

@@stuviewtv Sadly, Kenneth Cope has just passed away, aged 93.

[@johnklimcke8875]

God some great memories again stu manimal and sledge hammer we're great to watch back then. We'll done again has always 👏👍🍻

[@stuviewtv]

Thanks as ever John.

[@OutandAboutwithDave]

Wow there is a blast from the past, i remember all except the following `Bootle Saddles' i dont remember that one, as always a great video thanks ave.

[@stuviewtv]

Glad you enjoyed it Dave. Many thanks!

[@charlottehardy822]

Blott on the landscape was amusing, even to a young me and storybook international was lovely. Manimal was awesome, used to watch it with my Dad.

[@Dave-mr3qx]

Sledge hammer was one of the funniest series of the 80's, I absolutely loved it. Completely forgot about it until you included it here, so fair play for that, gonna have to catch up on it now 👍

[@stuviewtv]

I've been watching it again myself and it still makes me laugh.

[@skinnycartman99]

Manimal! I’d almost forgotten it existed. I seem to recall Robert Powell being in some Arthurian drama series in the 80s or 90s too before he teamed up with Jasper Carrot

[@DavidPalin]

Some classics there. Have done Kinvig or shoestring? Demcy and Makepeice?

[@stuviewtv]

Kinvig has been featured in a previous forgotten TV video but not the other two just yet.

[@Cornz38]

The curious fox always made me smile on Storyteller..

[@stuviewtv]

Me too.

[@Cornz38]

@@stuviewtv Whatever happened to jackanory???

[@markrowley2739]

I always watched the fox. Such intrigue, innocence and curiosity...oddly enough I'm a hunt sab member now 😂

[@stuviewtv]

@@Cornz38 Wonderful series.

[@Cornz38]

@@stuviewtv Also on youtube!!!!!!!

[@Kapricorn1]

Into the Labyrinth was great, and hearing the Storybook International theme brought back memories.

[@thefrecklepuny]

I remember that in The Beano (or was it Whizzer and Chips?) there was a spoof of Manimal called 'Animalad'.

[@raresoulie]

Loved Sledgehammer, an episode about Elvis impersonators being bumped off with a golden microphone springs to mind.

[@garetjax19]

Along with The labyrinth, there was The Children of the Stones and The Box of Delights, some of the most imaginative, intelligent, accessible, escapist children's TV, that I was lucky enough to have as part of my early teens. Also wished Ron Moody could have been Dr Who. Peace All

[@kp7032]

The Box of Delights was always a favourite. I still watch it occasionally now when I’m feeling nostalgic.

[@shaunw9270]

The story teller! Liked Me and My Girl at the time.

[@lifeisbutadreamsodreamon]

The Storyteller ❤❤❤ loved the animation and the song of the title... still do 😊

[@richardm6332]

I remember watching Manimal, but I think it was on Irish television RTE. I enjoyed all three movie versions of The 39 Steps, but never knew about Hannah until a few years back. Very enjoyable. I still have the DVDs.

[@alisonjordan]

Hello Stu🙋‍♀️ Not so forgotten trip down TV 📺 Memory Lane. I loved watching “Blot on the Landscape” “Bootle Saddles” and “Hannay.” I thought “Bootle Saddles” was quite popular at the time, but the BBC Didn’t want to go to the expense of commissioning another Series. I didn’t realise that Kenneth Cope, of “Randall and Hopkirk (deceased)” played the lead Character... Thanks again. Looking forward to another nostalgic video📹😃

[@stuviewtv]

Hello Alison. Such a shame that Bootle Saddles isn't better known today. A very underrated comedy.

[@alisonjordan]

@@stuviewtv Hello Stu😎 Thanks for your reply,and I totally agree. Sometimes a wonderful programme is shown, and never seen or heard of again... and the same dross is shown again and again and...

[@Discomike999]

I loved Into the Labyrinth.. Rothgo was replaced by Lazlo in the second series and only one of the kids came back.. Luckily I picked up the DVD of this a few years back 😊

[@martinharris6469]

I've seen some of these... but I was always out in the 80s out watching metal gigs or playing darts... and training in martial arts... great video low...

[@nanasdad100]

Me too Night Diving spearfishing swimming cycling drinking and rumpy-pumpy, a lot on the beach Happiest time of my life, not watching TV But love this channel

[@jimmyviaductophilelawley5587]

Great stuff Stu! Storyteller International was great! Never saw Into the Labyrinth. No idea why. Looks right up my street! Sledge Hammer was a stone cold classic. Captain Zep is a new one to me as well.

[@stuviewtv]

Hello Jimmy. I've been watching a few episodes of Sledge Hammer again recently. Still very funny!

[@DoctorFigo]

Blott on the Landscape was a masterpiece and easily my favourite Tom Sharpe adaptation (although a big shout out to Channel 4's Porterhouse Blue). I've rewatched it on numerous occasions and it never pales. Great writing, great cast.

[@CarlB_1962]

I enjoyed Lytton’s Diary, Hannay and Me & My Girl. Richard O’Sullivan made anything he appeared in worth watching imo.

[@stuviewtv]

Absolutely. Always very likeable.

[@jonjoco]

Wow. You are the best.I had an early internet argument trying to prove Manimal existed. I am also one of the sad children who turned over as soon as the story teller started to sing his song.

[@JuliaHarrisx]

I loved Manimal and have never found anyone who remembers it or has a clue what I’m on about. Until now. 😁

[@paul-hutt.3686]

Manimal was brilliant... those knuckles when he changed is the most memorable part.

[@dametrot]

Awww Blott on the landscape is still one of those really special seminar shows to me. I think it’s probably one of the first Big adult comedies I ever watched. And of course, gosh I know what it is about the title music to storybook international literally gets me but it really does. Into the labyrinth I think is still one of the greatest themes and titles of British TV up there with Blake seven and Doctor Who. And I’m glad I still have my DVD I think … I’ve still got the VHS’s to be fair.

[@stuviewtv]

Same here with the Storybook International theme music. There is just something so nostalgic and evocative about it.

[@stephaniemurphy3443]

So many great shows I forgot about thanks for great the memories

[@stuviewtv]

Glad you enjoyed it Stephanie. Thanks!

[@nicolavallely8076]

❤manimal and also Sledge Hammer 🔨 loved Me and My Girl as well, thank you for the video xx

[@stuviewtv]

My pleasure!

[@gods_andmonsters]

I remember so many of these. Great TV.

[@stephen3511]

Crikey! Storyteller. Used to live that show. Thanks for the upload 👍🏻👍🏻

[@stuviewtv]

My pleasure.

[@derekhorne8076]

Ok, so Me and My Girl was brilliant. I always loved it. Such a great cast, Richard O'sullivan and Tim Brooke-Taylor but above all the truly magnificent Joan Sanderson. From Doris "rotten" Ewell to Eleanor Prescott (including Mrs Richards and Nell Truscott) she was always sublime and the theme tune was great!

[@SiL-uj2zl]

Child of the 80s here (7-17) and cannot for the life of me recall "Storybook international"

[@dmorgs07]

Captain Zep! Still have a cassette of Tony Blackburn’s morning show playing the whole theme tune!

[@VixGB]

Storybook International was lovely ❤ I also remembered Into the Labyrinth, which was great scary fun with Ron Moody! 😊 I remembered many of these programmes - thank you 😊

[@stuviewtv]

My pleasure!

[@margaretdownie4407]

Oh my god, the storyteller, wow i forgot about this, but how i loved this 💜

[@leighmonty13]

Loved sledgehammer, remember most of these ,surprised you've not mentioned streethawk only did 13 episodes

[@stuviewtv]

Street Hawk is on the list to be featured in a future video.

[@clangerbasher]

Anything with Pamela Salem in it has its good points.

[@CBear77]

Absolutely loved the intro to Storyteller International! That brought back a blast! Again, some I def remember, Hannay, Me and my girl, would love to watch, same with me, big fan of Richard O'sullivan. Never heard of captain Zep at all! Yes, Street Hawk was great, fantastic theme by Tangerine dream! Classic 80s though don't feel it's a forgotten show for me, same as Sledgehammer, enjoyed it! I would have mentioned Yellowthread Street but that was 1990. Great nostalgic content Stu! I have a poser for you... I haven't ever found.. A show from either a European district or possibly Canadian/ French Canadian 🤔 a wierd darkly sinister show, can't remember the premise but cerrain people or such, could turn into the most creepy, slimey looking creatures! Or was it just bizarre nightmarish child dreams 😂

[@CBear77]

Oh! Plus Benji, Zax and the alien prince, loved that as a child too! ❤

[@stuviewtv]

You've got me on that one! Not sure what that show is that you described.

[@80sandretrogubbins25]

Street Hawk also got obliterated by Dallas. That and the cost of the bikes and repairs.

[@alanprior7650]

I remember Captain Zep. It was great trying to solve the mystery...I remember Paul Greenwood in Rosy. A good series that one. Manimal's special effects/make up were fantastic.

[@stewartfooter3580]

What a great look look back stu, storybook was outstanding,the intro takes me to a great time and wish they would bring it back as it would un fog kids minds and get em off cosoles,manimal was dire but i had to watch it lol and remember...stay alert

[@stuviewtv]

Such a wonderfully nostalgic theme tune for Storybook International. So many memories.

[@XXLaffinGravyXX]

This just came up in my timeline the same day as Kenneth Copes passing. RIP Kenneth ( Randall and Hopkirk deceased)

[@carolinefinley5632]

I remember watching Me and my girl.Manimal I remember his skin wiggling when he transformed in to a animal.I absolutely loved watching Sledgehammer.I was 12 and was allowed to stay up late to watch it.

[@michaelwebster8666]

Another great video! Manimal I remember, Into the Labyrinth, Capt Zep.and of course Thr Storyteller. TV was just so good back then 👍

[@stuviewtv]

Glad you enjoyed it! Many thanks.

[@scotttait2197]

6:41 Ironically, someone called SALEM playing a witch!

[@KarrierBag]

I remember many of these but during the 80's I was one of those 'Hippy types' and was squatting unused council buildings in Brighton (one was bought by that famous crazy boxer Eubank who lives in Brighton still, so didn't have a TV much of the time, weirdly my parents ran a TV, Radio, Stereo sales and repair shop only 7 miles away 🤣

[@DavidNettleton-l3r]

Im a storyteller wow id forgotten about that thanks stu youve made my day 😊😊

[@stuviewtv]

My pleasure!

[@nicolasykes6637]

I remember watching the labyrinth with Ron Moody and story teller.

[@thesausagecontinuim1971]

duuuuuuuuuuude...... "i am a story teller and my story muuust be tooold ".... i been singing that my whole life (52yo).... god daaamn duuuude!!! lol.... (right back to video lol)

[@iammyriad71]

Man, I feel old!!! 🤔😭😭😜😜😜😜

[@UncleFeedle]

Bootle Saddles - so that's what it was called. I always vaguely remembered there being this weird 80s sitcom that was set in the wild west but with a cast of Brits. I once mentioned it in a TV discussion forum but nobody had a clue what I was talking about!

[@KellymatthewBarnes]

I watched all 8 episodes of MANIMAL, and was excited when He returned in NIGHTMAN in the 1990’s.

[@sonicstoryteller]

The story book was my favourite that song is timeless wonderful. And sledgehammer he was a nutjob lol brilliant stu TFS Phil from the shire 👍

[@stuviewtv]

Cheers Phil!

[@80sandretrogubbins25]

Some good ones here. I live in hope of finding more footage of old fairly obscure kid's TV like Captain Zep.

[@LittleMissGrosser]

I remember Blott on the Landscape! Storybook International holds so many memories for me and my sister. I vaguely remember Hannay, or rather the opening credits. I remember Me and My Girl being a really sweet show. Manimal was so cheesy! I have some vague recollection of Sledge Hammer.

[@stuartscott8099]

Captain Zep - I can still remember the theme tune. "Super Space Detective....."

[@macman3676]

OMG Storybook International theme tune! Im 52 and remember that so well.

[@BarryFrancis]

I remember the Storybook International theme tune but not so much of the episodes themselves. I also used to enjoy Me & My Girl.

[@iandawe948]

RIP Kenneth Cope. Forever remembered as marty, in the great Randall and Hopkirk.

[@helenlogan6481]

I absolutely loved storybook international. My mum always said how lovely the fox’s eyes were

[@NobletheSavage]

I love the theme of Storybook International. It's so wholesome. I really enjoyed Me and My Girl too.

[@evelynwilson1566]

My old Geography teacher 'Did anyone see Sledgehammer last night?' Us: ' Aye, it was brilliant. ' Mr McIntyre ' What were you lot doing up when Sledgehammer was on?'😅 I always remember The Storyteller and his song but I can't remember any of the stories. I remember Manimal, Me and My Girl, Hannay, Lytton's Diary and Blott on the Landscape. I don't remember watching the last two though. Honestly, i' d give most of them a try again.

[@ModelsExInferis]

I think Manimal might be a prime candidate for the Mandela Effect, because I vividly remember watching it every week for... well, weeks. Not just eight weeks, but for what would have been a full series back in those days. When I found it had finally been released on DVD a few years ago I was staggered to find it was only eight episodes! I thought it'd suffered from, what I'm going to affectionately call Doctor Who syndrome; episodes had gone missing. But nope, just eight were made. Regardless, I LOVED Manimal! Simon MacCorkindale was legit my first crush too! I'd forgotten all about Storybook International, but that theme and animation brought it flooding back! I'm going to have to look that up again. Me and My Girl was a great show as far as I can remember! Might have to find that again too! [On a tangential Mandela Effect note, does anyone remember watching the Tokusatsu show Uchuu Kaiji Gavan in what would have been the early 80's on UK TV? It came out in 1981 and, as far as I'm aware, was never given the Power Rangers treatment (thank the Goddess!), but when I watched it a couple of years ago I knew I'd seen it before. If anyone would know it'd be people in this channel's comments! Cheers!]

[@griersson]

Interesting. The chap who sings the Bootle Saddles theme could be Ken Barrie, the voice of Postman Pat!

[@eleanormorgan44]

Into the Labyrinth but forgot who was in it so thank you for letting us know.

[@exlibris_Heather]

Hi Stu - love the channel, although as Aussies most of the food and drink, and some of the TV is unknown, and, frankly, weird. 😹😎. We do have a media company Via Vision and their subsidiary Imprint here in Australia which has picked up most of the Network titles. Into the Labyrinth is currently available for preorder for release in November, Hannay was released in June. DVDs are probably region 4, Blu ray releases are usually region free. Imprint releases usually have excellent to exceptional extras, particularly on the special boxed sets, and are Blu ray and often 4K. Highly recommend. I was on holiday in the USA and Canada in late 1983, and saw Manimal on the TV. I loved it and was very disappointed when it was cancelled and that it was never released later on video. I lived in Perth, Western Australia, then and we were on the end of the supply line for practically everything except Doctor Who. The single master tape was sent to Perth first, then on to the various other state capitals for broadcast by the ABC in each state in turn. 😹📼📼. Perth is also where our soapie characters are sent to disappear when they get axed. 😹😹😹📺📺

[@stuviewtv]

Thanks for the info about Via Vision. Sounds like a great option now that Network has gone.

[@angienorthey]

I loved Storybook International. Remember Blott but didn't watch it, and Labyrinth passed me by for some reason. The rest I've never heard of!

[@14rnr]

I loved Storybook International, I've tried to find it on the internet but I could never remember the exact name, Thank you for the clip Stu.

[@stuviewtv]

My pleasure.

[@Concreteowl]

I remember all of them. Into the Labyrinth is interesting as Ron Moddy turned down the role of the 3rd Doctor and regretted it and Pamela Salem would be an occasional presence on Doctor Who. Id watch that again definitely.

[@keithshortland609]

Travelling Man with Leigh Lawson was a favourite of mine.

[@DBIVUK]

I have that on DVD - stands up well. Apparently Leigh Lawson hated it because it was filmed over winter in unheated narrowboats from which the windows had been removed so the cameras could see in.

[@Twirlyhead]

Loved Sledge Hammer ! back then and I had quite a crush on Dori.

[@ThomasVye]

My late uncle, John Normington, was in Bootle Saddles. I hope it isn’t totally forgotten.

[@moniquevandoorn8347]

Me and my girl was very funny, especially because of Joan Sanderson. I remember a scene in which the secretary who wanted to be an actress was rehearsing lines from a book, said out loud looking inside the book: what now, brown cow? And then when she looked up, Joan Sanderson was standing right before her wearing a brown dress. She then said totally outraged: I BEG YOU PARDON?! Of course there were many funny scenes, but somehow this one stayed with me. Her face and the way she said that simple line was so hilarious!

[@stuviewtv]

Joan Sanderson was wonderful.