Seven TV classics that never grow old: Mel Buttle

Even though there’s a streaming service for every day of the week, writes Mel Buttle, I still yearn for some long-lost TV classics, and nothing is able to fill the hole in my heart left by these gems.

There’s a streaming service for every day of the week, but I still yearn for the long-lost TV classics.

Even with all this choice, nothing is able to fill the hole in my heart left by these gems:

Ruth Cracknell (Maggie Beare) and Garry McDonald (Arthur) in Mother and Son.

Mother and Son

Funny, straightforward, not too many characters, punchy jokes and everything is done and dusted in half an hour.

I could tell it was set in Sydney, as I knew that Manly Sea Eagles play at Brookvale Oval and when Arthur calls the police, he calls the Brookvale police. CSI Buttle cracked the case.

Sadly, the house used for the external shots has been demolished. Yes, I’m one of those fans who tells people facts like that at parties.

A Country Practice.

A Country Practice

Usually with a show like this it’s one or the other. It’s set in a hospital or at a police station, ACP had it all.

This was an all-encompassing show with an ensemble of characters, a bit of crumpet for mum, and some comic relief from Esme Watson and Cookie.

Throw in some big issues, the occasional bus accident, a loveable marsupial and you’ve got a hit on your hands.

The Golden Girls. Picture: Ron Tom/NBCU

The Golden Girls

I had no idea what the words of the theme song were, but that didn’t stop me joining in. Of course, Dorothy was my favourite.

Like the theme song, I had very little idea why Dorothy was funny, but I could tell from her rhythm that she was winning whatever argument she was in. I did used to start some of my show and tell talks with, “picture it Brisbane 1983”.

However, my primary school teachers had no sense of humour. Children were to be taught fractions, and not to be engaged with.

I think the Golden Girls was where I learned my first joke structure, Rose would ask Dorothy who’s coming over for dinner, Dorothy would reply, “Howie Mandel, Rose”. Oh snap!

Fiona MacDonald, Billy J.Smith and Grant Kenny in It's a Knockout.

It’s A Knock Out

Many have tried to perfect the sports game show, but none come close to this gem. It was state-on-state, bright-coloured uniforms and for some reason the hosts arrive in a golf buggy.

I used to try and play It’s A Knock Out in the yard as a kid, not as easy feat for an only child. It’s the show that cemented in my mind New South Wales is red, Victoria is blue, and obviously Queensland is yellow.

All Saints Cast.

All Saints

Set in hospital and rife with scandal, drama and heavily implied sex, All Saints was an Aussie soap with the lot.

My mum and I were addicted, Dad not so much. Mum worked in hospitals all her career, so she’d ruin a key moment with a shot of reality saying, “that would never happen, X-ray can’t get someone done that quickly”.

Gina Riley, Jane Turner and Magda Szubanski in Big Girls Blouse.

Big Girls Blouse

An Aussie sketch show featuring Jane Turner, Gina Riley, Magda Szubanski and Marg Downey.

If you like Kath and Kim, this is sort of like the prequel. Run an eye over it if you’re a fan of any of those women.

Kath and Kim.

Kath and Kim

I’m in so many Kath and Kim fan groups on Facebook, I am shocked there isn’t a reboot in the works.

Whenever I’m homesick Kath and Kim is my chicken soup. It’s your family, or if it’s not your family, you know exactly who those people are. I reckon I’ll quote Kath and Kim in my wedding vows, well if there is a wedding, as I am a bit of a Sharon.

Originally published as Seven TV classics that never grow old: Mel Buttle