The BEST episodes of Charlie Brooker's Screenwipe season 4
Every episode of Charlie Brooker's Screenwipe season 4, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of Charlie Brooker's Screenwipe season 4!
Screenwipe is a television programme about television programmes; the cost, the surprising amount of work and bureaucracy involved, how programmes are selected for broadcast, and, usually scathing, analysis of specific programmes and genres. Brooker often pays particular attention to more obscure channels on satellite, freeview and cable, such as those dedicated to gambling, shopping, horoscopes, and pornography. He explores the probable effects of television in society, and how often programmes can create in the viewer feelings of inadequacy, depression, fear, and anxiety. To balance things, usually one segment of each show is dedicated to positive reviews, with analysis on why the style and content is so absorbing.
#1 - Children's Television
Season 4 - Episode 5 - Aired 12/16/2008
Brooker focuses on children's television from past to present, and even has a go at being a children's TV presenter on Toonattik. He reviews Johnny Ball Games, In The Night Garden, Yo Gabba Gabba! and LazyTown. Kirsten O'Brien talks about ChuckleVision and Andy Nyman talks about The Junior Christian Science Bible Lesson. The end of the episode includes a tribute to Bagpuss creator Oliver Postgate who had died the previous week.
#2 - TV Advertising
Season 4 - Episode 2 - Aired 11/25/2008
Brooker talks about television advertising; the guidelines, its history and how they work. He reviews Mad Men. Tim Key recites another poem.
#3 - TV Writing
Season 4 - Episode 3 - Aired 12/2/2008
In this slightly extended episode, Brooker is joined by some of the best TV writers in the business today. They talk about how they started out and how they go about writing a television show. Featured in this episode are; Russell T Davies, Paul Abbott, Jesse Armstrong, Sam Bain, Graham Linehan and Tony Jordan.
#4 - Episode One
Season 4 - Episode 1 - Aired 11/18/2008
Brooker discusses the notion of people complaining about television. He reviews Britannia High, Paul Ross's Big Black Book of Horror. Liza Tarbuck talks about Tales of the Riverbank.
#5 - Documentaries
Season 4 - Episode 4 - Aired 12/9/2008
Brooker talks about the change in direction that modern day documentaries have taken. He launches his own mission documentary; "Konnie's Great British Wee", fronted by Konnie Huq. He reviews Miss Naked Beauty and Jamie's Ministry of Food.