*This post is a collaboration with TV Licensing (a trademark of the BBC), but all thoughts and experiences are my own.*

Television has always been a significant part of my life, although I don’t watch a great deal, it has served as a medium for entertainment, education, and connection. Whether it’s gathering with family to watch a favourite show or discussing the latest episode with friends, TV has a unique way of bringing people together. For more information on what your licence fee pays for, check out live sport on TV and explore the diverse range of programming available to you. Here are five memories that highlight how TV has left its mark.

1. Ski Sunday: Winter Adventures

One of the most exciting TV experiences I’ve had was watching Ski Sunday. Every winter, my family would gather in the living room on Sunday evenings to watch the latest skiing events from around the world. The breathtaking scenery, the thrilling races, and the skilful performances of the athletes were captivating.

We would all get caught up in the excitement, cheering for our favourite athletes and marvelling at their daring feats. The show sparked a passion for winter sports in me and inspired family skiing trips that became cherished memories.

Ski Sunday was more than just a show; it was an invitation to explore the beauty of the mountains and the thrill of skiing. It connected us as a family, providing a shared interest and fostering a love for outdoor adventures. Although my mum wasn’t all that keen, she was more dragged along for the ride.

2. Saturday Nights with my Dad: Gladiators and Blind Date

As a child, Saturday nights were something I eagerly anticipated, not just for the weekend freedom, but for the special TV time I shared with my dad. I would arrive home from helping out at the stables all day, soak in the bath to get clean and put on some cosy PJs. We had a ritual: every Saturday evening, we would sit down together to watch Gladiators and Blind Date. These shows were more than just entertainment; they were a bonding experience.

Gladiators was a thrilling spectacle of strength and agility, and my dad and I would cheer on our favourite contestants, often debating who would come out on top. The excitement of the competition, the dramatic commentary, and the sheer energy of the show made it an exhilarating experience.

Following the high-octane action of Gladiators, we’d switch to the light-hearted and humorous Blind Date, hosted by the ever-charming Cilla Black. We enjoyed the light-hearted banter and the often hilarious answers from the contestants. My dad’s laughter was contagious, and these moments of shared joy are some of my fondest memories. These Saturday nights strengthened our relationship and created a routine that we both cherished. The combination of excitement and laughter provided a perfect end to the week, and I still smile when I think about those evenings.

3. Olympic Memories: From Seoul to Albertville

Television is not only a source of entertainment but also a powerful tool for connecting us to global events. Some of my most cherished TV moments revolve around watching the Olympics. As a child, I was captivated by the grand spectacles of the Summer Olympics in Seoul, Barcelona, and Atlanta. Each event brought the world’s best athletes into our living room, igniting a passion for sports and international camaraderie.

However, my favourite Olympic memory is from the Winter Olympics in Albertville. Having visited Albertville many times with my family, the familiarity of the place added a special personal touch to the experience. The excitement of seeing the snowy landscapes I knew so well transformed into the backdrop of an international sporting event was unparalleled.

The thrill of the competitions, the stories of the athletes, and the breathtaking performances left a lasting impression on me. Discussing the events with my family enhanced the experience, as we shared in the triumphs and heartaches of the competitors. This moment highlighted the role of TV in not just entertaining us but also in bringing the world closer, fostering a sense of unity and appreciation for diverse cultures and achievements. I can’t wait to watch events unfold in Paris this summer with my family.

4. The Finale of Friends: A Bittersweet Goodbye

One of the most memorable TV moments from my young adulthood was watching the series finale of Friends. Having followed the lives of Ross, Rachel, Monica, Chandler, Joey, and Phoebe for ten years, the final episode was a highly anticipated and emotional event. I remember watching the finale with some snacks and drinks, preparing for the end of an era.

5. New Year’s Eve Celebrations: Counting Down Together

One of my favourite TV traditions is watching the New Year’s Eve countdown. Every year, my family and I gather around the TV to watch the live broadcast of the celebrations from around the world. The excitement builds as midnight approaches, and we join millions of viewers in counting down the final seconds of the old year.

This tradition of watching the New Year’s Eve countdown on TV has become a cherished part of our family’s holiday celebrations.

Final Thoughts

Television has played a significant role in my life, creating opportunities for connection, joy, and shared experiences. Whether it’s the nostalgia of Saturday nights with my dad, the excitement of winter sports, the sobering reality of global crises, the emotional finale of a beloved show, or the joy of ringing in the New Year, TV has a unique way of bringing people together.

Your TV Licence lets you enjoy a huge range of live TV. It covers you for:

• All TV channels, like BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Dave, and international channels – but you don’t need a licence if you only watch non-BBC channels on demand.
• Pay TV services, like Sky, Virgin Media, and BT – but these are platforms that could have both live and on-demand services.
• Live TV on streaming services, like YouTube and Amazon Prime Video.
• Everything on BBC iPlayer.

This includes recording and downloading. On any device.