Episode 1
1976
Bill Grundy met the sweary Sex Pistols, and a pile of bricks outraged the art world.
Where to watch Controversially: That Was the Year That Was
TV series
Controversially: That Was the Year That Was
20231 season
Series exploring a year through the archives with a look back at key moments in the media.
Availability
Not streaming in United States
Checked Jul 22, 2026
Controversially: That Was the Year That Was premiered September 23, 2023. We don't have a confirmed streaming, rental or purchase option yet.
Synopsis
Series exploring a year through the archives with a look back at key moments in the media.
Season 1 episodes
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 2
1983
A deep dive into '83 when two 007s vied for box office success, pop star Boy George made a splash, Diana, Princess of Wales upstaged her husband, and Shergar was seized.
Where to watch Controversially: That Was the Year That Was
Episode 3
1979
Jan Leeming narrates a look back at key events in TV, film, showbusiness and politics, including Monty Python causing a storm of protest with Biblical parody The Life of Brian, while The Kenny Everett Video Show upset moral campaigner Mary Whitehouse.
Where to watch Controversially: That Was the Year That WasEpisode 4
1974
A look back at outrageous events of 1974, replaying the most controversial moments in TV, cinema, music, showbiz and politics, including film The Exorcist, TV's Tiswas and the three-day working week.
Where to watch Controversially: That Was the Year That WasEpisode 5
1984
The year of 'video nasties', Frankie Goes to Hollywood's outrageous hit, PM Margaret Thatcher's year-long battle with striking coal miners, and US President Reagan's misguided joke about bombing Russia.
Where to watch Controversially: That Was the Year That WasEpisode 6
1986
Shockingly moments in 1986 - from celebrity scandal and sporting skulduggery to bare bottoms on TV - featuring Grange Hill's drugs storyline, Maradona's 'Hand of God' and EastEnders' gay couple.
Where to watch Controversially: That Was the Year That WasEpisode 7
1988
Jan Leeming narrates the multiple headlines of 1988, when NWA created the blueprint for gangsta rap, Edwina Curry caused a storm in an egg-cup, and anti-gay Section 28 became UK law.
Where to watch Controversially: That Was the Year That WasEpisode 8
1972
A look at the shocking news, showbiz and politics of 1972: the year of Chuck Berry's My Ding-a-Ling, the film A Clockwork Orange, TV's Love Thy Neighbour and an ever-vigilant Mary Whitehouse.
Where to watch Controversially: That Was the Year That WasEpisode 9
1990
We rewind to 1990 to replay shocking and controversial moments in TV, music, showbiz, and politics - including Madonna's bondage fest ban on MTV, Poll Tax riots and Milli Vanilli's mime act.
Where to watch Controversially: That Was the Year That WasEpisode 10
1968
Archive highlights of the year the assassination of Presidential hopeful Robert Kennedy stunned a disbelieving world, the Beatles dabbled in mysticism, and musical Hair let it all hang out.
Where to watch Controversially: That Was the Year That WasEpisode information updated Jul 25, 2026
Available now in United States
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More about Controversially: That Was the Year That Was
Cast
Penny SmithGuest
Jan LeemingSelf - Narrator (voice)Production details
- Status
- Returning Series
- Series type
- Documentary
- Episodes
- 10
- Original language
- English
Networks & production
5United Kingdom
BBC StudiosUnited Kingdom
Themes
current affairsmusicsocial change