I’M A FAN of Britain’s Greatest Obsessions – what’s not to love about watching charismatic entertainers explore our national fixations?
I’ve followed them all, from pubs to pets, but there is one episode I’ve been looking forward to since I first saw it teased in the opening credits.
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Now, finally, the day is here as Reginald D Hunter explores class – arguably the most British obsession of them all.
While the class system may be less visible than before, it’s still a fundamental part of what it means to be British.
I’ll admit I was intrigued by how such an upbeat and lighthearted show would tackle a topic that can quickly stray into fraught political waters.
Hunter and the show approach the subject with their trademark warmth, humor and cheerfulness.
I knew that by the end I’d be more informed about a thorny topic, but I didn’t expect to find myself so utterly charmed, with a glowing sense of optimism for Britain and our shared future.
Britain’s Greatest Obsessions airs on Mondays at 10pm and you can watch the full series now on demand.
So, whether you drink your tea from fine bone china or chipped mugs, here are five reasons why it’s time to put on a brew and curl up for Hunter’s unmissable episode:
A unique perspective
Hunter, an American outside of the British class system has a unique view on the subject.
America is not what it seems, Hunter puts it so well “Britain’s baby brother with a loaded gun”His perspective is a way for him to see the world clearly and ask questions we may not have considered.
But it’s not just him. The episode is punctuated by a conversation between Hunter and the hosts from other episodes – all beloved British celebrities who rarely speak about issues like class.
Lorraine Kelly speaks out about her Glaswegian accent that kept her back from her first day at BBC Scotland. Harry Hill laughs at the shame of being middle class.
These are stars that you will love and they have a wonderful conversation. We get to hear them!
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Deep questions
Hunter states early in the episode: “Capitalism requires a lot of poor people for it to work,”This is the beginning of an unusual installment that will involve challenging conversations about society, the nature of life and the foundations of our existence.
Inevitably, class is a thorny issue, and the show doesn’t shy away from meeting it head-on.
The panel delve into the past, discussing events such as the Peterloo Massacre, and the Great Reform Act. This law claimed to give working-class people the right to vote, but in reality only 8% of the population has the ability to vote.
As the show progresses, it is fascinating and informative. I am armed with facts such as these to better understand British history.
Keep it fun
The show, despite its serious subject matter, manages not to become droll or polemic.
This episode ends with the 1960s Class System sketch featuring John Cleese and the Two Ronnies. It shows its commitment to having fun.
Its lighthearted attitude allows it to manage such a complex issue with grace.
Whether it’s the etiquette expert who schools Hunter on how to correctly stir his cup of tea (it turns out I, too, have been doing this wrong) or a demonstration of how football would have been played in the 1800s, the show is a joyful ride of unexpected turns and little-known facts.
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Reginald D Hunter
It is impossible to watch this series without wanting to spend time with Hunter at the end.
He calls everyone by the way he calls them “ma’am”Or “sir” to the way he self-deprecatingly brushes that off – “I’m from the Deep South, we get off on deference” – his warmth and charm drives the episode.
What strikes you above all is his enthusiasm, slapping his hands as he meets people, genuinely insisting that he’ll see them again.
This is a man who loves both his job, and his adopted country of Britain.
Our passionate presenter is riled up as he discusses racism, class, and football. He then apologizes for his feelings, saying that he is polite above all.
The effect is so delightful that viewers want to join him on his journey. The accent doesn’t hurt, either.
A vision of hope
It might be comedian Alexei Sayle’s post-apocalyptic utopia, or the many experts Hunter speaks to suggesting new ways for us to love and relate to each other, but the show feels ultimately hopeful.
Perhaps it’s just Hunter’s infectious enthusiasm for the British Isles.
Still, by the show’s end, I found myself more optimistic than ever about Britain and our potential for unity.
‘Britain’s Greatest Obsessions’ on Sky History, Mondays 10pm or watch the full series now on demand.