The Paper Lads - The Complete Series

Set in Newcastle, this is a programme that was made for kids, but there are many reasons why it is worth watching as an adult. There is nothing 'zany' or 'madcap' about it, which can make kids tv unwatchable once you're all grown up - it's a straightforward drama with rich and varied storylines and characters you can care about. It's very well written, warm and beautifully acted, particularly by the paper lads (and one lass).It was made in 1977/78 and depicts a world that has pretty much disappeared. I don't expect that kids do paper rounds anymore for there aren't so many papers and no-one would want their kids walking the streets mornings and evenings anyway for of fear of them being exploited as slave labour or even abducted (although it happened then just as now). From that perspective this paper shop is exemplary and they have quite a little community, even an alternative family, which is useful when the kids need to be away from their homes for one reason or another.I grew up in the 1970s so it was nice to see the cars and the clothes (not as bad as I remember) and even the streets as they were. Newcastle is still a dramatic city to visit, but seeing it as it was in the 70s - well it had an atmosphere even where it was derelict. The Geordie accents are not impenetrable but they are authentic and really quite easy on the ear. I enjoyed seeing items I'd forgotten all about in the background, magazines, sweets, toys etc.A lot of 70s stuff is difficult for a modern audience to watch because attitudes have changed so much, but there is very little that would make anyone uncomfortable here. There are lessons in it, but they are good ones. Some of the conversations between the kids particularly in the second series when they are about 14-15, I found very touching. It reminded me of how important your mates are at that age - although you would never have told them so.Young people have gained so much in 40 years - and lost so much.

I love collecting old shows like The Paper Lads. The atmosphere is second to none. When you watch shows from the 70's and 80's. They make you forget about the world outside for a time. Same goes for most sitcoms from the 60's 70's 80's and the 90's. These days escapism is needed more than ever.There is no bad acting from any of the cast. It's what I like to call acting from it's time. Some on here criticise specific characters and how they're portrayed on screen. It's a show aimed at youngsters in the 70's. So it's definitely not Hollywood calibre of acting. The level of acting in the show does what it's supposed to do. And that is entertain the viewer.I can't stand people who compare shows of old to the standard of show they watch today. It's the same with people who play video games. I know someone who has been looking as the Resident Evil 2 remake (2019). And he says things like it does this and that better than the 1998 original. A 21 year old game in terms of graphics won't keep up with today's games. Good job the 1998 original has atmosphere and music the remake won't ever equal or better.I will definitely continue watching this show. It arrived today (8th Jan, 2019). I have watched Series 1 already. Now it's onto Series 2. It's a good way to help the long Winter hours pass more pleasantly. Thank you to everyone involved in the making of this show (cast and crew) for some wonderfully light entertainment. I know some of them are no longer with us. Which is sad. But their work will keep me happy.

The media could not be loaded.  I bought this based on amazon's recommendation. After I'd bought Children of the Stones this kept popping up as a 'you may also like' and I decided to try it as it had such positive reviews. As a Northern 70's kid this obviously has a massive nostalgia value for me, but the series is much more than that. It's based around really strong, well developed characters, all of whom are so well played. Each episode focuses mainly on one or two of the paper lads, and lass, as they experience problems and adventures which in turn give deeper layers to their characters. There are four main characters throughout the two series. Feisty but sensitive Sam, trying to patch the rift between her Granda and her mam; Ian, a gifted artist with an unhappy home life; Baz, with his dreams of being a ballroom dancing champion, and Gog, always the jester but with a deep, intuitive nature. Series one also has J.G., the likeable, sensible head lad, who was replaced in series two by the less likeable Neville who is the only weak link in the series, and thankfully he's only in three episodes. Neville's meant to be a bad 'un, but he doesn't match the others for acting skills.The strength of character development in Sam, Baz, Ian and Gog is equalled by the stories themselves, which hit the right balance between drama, pathos and humour, delving into the characters lives, dreams and personalities with the delicate touch that produces real character led television. My favourite episode is A Day to Remember, where the paper lads and lass go on a works outing, which has the line 'Well I don't suppose you can expect to go on an annual treat EVERY year!' It is very nostalgic to anyone of around my age, but it's wonderful in its own right as a beautifully written and acted series.