7.8
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Play for Today
1970·Show
Play for Today fingerprint
Low-key.
Energy
Calm and low-key
- Tension6
- Violence3
- Adrenaline2
Heart
Nostalgic and moving
Much of it is about family.
- Nostalgia8
- Pathos7
- Family Dynamics7
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Satire & Parody4
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Cringe Humor2
World
Everyday modern life, society, and class and money
- Dialogue Centrality8
- World Immersion6
- Novelty5
Craft
Solid, not remarkable
- Acting7
- Dialogue Quality7
- Character Depth7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography5
- Editing5
- Music Composition4
Energy
LowCalm and low-key
Play for Today is calm and low-intensity.
All energy traits
- Tension6Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence3Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace2Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle2Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumNostalgic and moving
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's nostalgic and moving. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Nostalgia8Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Family Dynamics7Relationships and generational ties.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Melancholy5Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Romance4Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wholesome3Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Coming of Age3Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Satire & Parody4Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Dark Humor2Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, society, and class and money
Its world is built around everyday modern life, society, and class and money.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion6Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Rewatchability4Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Social Commentary9Perspectives on society and norms.
- Class & Capitalism8Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Politics7Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Psychological6Inner worlds and mind games.
Craft
MediumSolid, not remarkable
The craft is serviceable rather than remarkable.
All craft traits
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction6Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure6Story architecture and form.
- Intrigue5Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity5Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Educational6Informative and instructive.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Style
LowFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography5Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing5Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition4Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization4Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality4Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality3The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking
Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every show. Select a row to see all of them.
Episode ratings
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About
Play for Today is a British television anthology drama series, produced by the BBC and transmitted on BBC1 from 1970 to 1984. During the run, more than three hundred programmes, featuring original television plays, and adaptations of stage plays and novels, were transmitted. The individual episodes were between fifty and a hundred minutes in duration.
British Social RealismAnthology DramaPolitical CommentaryClass Struggle NarrativeIntense DialogueHistorical TV ArchiveMoral AmbiguityWorking-Class PortrayalSerious Tone
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Play for Today
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Play for Today worth watching?
72
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 72/100 (IMDb 7.8). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Play for Today rated?
Strong languageDisturbing imagery
Content advisories: strong language and disturbing imagery.
How many seasons does Play for Today have?
14 seasons
It has 14 seasons with 314 episodes of about 75 minutes each.
When did Play for Today air?
S1 S5 S10
It ran from 1970 to 1985 and has ended.
What language is Play for Today in?
English
It was made in English.
In how many countries can I watch Play for Today?
2
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Play for Today in 2 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Play for Today use?
Folk HorrorRipped from the HeadlinesMen Are the Expendable GenderSpin-Off
TV Tropes lists 4 storytelling tropes for Play for Today, including Folk Horror, Ripped from the Headlines, Men Are the Expendable Gender.