7.9
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The Real Thing
1980·Show
The Real Thing fingerprint
Immersive world, strong craft, calm.
Energy
Calm and low-key
- Spectacle3
- Tension2
- Fast Pace2
Heart
Wondrous
- Wonder7
- Wholesome4
- Hopefulness4
Humor
Some sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay6
- Situational Comedy0
- Physical Comedy0
World
The mind, history, and technology
- Dialogue Centrality9
- Novelty8
- Ambiguity7
Craft
Standout dialogue
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Complexity9
- Dialogue Quality8
- Intrigue8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography6
- Editing6
- Music Composition5
All energy traits
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Tension2Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace2Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline1High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
- Violence0Physical conflict and intensity.
Related traits
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
All heart traits
- Wonder7Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome4Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness4Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Melancholy3Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis2Emotional release and payoff.
- Pathos1Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Nostalgia1Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Romance0Love stories and emotional connections.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Family Dynamics0Relationships and generational ties.
Related traits
- Philosophical10Ideas about life and existence.
- Spiritual5Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay6Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor0Humor from taboo or grim topics.
World
HighThe mind, history, and technology
Its world is built around the mind, history, and technology. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity7Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- World Immersion5Depth and sensory richness of setting.
Related traits
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Historical7Period settings and real events.
- Tech & Humanity7Human stories in a tech world.
- Social Commentary5Perspectives on society and norms.
- Spiritual5Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
Craft
HighStandout dialogue
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The dialogue stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Complexity9Layered plots and ideas.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Acting4Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth3Rich, complex characterization.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Philosophical10Ideas about life and existence.
- Educational9Informative and instructive.
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
All style traits
- Cinematography6Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition5Score 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 Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightParty VibeIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking
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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every show. Select a row to see all of them.
About
Asking how you tell what's real and what isn't sounds like an obvious question. But in this series of six programmes, James Burke shows that the more you think about it the harder it is to answer. After all, what have you got, apart from your five senses, to prove those senses are giving you the real thing?
Philosophical InquiryScience DocumentaryEpistemological ExplorationPerception vs RealityIntellectual ChallengeThought-ProvokingHistorical ContextNarrative EssayJames Burke
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Real Thing
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Real Thing worth watching?
80
GreatGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 81/100 (IMDb 7.9). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
How many seasons does The Real Thing have?
1 season
It has 1 season with 6 episodes of about 21 minutes each.
When did The Real Thing air?
S1
It ran from 1980 to 1983 and has ended.
What language is The Real Thing in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United Kingdom.