Pros: I waited for this station for years. Cons: No more Eastenders. The best program on British television.
I had to come back to this review because I feel BBC America has really let us down. Now let me explain. When I first wrote this review we were getting EastEnders, which is the highest rated program in England, twice a week. If you missed it, yo ...
Pros: Several shows by people who know a lot more about TV than we do. Cons: Lots of news bits and really weird commercials.
It was a little over a year ago that I was first able to watch BBCAmerica. The new cable I subscribed to offered it, and I couldn’t wait to see it. I have long been a fan of many shows I saw on the sheet that gave me some idea of what I was going...
Pros: Funny, Clever, Orginal- able to get away with more than we are here! Cons: None~
Until I started living with Adam, the television channel BBC America was pretty unknown to me. Now, I am sorry to say I’m addicted! I watch BBC America constantly- probably more than my British love would like, but I adore it! Here are some of my...
Pros: Often more intelligent than U.S. sitcoms Cons: Sometimes blatantly sexual (is that a con?)
Three cheers for BBC America... before the U.S. had this network, British comedies were only available on PBS, which is still a great place to see them. But the BBC offers a wider variety -- if you haven't spent a Saturday afternoon sipping Earl Grey and...
Pros: BBC News. Cons: The Programmers Don't care what Americans watch, knowing we like their accents, anyway.
I was challenged by a former BBC America devotee to refine my opinion of BBC America since my review of November 2001. I rarely update my reviews, except when I see grammatical errors. These reviews are hard to write, at least for me, so once I'm done - ...
Pros: None come to mind Cons: NOT worth the money and a total waste of time
BBC America used to be a great channel until the VP for Programming of E! took the same job at BBC America. Since then, the programming has degenerated to an endless spate of DIY makeovers, garden shows, and low brow comedy. Nothing but repeats, repeats, ...
Pros: Too disappointed to think of any pros. Cons: Overload of repeated shows. Programmers have misplaced channel's potential.
As an ex-pat Brit having lived in the U.S. for 20 years, I was so excited to discover BBCA about two years ago I immediately signed up and paid the extra to watch it. At first, it was the only channel I watched; it brought back memories of home with favo ...
Pros: Absolutely none! Cons: Endless repeats of DIY and gardening shows, no EE. Not my cup of tea!
A few years ago, I was tickled to get BBCA. I would tell all my friends about their exciting line up, all the Britcoms, great dramas, even their gardening and DIY shows. BUT NOW, BBCA has been on a slippery slope for about two years, endless repeats of ...
Pros: Can't think of any Cons: Cancellation of popular shows; constant repeats of dumb ones.
I find it hard to believe that several years ago I got a satellite dish for one reason only -- to be able to receive BBC America. Gradually, I found myself watching less and less. Even if I liked "reality make-over" shows like Ground Forces or Changing ...
Pros: Started out as a great idea, and still could be with new programming. Cons: Rubbish programming, too much commercialism - no "BBC" quality to be found at ALL.
I used to be a huge BBC America Fan - I started watching it 5 years ago for the quality programming: original dramas, suspenseful mysteries, interesting films, engaging comedies. There have always been commercials (a minor annoyance), which I could live ...
Pros: "The Office" is great. But BBCA isn't worth watching for one show. Cons: No EastEnders. Too much Home&Garden programming. Censorship on website discussion boards.
BBCA used to be one of the only channels I watched, and the only digital cable channel I watched. We got digital cable just to watch current episodes of EastEnders. When I first got it, 2.5 years ago, it was on in the evenings, Sunday omnibus, and the "Th ...
Pros: should strive to be the best source for quality British programing in the US Cons: Changing Rooms on 43 times in ONE WEEK!
BBC America should be the best of British programming in the US, but they no longer show great Britcoms and dramas. They NO LONGER show "Parkinson' uncut, "Top of the Pops", "Ab Fab' or 'League of Gentlemen, 'The Royles' ,'Goodness, Gracious Me','Only F ...
Pros: A bit more British programming than available via PBS. Cons: Endless repeats of only a few shows. Cheezy ads. Annoying promos. Hostile to viewers feedback.
I got this station when I could finally get a digital cable package on AT&T now Comcast. BBCA had been out almost a year by then. I remember being upset because I had missed most of the showings of Bottom. It's hard for me to communicate how excited I was ...
Pros: BBCA has the potential to be a great station by showing classic British (BBC) programming Cons: Loyal Eastender viewers are discontinuing subscription to BBCA due to cancellation of show.
I am extremely disappointed with BBCA. Pulling Eastenders off the air was bad enough but the way in which it was done seemed mean spirited and underhanded. The online Chat with David Bernath (VP of programming) was a farce. In addition to being evasive in ...
BBC America is better than American TV due to the offbeat programs they show. One definite standout was The League Of Gentlemen, which is by far the strangest thing I have ever seen on television. League was filled with strange, surreal humor, obscure...
Pros: Nothing to recommend this channel anymore. Cons: Ignore their customers. Took away EastEnders with no notice.
I subscribed to digital cable on to have BBC America, because they were showing "EastEnders" - a program with a global fan base that is consistently the most popular show in the U.K. On September 27, 2003 BBC America cancelled EastEnders, citing "poor" ...
Pros: none Cons: none of the BBC's good shows are on this network
I have seen many of the BBC channels in other countries and have seen many excellent shows on the stations. I was very much upset when I found out that none of the BBC's great programs were shown on BBC america. It shows nothing but their worst...
Pros: Not much to say pro-BBC America these days. No Eastenders. Cons: Amount of reruns - nothing original anymore and the shows they do import are old.
I was thrilled my cable provider had BBC America on its channel line up if I signed up for digital cable (more expensive, but I felt worth it so I could watch one of my favorite programs - Eastenders). I could now get Eastenders on twice a week! I soon ...
Pros: Great on-a-budget decorating ideas, fun to watch the transformations, usually 2 episodes aired back-to-back Cons: Wish it could be a daily show
It's truly hard to explain why this apartment-dweller loves "Changing Rooms" so much. Even when the accents of the participants make it hard for me to understand their banter, I still watch with rapt attention.
Pros: watching u.k shows, as an ex Londoner Cons: CONSTANT DIET of RE-RUNS,makes me turn bbca off, CONSTANTLY.
When my english neighbour told me about bbca(it's never advertised) I finally got it, july 2003, and watched it daily for 1st 2 months. Then they cancelled EASTENDERS, the best show on bbca!! After the 3rd or so re-run of ch/rms/gr/force, it is BORING. I ...
Pros: Could be a showcase for the best in British television. Cons: Chooses instead to replay cheap programming over and over.
BBC America's program content has been steadily deteriorating over the past year. Where cutting edge comedies and dramas were once the norm, the station now broadcasts primarily repeats of do-it-yourself home make-over and lifestyle shows. All are repea ...
Pros: nothing good about BBCA any longer;doesn't cater to the American fan of British TV Cons: repeats medium quality programming 3-4 times weekly;no regard for public opinion only their own
BBCA was very good in the beginning when it first came on in 1994 or 95 , I think. It was great to see EastEnders, Ground Force and some of the old shows such as Are you Being Served? that we could only see on PBS here in Northeast Ohio sometimes. Shows ...
Pros: None unless they return EastEnders! Cons: Doesn’t seem to listen to viewer concerns unless you agree with them
I’m writing to complain about EastEnders (EE) getting axed from BBCA. I think the BBCA set up EE to fail from the get-go. They changed the time it showed (more than once), then they put it in the worst daytime slot – a Saturday afternoon when mo ...
Pros: None with the present schedule Cons: Removal of Eastenders, No response to protest
I wanted to get that out of the way. I've been reading some comments to reviews that imply that Eastenders fans are only here to skew the ratings. This topic is about a Television Channel. A channel consists of many things to me. Quality, Content, Sche ...
Pros: Some superb programs, BBC news - higher quality than most American shows Cons: Strange scheduling.
If you like the British comedies on PBS you are in for a treat with BBC America. Also, if you like good dramas, quality news and well crafted reality programs then this is your channel. Scheduling irregularities can be sometimes annoying but well worth...
Pros: programs unavailable elsewhere Cons: American commercials
I discovered the BBC America on our satellite service about three months ago, and it's become the main channel I watch. I adore Britcoms, especially, and the BBC America's got all my favorites. It's also got a number of shows I'd never seen before,...
Pros: Wonderful programmes Cons: Commercials, Commercials, Commercials, Dawn French.
The BBC: Your seal of quality. Well, no. I'm here to tell you, BBC America is RUBBISH.
No, I don't mean that. BBC America transmits some truly excellent programming. For instance, as I write this, I'm watching the Thanksgiving Day "I'm...
Pros: Variety, and class. Cons: A bit repetitive, shows repeated too often.
No, I'm not about to switch from coffee to tea, but I do so enjoy this channel! British comedies, British mysteries, news a bit more world-wide than what we get here, and so much more.
I haven't yet gotten addicted to Eastenders, the British...
Pros: I only need 2 words - Quality programming Cons: Repeating shows means you can catch your favorites but it does create a few reruns
I moved to the US about 6 years ago and for the first 4 or so of those years I pined for some proper food, a decent pint of beer and something to watch on television (please note I did not pine for the UK weather and the food thing is just what you're ...
Pros: good variety of programming, high quality Cons: only available on digital cable
BBC America was made for me. Really. I swear it was. We watch quite a bit of TV at our house, and when BBC America hit our local cable company, we were ecstatic. While some of the programming is not to my taste, the vast majority of it is. Dramas like...
I love the BBC. In my opinion this humor is of the highest class. My favorite show is "Keeping up Appearances" Hyacinth always has me rolling around laughing at her antics. When I look at some of the crude shows that we have on TV, I wonder...
Pros: Great, high quality programming Cons: Bad commercials and not enough variety of shows
BBC America is a great addition to the expanded cable lineup. It features many of the shows that PBS offers - Britcoms like Fawlty Towers, Black Adder, Vicar of Dibley and Absolutely Fabulous to name but a few. In addition, it offers some great home...
Pros: a nice variety of shows, enjoyable programming Cons: cheesy commercial sponsors, my favorite shows aren't always on at the same time each week
Ever since I started getting BBC America I've been in love! With this channel, that is. :)
It's nice to see some of the shows I grew up with in Canada, with a lot more that I didn't even know existed. What a treat to finally be seeing more...
Pros: the Queen's Christmas speech, which will probably be preempted for Ground Force. Cons: This channel is a waste of space.
BBCAmerica had such promise! Initially, it was THE source for British programming, and although they have always had a tendency to repeat programs a lot, they still had a fairly good variety of programming. Now, however, it's total garbage. Repeat after ...
Okay, so I'm English....so I may be biased. But I Love BBC America.
Let me add, I work for the local cable company, so my cable (all channels and PPV's are free).
BBC America gives a wide variety of well produced programming, and in my...
Pros: Some excellent programs Cons: Not enough like PBS
I waited a long time for my local cable company, in Austin, TX, to get BBC America. I really like many of the programs on BBC America, although I wish they would show some cricket.
The one thing that I find a little jarring about the channel...
Pros: funny, informative, interesting Cons: short series
For those who travel frequently or are simply interested in travel in general, the BBC documentary "Airport" is an absolute must! The show centres in at Heathrow Airport in London which is the gateway into the European Union where a plane...
Pros: quality dramas, different from American TV Cons: recycled too quickly, odd times for shows
If you are a fan of British television, whether it be comedies, dramas, science fiction, or documentaries, you may love this channel. It came with my digital cable so I didn't have to pay extra, I don't think I'd pay extra since a lot of these shows...
Pros: Julian, the cross-dressing bailiff,humor Cons: the odd joke is too obscure
All Rise for Julian Clary is one of Britain's secret treasures- a gem which could never be produced here, and can only be shown on cable. It is definitely an acquired taste, meant for a discriminating palate.
Pros: another way to see the world, real world news Cons: adverts
I was raised on English TV and having been in the USA for a while I must say that its a relief, a real *relief* to finally have access to British television again !
This is not to say that all American TV is bad, it's just that so much of it...
Pros: Wide variety of quality programming Cons: Favorite show comes on at bad hours
My husband and I are addicted to this channel. It has great programming we would never get (otherwise) here in the states. If you are a fan of british comedy, then this channel is for you. Also, the movies and series are very good quality and tell...
Pros: A few years ago it showed more dramas, comedies, and other interesting programs like Eastenders. Cons: Cancelled Eastenders...CONSTANT reruns. The programming is horrible.
I have to say that I'm VERY disappointed in BBC America. We subscribed for sole purpose of watching the award-winning EastEnders. When we first started watching, some of the other shows were fun and interesting. However, BBCA has run them to death. The programming is constant reruns which are run, rerun, rerun again, then repeated. It got so the only show we really watched was Eastenders, our original reason for purchasing the channel. Then to add insult to injury, they've cancelled Eastenders, BBC's top rated show for 18 years. My family and I have since boycotted BBCA because there is simply nothing worthwhile to watch. DIY shows are a dime a dozen. It's an insult to the real BBC.
Positively the worst channel on the air. by alley_kat ,Oct 21 '03
Pros: Absolutely none as of September 27th, 2003.
Cons: The shabby and despicable treatment by BBCA of EE fans after the cancellation.
On September 27th, 2003. During a commercial break, it was announced that EastEnders was canceled. No prior notice, just gone. I have followed this program for 14 years. When my local PBS station canceled it, I went to satellite to be able to continue watching EastEnders on BBCAmerica.
This program is the best of the BBC.
BBCAmerica's initial audience was the EastEnders fans. And, we stayed for the other programs also. In the last year or so, it has been nothing but reruns of reruns. The only show in current production that was new each week was EastEnders.
I will never watch this channel again, unless and until they BRING BACK EASTENDERS!
When BBC America hit the airwaves, they had a ready made audience. We recommended the channel to our family and friends. Our thanks?, the cancellation of the flagship program EastEnders.
EastEnders is the Best of the BBC, Not BBCAmerica.
Promising Start To a Dismal Finish by torgette ,Oct 21 '03
Pros: None anymore Cons: Cheap programming decisions do not make for a quality viewing experience.
When BBC America first hit the digital cable and satellite markets, our family tuned in every evening to see something new and different from the fare offered on all the other channels. When looking for something to watch, we'd almost always check out what was on BBC America first.
They showed great Mysteries, Movies, and Britcoms as well as DIY shows that we found quite charming to begin with.
Unfortunately the programming on this channel started going downhill slowly and now is rushing down like an out of control sled on ice. The channel now consists of almost all reruns of DIY shows they bought 4 years ago and reruns of a couple of ok sitcoms that can be seen on most PBS broadcast stations for free. If you are upgrading to digital cable or satellite in order to see Ground breaking British programming, you won't see it on BBCA. Don't waste your money.
BBC America The fastest decline in Quality I've ever witnessed by willfgalagher ,Oct 30 '03
Pros: I can save money by cancelling the extra digital service Cons: Too many repeats, mediocre shows, cancellation of the best show
What started out as a fairly good channel is now a disgrace.
The endless repetition, the ceaseless self promotion and the final straw, the cancellation of Eastenders (the most popular show in Britain and loved by "countless" thousands in the US). No warning.
To compound matters, the refusal to listen to the thousands of complaints about this action. Banning people from their website. Ignoring phone calls and E-Mails.
Somehow they acquired the good name of BBC to lure unsuspecting viewers and advertisers to their channel assuming, as one would, that they would be offered some of the best of British television. What a fraud!
There is a huge, rapidly growing grass roots movement to SAVE Eastenders. I wish them every success.
from "best" to "same as all the rest". by ubermax ,Oct 24 '03
Pros: none Cons: has become BBCgenerica
in the past year bbcamerica has gone from being an outstanding breath of fresh air to a bad copy of tlc,by eliminating shows like monty python, liquid news, top of the pops, fawlty towers, eastenders, father ted, parkinson, and league of gentlemen, only to make room for yet more slots in which to air endless DIY genre reruns changing rooms, ground force, and house invaders to name a few.
a year ago bbcamerica yielded at least 70% of my weekly television time, it now gets less than 10%.
Pros: Lately none. It has gone from a show I would watch daily to never. Cons: An obsessive, if not insane focus on repeats of two shows: DYI type shows.
The channel has sadly lost its way and shows no sign of finding its footing again. It has become a clearing house for the worst (cheapest to buy) of British television. Even if you like a show in the beginning, the incessant repeats will begin to grate on you. You can get everything that BBC America now offers on other Do It Yourself type channels.
The station clearly contradicts the values of the BBC brand, believed to have come from a management take over by the Discovery Channel whose only approach is to reuse and reuse shows through the roof.
BBC America. Boring, boring, crud by feistybrit ,Nov 01 '03
Pros: A chance to see some good British shows....until Cons: Repeats, repeats and more repeats.
This used to be a fantastic channel. Then they started showing nothing but repeat after repeat of the same half a dozen or so shows hundreds of times a week. I could put up with that but then they completely ruined it by removing Eastenders,
Not only did they do this with total disregard for how the loyal viewers felt, but they completely blew it when they started deleting viewers comments on their website in the thousands.
I have boycotted this channel and will continue to do so until I hear they have changed their disgusting way of treating paying customers.
Program variation and multi-cultural society by harrow-hill ,Nov 04 '03
Pros: BBC Worldwide/America a much respected organization has the potential to win back the loyal audiences. Cons: Executives lack empathy with ethnic minorities and loyal viewers.
I write expressing deep concern regarding the lack of a multi-racial and variation of program transmitted on BBC America.
I opted for BBC America because the concept behind the partnership between the BBC and Discovery was to bring the very best of British to America. The commitment to educate, entertain and inspire has failed miserably with the lack of empathy toward viewers.
Unfortunately because EASTENDERS was axed BBC America currently shows no drama/soap in current production from the UK. Eastenders, offered a unique insight to Americans of British culture endeavoring to jab our social conscience without sensationalism: AIDS, rape, abortion,death,homosexuality.
BBC/Discovery claim to be the global leaders in reflecting the media, it is of concern that they appear only to be supporting and promoting programs in which the presenters/main characters are white. BBC America, in its decision to axe Eastenders without proper promotion, now deprives viewers of a balance, in which ethnic minorities are represented in a believable drama, without relying on comical script.
BBC America has gone down the tubes! by pgrubbs ,Oct 21 '03
Pros: While not the "Best of British Programming", it does still run BBC World News. Cons: Repeated viewings of the same shows and disinterest for viewer's preferences
BBC America, formerly a bright spot on television for American viewers, no longer is living up to the image of a BBC product. Due to the recent cancellation of EastEnders, the top-rated television show in the UK, the network is floundering with endless re-runs of Changing Rooms, Ground Force, and other DIY shows. It is sad that the high quality programming developed by the BBC is not available in the US. In short, don't bother paying for it and watch PBS instead.
Pros: It broadcasts programs produced in the UK Cons: Repeats, lack of innovative programming, repeats
When BBC America began broadcasting it was, indeed, reflecting the best of programming in the UK. Recently, however, the channel has been broadcasting repeats with very few new and innovative programs. It is disappointing that BBC America has chosen to ignore the brilliant programs available on other BBC outlets not received in the US like BBC Prime.
I think BBC America should review its charter and revisit its programming decisions.
Over the past year to year and a half, the programming of BBCA has plummeted. When I first started watching this channel, they had britcoms on ever saturday and during the week. There were drama's, movies, and best of all my beloved EASTENDERS! Now you get to see the worst of british programming, countless repeats of ground force, changing rooms, and on occasion an equally mundane show. EastEnders was cerimoniously jerked from theyre line up, leaving me no choice but to NEVER watch bbca again. its got nothing at all for me now. You all can thank David Barnet for that. He should be fired...
I am lookiing early forward to the day that BBCA is no longer in exsistance.
I was happy 6 months ago when BBC America became available in my area. For those 6 months I enjoyed my Saturday afternoons with my favorite British drama EastEnders and had fun finding new programs that I enjoyed watching. After awhile I realized all these new programs were quickly being repeated so I stopped watching but continued enjoying the new episodes of EastEnders every week. That was until Sept. 27 when BBCA made the worst decision they could to pull EastEnders from their lineup. What Idiots!!! I have not watched BBCA or the Discovery channels since Sept. 27th and will not do so until they bring EE back to the US. I cannot waste time sitting in front of my TV watching endless repeats. I have better things to do. EastEnders was the one show they never repeated. It was never promoted so how did they expect it to gain viewers? There are thousands of us that are boycotting your networks and advertisers and will continue to do so!
Pros: They are on digital so I can cancel the channel and save some money Cons: THEY CANCELED EASTENDERS!!!!!
I originally got digital cable to watch BBCAmerica. I got it to watch Eastenders. I enjoyed Eastenders and a few other shows. Well, they canceled Eastenders on the spur with 1 day notice, and they have slowly replaced any other good shows with endless repeats of gardening and home improvement shows. What a waste of good British broadcasting space!
Great if you love endless repetition . . . by lisaane ,Oct 23 '03
Pros: None Cons: Repetitive programming, no support or response to viewer complaints, BORING
I used to watch BBC America almost exclusively, but in the past year, the programming has become terrible. The final straw was when they cancelled Eastenders, the top show in Britain, with almost no warning. Despite outraged protests from fans, they have given no credible reason for the decision. BBC America has become a sort of "low budget" version of HGTV, which I already receive. They actually show "Changing Rooms" 40 times per week, and run the same few episodes over and over. I have cancelled my subscription to digital cable, and will not watch BBC America again. Total rubbish!
Pros: There are none! What can anyone say that would be pro BBCA? Cons: No longer run EastEnders and not worth the extra dosh.
They canceled EastEnders and show nothing except reruns.
If you miss a show at 7PM, tune in at 9PM and get the
same show....except for EastEnders, which was aired once
a week and given several different time slots. They never
tried to air it in the evening and never tried to air it
over several nights to get new viewers hooked on this favorite British soap opera. BBCA blamed it on low
Nielsen ratings. Why bother paying extra for BBCA? Not worth it! I canceled my digital cable and am saving $300 a year. BBCA airs ancient shows like Keeping Up Appearances which you can see for free on most PBS stations.
BBC America Disappoints Thousands of Viewers by pposterex ,Oct 21 '03
Pros: NONE Cons: No regard for the fan base. Showing repeats constantly.
On September 27, 2003 I quit watching BBC America. It was on this day that they abruptly cancelled the best show on TV, EastEnders. There has been a huge ground swell of support, including a 12,000+ signature petition, to return this show to BBCA. In return, BBCA has censored it's discussion boards deleting any and all posts that they feel violate their "rules" regarding the axing of this show. I will never watch this channel again or any Discovery channel as they are now affiliated. They have no regard for the fans of this great show.
Pros: The hope that you rethink your decision to axe EE. Cons: Not worth watching.
When you take away the only show you had worth watching, EastEnders, you took away any reason I had to watch BBCA. There is nothing left but endless reruns of DIY shows. What were you thinking? At this rate BBCA cannot exist. RIP.
Gives the BBC a very bad name. What an awful channel it has become and is no longer welcome in my home. Sorry DirecTV you have lost my business. As for BBCAmerica, you had better get your act together - bring back EastEnders so you have at least one decent show in your full-of-reruns-lineup.
I was thrilled when BBCA first became available in my area. I had waited for so long! However, slowly the bloom left the rose. First it was the endless, ridiculous commercials, then the endless repeats. Then the quality of the shows decreased. Let's face it, those of us who watch British television usually do so because we're not fond of American television. It seems as thought BBCA is geared more to providing American-type shows now. What's the point? I have 600 other channels if I want to watch American programming! The final insult was when EastEnders was dropped. That was the last program on the channel that I watched. I enjoyed BBCA so much at one time, I'm sad and disappointed now.
BBC America the DIY limited episodes endless repeat channel. by tlhoover ,Nov 13 '03
Pros: The channel does have an excellent international newscast.
A domestic UK version would be better. Cons: Very few episodes of very few programs mainly DIY repeated endlessly.
At one time BBC America was the best channel available in America. They offered all the core BBC programs like DR. Who, Top Of The Pops and EastEnders. The channel now consists mainly of DIY shows each with two or three seasons of programs each consisting of about six shows. These are repeated over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over again.
BBC America Goes Downhill FAST by bandit100 ,Oct 23 '03
Pros: Can't think of any. Cons: Endless repeats of Changing Rooms & Ground force and cancelling EastEnders
Since dropping quality programming like EastEnders and running repeats of Ground Force, Changing Rooms and other info-style shows continuously, BBC American has reduced itself to nothing more than substandard TV fare.
BBC America doesn't care about America by rosyfreddy ,Oct 21 '03
Pros: Has some good dramas Cons: Doesn't seem to care about its subscribers in America
First BBC America gives us the incredibly popular Eastenders and then it takes it away. It is unbelievable that BBC would have Eastenders in the Ukraine and practically every other country in the world but pull it from the US because of "low ratings." It is difficult to believe that everyone in the Ukraine is watching it. And yet as soon as word surfaced that the program was going to end here, over 10,000 fans got a petition together in less than a week. If we had had more warning, just think what the outcry would have been. BBC America pulled the program after many years leaving fans hanging right in the middle of two very exciting story lines. That is a channel lacking in conscience.
No longer will watch BBC Americas by gwtreece ,Oct 21 '03
Pros: I love the quality of British TV. Cons: The removal of a # 1 rated show in Britain for numerous years.
I love to watch British TV. I find the quality of the shows to be well above American shows. Unfortunately, my favorite show has been removed by BBC America due to poor ratings even through I never saw any advertising for it. It is Britain's #1 show, Eastenders. If BBC America would bring this show back and other shows of this quality, instead of numerous repeated same shows of Ground Force and Changing Rooms, I would come back to BBC America.
Pros: The best show on this station was Eastenders. Cons: The best show on this station was Eastenders, BBCA decided to cancel it, go figure.
If you like nothing but repeats then this station is for you. If you like nothing but boring programming then this station is for you. If you basically like nothing then this station is for you. If on the on the hand you have a brain are awake and like your imagination sparked then this station is not for you.
BBCAmerica was the only reason I bought a satellite dish. What a disappointment. Constant reruns of a few shows, DYI to death, no quality programming. I expected quality. I expected British TV. I expected the level of Masterpiece Theatre and Mystery. I found the mystery series. Unfortunately, there are only a few programs which are rerun until I know the dialogue. Monarch of the Glen, same problem. How many times can you watch the reruns? The station has become a DIY station. Endless showings of Changing Rooms, Ground Force, What Not to Wear House Invaders. How many times can you watch the same room be redecorated? If you like The Office, wait until you have watched it the twentieth time. There are ways to get these without cost. My PBS station has better programming.
Pros: A showcase for British shows that would otherwise not be shown in the US Cons: Shallow programming consisting mostly of repeats
I was an avid viewer of BBC America. Also, I championed the network in its early days, telling everyone I knew to watch it. However, I have since boycotted the network due to poor programming decisions. What was once a varied and vital sampling of British television has become a parade of repeats of DIY shows. The decision to cancel EASTENDERS, one of the most successful programs in British history, reflected a corporate indifference to the tastes of loyal viewers. Make that formerly loyal viewers. Now, I tell everyone I know to boycott BBC America, a channel that does not seem to care about its customers.
Pros: None I can think of. Cons: Cancelled EE, most popular show in the UK and only real reason to watch BBCA.
I waited years to get this channel till lame Time Warner Cable finally upgraded us to digital last November. I couldn't wait to see "current" episodes of Eastenders, after years of watching on PBS (they are 4 years behind!) and reading updates online. And now they pulled the plug on EE, almost the only thing worth watching on this channel. I can get BBC World News on PBS so I wish Time Warner would drop BBC America and replace it with a channel that doesn't show so many reruns. Just how many times can one be expected to watching Changing Rooms and Ground Force. BBCA never even bothered to promote EE like its does Coupling and The Office and the DIY shows. I hope this channel tanks, big time!
BBCA has gone way down in my opinion by minipin ,Oct 25 '03
Pros: I cannot at this time think of anything good to say about them Cons: The amount of reruns they show over and over again is rediculas
with the removal of East Enders, and the constant reruns BBCA has become the channel I canceled when I needed to save money. I was the fool paying for the subscription to get one show a week. They removed that show, I removed them.I miss East Enders and hope someone else will pick it up SOON.meanwhile I get story line from my friends on pogo who live in the UK, but its not the same. I have lost my saturday enjoyment and I miss it terribly.
Pros: British news and some comedy Cons: too many DIY-type shows repeated over and over, canceled Eastenders
BBCAmerica a few years ago marketed themselves as the "best of British television" exported to the USA. Well, when I first started watching the channel in 2000 they had great shows like Dr. Who, Eastenders Early Years and Eastenders shown in prime time, just like the UK.
Now, they mainly show Changing Rooms, Ground Force and What Not to Wear over and over and over. They have underestimated the American viewers understanding of various dramas with regionally unique idiomatic dialouge and refused to promote the #1 drama in the UK, Eastenders and canceled it.
I have long since ceased tuning in. The shows they have aren't as interesting to me and my family.
Pros: Monarch of the Glen Cons: rerun after rerun after rerun after...............
There is no reason for anyone with any intelligence to watch BBCA more than one hour per week. They have nothing but reruns and idiot pap, with the most irritating commercials ever to turn a stomache. With their stunningly brainless cancellation of Eastenders, flocks of subscribers dumped their cable companies and made alternative arrangements to keep up with the popular Brit soap. So don't waste your time or money on this loser -- BBCA will soon be off to that small screen in the dump!
Pros: The fact that the BBC might take the franchise away from the Discovery Channel Cons: The fact that they haven't yet
It's hard to believe that the BBC Brand has been a mark of quality for years when BBCA serves up this tripe. Endless repeats of programmes that were unwatchable anyway, even more ads than the average US terrestrial channels and the final insult-the whipping off of Eastenders without a word of notice. I understand that the BBC licenses the franchise to the Discovery Channel. They should cancel the contract while their reputation still retains some semblance of quality.
Destroying the 'BBC' brand name by tony99 ,Oct 23 '03
Pros: The BBC World News (but you can catch this on PBS too) Cons: Way too many reruns of reruns.
Once upon a time, BBC America was filled with diverse British programming. there were comedies, dramas, music,
news, talk shows, movies and much more.
Now this channel is a shadow of it's former self. In just a few short years it has catapulted itself into re-run hell where endless recycling of home and garden makeover shows are turning viewers brains into mush. All of the diversity that once made this a great channel has gone..and regrettably so it seems are the viewers. The final straw had to be the recent cancellation of the UK's top rated show EastEnders, dumped without warning by BBC America because of 'low Nielson viewing figures' (Someone really needs to explain the BBCA that according to the Wall St Journal, the Nielson figures don't actually measure smaller digital channels like themselves)
With the highly publicised 'The Office' now being the only fresh show worth watching on BBCA, subscribers are canceling their subscriptions...and who can blame them.
I've lost all respect for BBC America by mettyt ,Oct 24 '03
Pros: Back in the day when they showed all those wonderful british tv shows. Cons: the day they stopped showing all those wonderful Tv shows, including EASTENDERS
As a brit living in the US I thrive on anything english, but recently I have lost all respect for BBC America. On the 27th of September 2003 BBC America decided to cancel Eastenders without any notice. Since then I have not watched a single second of this channel. This is not the only problem I have with the channel. Unfortunately BBC America fill their viewing schedule with repeat after repeat of Changing Rooms and Ground Force that not a single person has any interest in watching. A few years back when I first subscribed to the channel I was pleasantly surprised to see a wide array of british tv shows including monty pyhtons flying circus, brilliant, ab fab, men behaving badly, red dwarf, and many more. To turn to this channel know you would think its a bad attempt at a home and gardening network. I highly recommend staying away from this feeble attempt at a US network. It makes me embarrased to be a brit when you see that this channel is connected to the BBC.
The Worst Cable Channel in the US? by simeet ,Oct 29 '03
Pros: None. Cons: Repeats repeated hour after hour after hour with virtually no original programming whatsover.
To be honest it probably is. If you're an anglophile who loves Python, Fawlty Towers etc. I would advise you to buy the DVD's and not bother with this pale, pale shadow of the BBC in England. The VP is an idiot and is convinced that he can rival ABC, CBS etc. and yet all he shows is repeats. Of the 168 hrs programming per week, in all honesty I would say if you get 5 hrs of original programming from the channel it will have been a monumental week. My advice is to avoid this channel like the plague.
Pros: I did like GF and Cr but quickly got burned out on them. Cons: BBCA should provide us with the top British shows.
I basically started watching this channel because my mother is from England and she used to watch British shows on pbs when I was growing up. Recently though I have given up BBCamerica. BBCA has cancelled my favorite show, Eastenders. But it goes beyond that, they refuse to listen to the loyal fans and delete our messages off of their boards. We have a right to be heard. We have a right to be upset. This is an ongoing saga, we get involved with the characters and the storylines. And it is all the more frustrating to know the show goes on, we just cant see it anymore. BBCAmerica plays nothing but repeats and reruns and the same shows over and over again, with little variety. I am sure British tv has a lot more to offer, with a lot of different type of shows.
Review of BBC America Progamming by dickaudiss ,Oct 29 '03
Pros: Ground Force is good when it is not a repeat (which is rare). Cons: Dropping East Enders was a crime.
My wife and I WERE both devoted watchers of BBCA but we are not since they cut East Enders. We had DISH just so that we could get BBCA and East Enders. We have tried some of the programs that they indicated would be great replacements for EE. The OFFICE is really horrible. Trashy and tripe! What Not to Wear is even worse. It is hard to imagine how anyone can bear to watch that program. We do enjoy the gardening and home fix up shows but they are repeated endlessly and after two or three viewings do tend to get blah! BBCA has gradually gone away from the original British humor programming that we used to enjoy - Black Adder for one - and now everything new tends to the trashy, cheap side of the street. We are mainly moving to PBS now that East Enders is gone from BBCA.
Pros: Nothing here for a viewer who has no garden and knows how to dress. Cons: Repeats of episodes and too many Do It Yourself programs.
BBC America really falls short of the excellent programming on BBC in the UK. It seems that BBC America has taken the poorest programming of reality shows and bad sitcoms and brought that to this side of the Atlantic.
Do It Yourself shows are on prime time many nights and the number of repeat episodes is annoying. Bad Reality shows on gardening, home makeover and personal makeover shows dominate.
Until I stopped watching BBCA... by jamesmercer ,Oct 23 '03
Pros: Lots of good programming.
Even when I wasn't watching my tv, BBCA was on Cons: Not very customer friendly.
By canceling BBCA from my lineup, I lost Bravo and IFC
I didn't realize how much I watched BBCA. I stopped watching when they canceled Eastenders. I always watched Trading Spaces and Ground Force. The Office was great and I really miss Graham Norton. Antique shows and auctions, I watched BBCA more than any other of my considerable channel lineup.
Canceling Eastenders was not really in the best interest of BBCA. I know that there are plenty of others who no longer subscribe to the channel for the way they treat their customers. I have signed the petitions ,made the calls and sent emails and even patronize the sponsor who has left BBCA in support of the fans who were so disappointed with the cancellation. I have talked to family and friends and more and more everyday, they are joining the boycott of BBCA and their current sponsors.
I am still able to watch Eastenders, thanks to some organization of fans around the country that was started by some die-hards, and even though we really do miss a lot of the quality programs we feel very strongly that BBCA will be sorry for this cancellation and the way it was done.
BBC America - Not very BBC by specialk112 ,Oct 21 '03
Pros: Showing 'The Office' is not enough. Cons: Disgraceful rip of the 'BBC' brand
BBC America takes the BBC out of television. Instead of actually reflecting the programming commonly seen on television in the UK they assault the American audience with endless hours of repeated home improvement shows. In addition to the incredibly limited programming lineup you find on BBC America they have taken to the art of showing more commercials than programs. I do not know what niche market they are trying to capture with the programming on this channel but it is not one I am familiar with. Two thumbs way down. Do not rely on BBC America for a taste of the UK.
BBC America has become a disappointment... by msanglophile ,Oct 30 '03
Pros: I can find none. Cons: David Bernath, VP of Programming. A definite liability.
I once considered BBC America to be representative of BBC UK in that it pledged to provide the same quality programming. But with the unceremonious cancellation of "EastEnders", a programme that is #1 in the UK, I have finally stopped deluding myself. BBC America has become nothing but a barren wasteland of endless DIY repeats. Fresh, superb drama has no place there. With its money-at-all-costs philosophy and blatant disregard for loyal viewers, BBC America is no place for me either.
As an ex-pat living in the States for over 12 years, BBCA seemed like a gift when it was first introduced. It was a little piece of home for me. As the years have gone by the quality of programming has deteriorated. When Changing Rooms and Ground Force were first shown I watched and enjoyed these shows. With repeat after repeat though, I began to get a little frustrated. It is a shame that BBCA is representing the BBC, one of Britains outstanding institutions.
Pros: I got a Flip-Fold after seeing their commercial. Great invention! Cons: Not worth the extra charge for digital cable.
It used to have a variety of programs; now it's 90 percent gardening/decorating/makeover shows. Where are shows like Gormenghast, Wives & Daughters, Ab/Fab? Killing EastEnders was the last straw. Goodbye BBC America.
Mindless Programming for Channel Surfers by emarkmole ,Oct 23 '03
Pros: One of the few commercial channels to offer British programming. Cons: Endless repeats of the same episodes.
BBC America is currently offering hours and hours of repeat programming aimed entirely at "channel surfers." Those of us who love British programming and want to watch a diverse evening of quality shows are completely out of luck with BBCA. Once you've seen an episode of Changing Rooms 273 times, it tends to lose it's appeal! The best show the network carried, which was brand new each week, was cancelled to make room for even more repeats for the channel surfer. EastEnders is one of the most entertaining shows ever from the BBC. they call it a soap, but it's really an evening serial drama which is gritty, full of brilliant characters and offers many surprises and fun plot twists. Without this exciting series, the channel has very little to offer any more.
BBC America banned in this American household by dragonfox ,Nov 02 '03
Pros: Has the words "British" and "America" in the title. Cons: Is not showing Eastenders anymore.
BBC America is not a channel which shows quality British programming. They're not concerned with quality programming, just cheap programming, repeated endlessly. I've seen more & better British TV programs on my local PBS station than I've seen on BBCA. I had only watched BBCA for Eastenders and now that EE is gone, BBCA is not welcome in my home.
No programming sense on BBCA by blazey ,Oct 21 '03
Pros: I can't think of one at this time. Cons: Total lack of programming imagination, and sensitivity to viewers.
Programming in general of late has been poor. The last straw was the cancellation of EastEnders, which brought about the boycotting of BBCA, Discovery channels, and their advertisers, by the many tens of thousands of EastEnders fans.
The endless reruns of boring DIY shows exhibits a complete lack of sensitivity towards viewer likes and dislikes. It also shows a total lack of programming imagination. Talk about taking the lazy route, and the cheap one.
BBC America - letting the subscribers down by loosey257 ,Oct 23 '03
Pros: Right now there are no pros Cons: No Eastenders, and way too many repeats.
BBC America is ignoring it's thousands of Eastenders fans. The show was taken off the air without any notice and now many fans will not be watching BBCA. I cannot believe that anything related to the UK's BBC can be this dismissive of it's loyal core audience.
While The Office seems like a great show, everything else offered by BBCA is basically just repeat after repeat.
BBC America - No Longer a Great Channel by llythgoe ,Oct 21 '03
Pros: Without Eastenders, there are no pros. Cons: Not worth watch without Eastenders
Initially, I was so excited to get BBC America in the States and that was the only reason I signed up for Dishnetwork was to watch Eastenders.
Over 75% of programming is repeats.
Since they removed Eastenders so abruptly from their schedule on 9/27/03, I have been BBC America free -- the station is banned in my house. Except for some of the police dramas that I liked (but can do without if it means not tunning in), can't watch the station again until Eastenders is returned.
The network has treated it's loyal viewers with distain.
Why BBC America has disappointed me. by noelene ,Oct 29 '03
Pros: I'm sorry, but I can't think of any now, since EastEnders is no longer on. Cons: Too much repetition. You get tired of watching ANY show over and over.
When I first started watching BBC America, about 3 years ago, I was absolutely thrilled with the station. Not only was I able to watch EastEnders, they also had a good assortment of British comedies, such as One Foot in The Grave, The Vicar of Dibley, The Alan Partridge Show, Dinner Ladies, to name a few. Gradually the shows disappeared, and I noticed the few remaining were shown over and over, such as Keeping Up Appearances. Then I noticed the constant repeats of Changing Room and Ground Forces. It got to the point where I only turned it on to watch EastEnders. Now with the cancellation of EastEnders I no longer turn it on at all.
Wish EastEnders was still on BBCA.... by gerdis ,Nov 17 '03
Pros: Eastenders was the only reason for getting BBCA didn't mind paying extra for BBCA. Cons: Am considering canceling BBCA tired of reruns, want EastEnders BACK>
Can't believe BBCA canceled EastEnders... Have been watching 18 years, many very unhappy American fans, please reconsider your decision. This is really the Best show on BBCA and has a loyal following for many years.
The All Benny Hill & Monty Python channel by lochcarren ,Sep 13 '05
Pros: When they're good (like Shameless) they're very, very good Cons: Does anyone think Benny Hill is funny?
Somehow they got the idea that Americans love Benny Hill and Monty Python, so they show it all the damn time. That, and their home fix up shows, which really aren't all that good.
Pros: 1)some British tv programs otherwise not available stateside Cons: a narrow range of faded lifestyle programs--no quality news, drama or movies.
The BBC's legendary journalistic integrity, breadth and substance is being irretrievably undermined by this watered-down American cousin. Now that they have scrapped EastEnders, the most popular show in British TV history, they have given up the last vestige of quality acting, writing and production. Instead, they have made the BBC the equivalent of a bad lifestyle network, with endless reruns of old episodes of "Changing Rooms" and "Ground Force". Talk about narrowcasting.
No Longer the "Best of British TV" by patsfriend ,Oct 22 '03
Pros: No longer any pros Cons: No EastEnders and boring repeats of DIY programs
I installed a satellite dish in order to get BBC America and access to current EastEnders episodes. EastEnders, the award-winning British drama, was the only show that appealed to me on BBC America. Other networks provide plenty of good British drama and mystery programs. I was happy to watch EastEnders and I would even put the DIY programs on as background noise while doing household chores. But EastEnders required attention - being original, compelling drama with excellent actors and storylines - definitely the "Best of British TV"!
On September 27, 2003, BBC America announced the cancellation of EastEnders. This is a travesty and a disappointment to thousands of fans. If the program was being wound to a conclusion and production ceased, it would be one thing. Then, BBC America could broadcast repeats, as it does with all it's other programs. But the program continues to grace the lives of people in England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Canada, Australia, the rest of the English-speaking world, Europe, even Russia and the Ukraine. But not in America!
There is no longer a purpose to having a BBC America!
Repeat, Repeat, Repeat........ by nick01 ,Oct 21 '03
Pros: None that I can sight Cons: Its presence prevents other BBC programming getting a good airing on other channels.
As an British Expat I looked to BBC America to provide me with a link to home. Unfortunately over the past three years I have seen a channel I enjoyed depreciate to the point it is unwatchable. Currently there is one program a week that is new amongst a schedule of repeated lifestyle programs. In 168 hours of programming I can only find 40 minutes worth watching. It is an Embarrassment that people associate this channel with British Television. I recommend if someone is looking for British television they should look to other channels like A&E for example.
Pros: The office Cons: repeats, reruns, repeats, reruns
I subscribed to BBC America expecting to find similar programming to that found at home. However, BBC America is just a channel full of homestyle reruns. Repeats are continual and there seems to be little innovative or new programming. I don't think BBC America is a fair representation of British programming.
BBCA has no redeeming qualities what so ever left by rock47 ,Oct 21 '03
Pros: As Stated no redeeming qualities left Cons: repeats,repeats,repeats,repeats, excuse me, did mention repeats? ad infinitum, ad nauseam and No EASTENDERS
BBCA is with out a doubt, the most irresponsible network pertaining to it's viewer loyalty in the annals of history.
Furthermore, It's inability to grasp a simple concept like supply and demand or even the extremely basic idea of potential viewing audience is beyond comprehension. Not to mention the guaranteed audience of tens of thousands and the possibility of a much greater number waiting for the outcome of this debacle.
The network has ignored repeated pleas and a multitude of various media appeals. I find that BBCA is at the bottom of the barrel when it comes to responsible quality programming. I see no way for the BBCA to redeem themselves other than becoming aware of the viewing audiences wants and needs. Their only avenue for regaining their once good standing amongst their once loyal viewers is to stop the endless parade of idiotic repeats, get back to the quality programming they were once noted for, and above all, REINSTATE EASTENDERS,
rock47
Pros: None Cons: No Eastenders and WAY TOO MANY RERUNS!!!
As an ex-pat Brit, I was so excited when we moved to a town where I could get BBC America, and when I saw Eastenders on the schedule I think I may have done a little dance round my apartment.
But on Sept 27th 2003, all that was shattered when, without any warning there was an announcement that this was the last Eastenders. To say I was shocked was an understatement, I grew up with the show, I am the same age as all the characters who are in their early 30's.
This channel should re-name itself Rerun TV. If I were the real BBC, I would get as far away from this channel as I could, they have absolutely no respect for their viewers. Even advertisers on this channel have pulled out in protest.
I don't want to see 4 episodes of the same Changing Rooms every day, I want the quality programming every viewer was promised when they signed up for the service. I'm English, I know the good shows are there, I just wish BBC America would hold up their end of the deal.
Pros: The new is at least the current news and not a rerun. Cons: Constant repeats, total disregard of viewer preference.
I have been watching BBCA for the past several years and have seen a definite decline in the quality of programing it is offering. New programs are few and far between, and there are constant repeats of Ground Force, Changing Rooms, Keeping up Appearances, House Invaders. It is becoming more of a DIY channel than the quality channel it should be given the vast wealth of excellent BBC programming. With the cancellation of the popular soap EastEnders, there is now little worth watching that I have not seen before. I now no longer tune into BBC America.
BBC America - Not Worthy of the Name by anyone4t ,Oct 20 '03
Pros: It used to run new episodes of EastEnders each week. Cons: Reruns, reruns, reruns
Ever since BBC America canceled EastEnders on 9/27/03 I have not bothered to tune in to their channel. There is little available on that channel besides reruns of DIY shows. EastEnders was the last vestige of quality programming available on BBC America. Now that it is gone there is no reason to tune in. The BBC really should be more careful about who it lets use its name. BBC America gives us Americans the impression that British television is vastly inferior to American television. The sterling reputation that the BBC has spent decades building has been trashed in America by the second rate choices of BBC America's management.
Pros: Shows some current British programming Cons: Endless repeats of shows, hardly any new content, not the best of British programming
If you want to watch endless repeats of programs then pay more for the extra tier of channels which includes BBC America. It is a rip-off. It airs very few "new" programs, many of which have already been shown on PBS stations. If you are looking for quality British programming stick with PBS and A&E
BBC America is not my personal cup of tea by elegantlady ,Oct 21 '03
Pros: Monarch of the Glen. British accents. Cons: Cancellation of EastEnders and endless reruns of everything else until you can recite the dialogue.
While BBC America has given me pleasure in the past with its showings of the marvelous soap EastEnders, its recent cancellation of this show and its continuing reliance on its stable of reruns has caused me to finally say goodbye to BBC America. I had great hopes for this channel when I first got it on my tier of satellite television programming, but its lack of new programming, except for the occasional show like The Office or Tipping the Velvet, finally soured me on this channel enough to take it off my favorites list, except for the occasional peek. Only EastEnders, the one show that was new every week, kept me coming back for more.
Also, their treatment of EastEnders fans on their discussion forum has been reprehensible. In fact, one need only say the word EastEnders, and one will find their account suspended for good. So much for the America in this BBC, as they are the most diligent of censors when it comes to being critical of their programming decisions.
Pros: They could be showing great BBC shows Cons: They DON'T show great BBC Shows
Constant repeats
We got BBCA in 1999 and it was great. But over the past few years they have stopped showing great shows and in place show countless episodes of Ground Force & Changing Rooms. I used to enjoy these shows, but I can't believe anyone wants to see the same episodes hundreds of times. Changing Rooms is on 43 times a week. They only have about 125 episodes total, so you do the math on repeats! What a shame.
Pros: None. Cons: Repeats, repeats, repeats and poor programming choices.
If you want to watch 4 year old home improvement shows repeated practically non-stop, this is the channel for you. In all the history of British television, it seems to me that they could have come up with something more interesting than Changing Rooms, Ground Force and House Invaders over and over again. Even sitcoms from the 70's and 80's would have been more entertaining. The one original program that they showed, EastEnders, was removed from the line-up abruptly and without warning due to "poor ratings". A petition with 15,000 signatures, a letter writing, faxing and e-mailing campaigns and boycotts have not lead them to reverse the decision. I haven't watched BBC America since 9/27 at 3:30 ET (the end of the last EastEnders broadcast) and I can't say I miss it.
Pros: Not many, but if they fix their programing it could improve. Cons: Needs quality programing and fewer diy shows.
I have watched BBCA go from being my favorite channel over the last 4 years to being a down right disappointment. To many repeats and far to many diy shows. The cancellation of Eastenders was the last straw for me.
Pros: Monarch of the Glen, Waking The Dead. Cons: No Eastenders.
For a network (BBCA) whose motto is to present the "Best of British" television, one would think all the Brits do is tell people what not to wear, how to re-do their gardens and how to redecorate their homes. PLUS, the Brits must think us Americans have trouble getting it the first time around as the same shows are repeated CONSTANTLY. Presenting the best of British TV should at least include the #1 flagship show, Eastenders.
Pros: Can listen to their viewers, change programming (bring back EastEnders)and become a great station again Cons: At this time there is nothing worth watching. Nothing of substance found on this station.
They took a great channel and turned it into drivel. Got rid of all their quality shows (EastEnders, Ballykissangel, etc) and replaced them with nonstop repeats of gardening and home redecorating programs. BBC America used to be my favorite channel and the only reason we subscribed to the DISh network. We have since significantly reduced our DISH subscription to exclude BBC America since there is no need to pay for a channel that doesn't support its viewers wants and has very little to offer. It was a sad day when BBC America canceled what was the mainstay program for most of its viewers (EastEnders) and turned its back on its loyal viewers.
BBC America is NOT true to its name by exhuman ,Oct 23 '03
Pros: The commercials for Oxy-clean can be entertaining. Cons: They don't have the best of the BBC. Only the boring DIY shows.
One would think that BBC America would show the popular shows from the BBC. Not stopped carrying EastEnders which is the most popular show in England. This has left the fans of EastEnders without a source to watch this show. Especially hit are English ex-patriates living in the US who no longer can get their weekly update from home.
Instead of the many fine English dramas they concentrate on DIY (Do-it-yourself) show and repeat them seemingly endlessly.
They should rename this network the "BBC DIY Repeat Network"
Disappointed by BBC-America by klingonemp ,Nov 03 '03
Pros: At this point I have nothing good to say about them. Cons: Miserable repetitive programming.
Reruns and re-re-re-reruns of do-it-yourself and gardening shows and shows that have already played many, many times on PBS. All were charming the first 3 or 4 times, but after a while, I can lip-sync the commentary.
I signed up for digital cable just so that I could get BBC-America so that I could get "EastEnders." This is a long running serial drama that is the most popular show in the U.K. BBC-A has now dropped it -- in spite of petitions, letters, and howls of protest from a very dedicated and vocal group of fans.
Their response has been insulting, and instead of good programming, they give us garbage like "The Office."
Since they took off "EastEnders," I never watch the channel.
Pros: none Cons: Canceling EastEnders was a big mistake on their part
They took EastEnders away from us so honestly there is nothing left to watch on it. I've canceled my subscription to BBC America now. If there is no more EastEnders, the station is complete garbage.
Pros: You will see some good British programs for a few months. Cons: You will soon know every program by heart because they repeat them endlessly.
Not recommended:
When I first subscribed to Dish Network, I did it only because they carried BBC America. For the first few months, I watched the station constantly but, after that, I realized that there was not much new content and that the same shows were being shown over and over. Frankly, it is too much bother now to tune in to see if there might be a chance that something new is airing. It's too bad because I love British programs and I used to love this station, but I can only watch repeats so many times. BYE BYE BBCA.
Pros: The commercials, yes that's how bad it is. Cons: That the commercials don't last longer than the shows.
I subscribed to satellite for one reason only, BBC America. I shoulda saved my money. I enjoyed it for less than a month. The best of British programming? Ground Force? Changing Rooms? House Invaders? I think not. Oh that's right, the best of British programming without the #1 show in Britain, Eastenders.
The positive reviews about the channel must be coming from those that have never seen the real quality that the BBC has to offer. It certainly isn't the drivel that they put out night after night and day after day.
Pros: I can find nothing positive to say about this channel. Waste of money subscribing. Cons: BRING BACK EASTENDERS - stop the constant re-runs
This channel was very good to start with. However, it has now become an embarassment to the good name of the BBC around the world. It has been re-running and re-running the same tired old DIY and gardening shows until everyone that watches this channel can recite them by heart. Then, to add insult to injury, they cancelled the only new and original show on the channel, e.g. EASTENDERS. BBC America cares absolutely nothing for their viewers, who are now cancelling their subscription in droves and boycotting all products advertised on BBC America and all Discovery channels.
Will never watch BBCA again because of the way they treat their viewers. by coolbrit ,Oct 23 '03
Pros: I refuse to watch this station until eastenders is returned. Cons: I refuse to watch this station until the viewers are shown respect.
The BBCAmerica has upset and angered many of it loyal and faithful viewers due their cancellation of the belove Eastenders series, most of subscribed to bbca because of eastenders and put up the millions daily of GF etc, but now we have no reason whatsoever to watch this stations anymore until they listen to their viewers.
BBC America=Old Shows and Repeats by sandtone ,Oct 21 '03
Pros: I'm saving money by turning BBC America off! Cons: Miss decent TV shows
BBC America USED to be the channel we watched most of the time. We even paid extra to our cable TV provided in order to watch this "wonderful" channel. One by one the best shows have disappeared from the schedule replaced by endless repeats of "Changing Rooms" "Ground Force" etc. The last straw was when they unceremoniously dumped a hugely popular soap "Eastenders"
Most of the programs shown are at least 2-3 years old, which wouldn't be so bad if we were seeing them for the first time, but BBC America have decided to subject viewers to endless repeats. The program schedule looks like a "Changing Rooms"/"Ground Force" marathon with occasional interruptions for commercials and "The Office"
Shame on you BBC America, we thought we would get some decent British programs not BBC Repeat!
At least I'm saving money by taking the channel off my cable lineup.
BBC America--Very Disappointing by cristi57 ,Oct 21 '03
Pros: Hearing British accents Cons: Repeats galore!
BBC America was a great channel several years ago that showed a variety of programming appealing to a wide audience. However, that is no longer the case. Over the past two years, this channel has begun showing repeat after repeat of the same several programs.
The cancellation of EastEnders was the final straw for our family. The only reason we had subscribed to BBC America was to get EastEnders. Now BBC America is no longer welcome in our household.
Another thing that really bothers me is that this company will not listen to over 13,000 loyal fans and return EastEnders to the lineup.
BBC A - not longer worth it by shay_dez ,Oct 21 '03
Pros: None Cons: Endless Repeats. Abusive to viewers/fans. Endless commercials for other 'repeated' BBCA programs.
Since BBC A has cancelled EastEnders and has become a station on endless repeats it's no longer worth watching. They don't treat their viewers comments/concerns with respect. They show endless commercials of other programs that are constantly repeated.
BBC America should rename itself the DIY Rerun Network by tom94610 ,Oct 21 '03
Pros: Once had EastEnders and quality programming. Cons: The current schedule of DIY reruns.
I'm quite an Anglophile. Four years ago I subscribed to digital cable so I could watch EastEnders and other quality British programming on BBC America. For the first couple of years, I was quite pleased with what BBC America had to offer. But the quality of its programming has been continually eroding. The last straw was when BBC America suddenly dropped EastEnders on September 27. I haven't turned on the channel since that date.
Pros: Eastenders was a connection to home for us. BBC America used to provide it. Cons: BBC America does not care about the viewers - underhanded how the canceled Eastenders.
I purchased Direct TV just to be able to watch Eastenders and BBC America. The other shows on BBC America were OK but it was Eastenders I was after. I've been watching Eastenders since 1985. BBC America had Eastenders....I was a fan. Then on September 27, 2003, BBC America announced that it would no longer be airing Eastenders, no prior notice was given to Eastenders fans. "What about the people who watch the show and are dedicated, loyal fans?", we asked. "There are not enough of you!", they told us. BBC America showed absolutely no regard for their viewers, they simply dismissed us. They didn't care that Eastenders was more than a show to us, it is a connection to home. We even offered to pay additional fees just to watch Eastenders, e.g. Pay per view. You don't count was still the order of the day at BBC America. We miss the show terribly and want it back on the air. We'll follow the show where ever it goes.
You can keep all of your reruns but you won't be keeping your viewers.
Since BBC America bid Bye Bye to Eastenders, I bid Bye Bye to BBC America.
BBCA Not a Station to watch by cindytaylor ,Oct 22 '03
Pros: There are clearly no pros to this station. Cons: BBCA has lost it's loyal viewers because of it's lack of
viewing needs.
BBCA consistently shows the same programming over and over
again. Since the cancellation of Eastenders I have not
watched their station. When they do have drama's with
several parts they will show part 1 of 3 and you have
no idea when you might see the other 2 parts.
I was so excited to finally get BBCA last year so I could watch EastEnders. I watched all of the other shows as well, but EE wat the main draw for me. Now that it is gone I shall never watch BBCA again! I don't care what they put on! The advertisers can keep their products because I will not buy anything advertised on BBCA either. The fans want EE, they should be able to watch the top rated show from the UK.
BBC America used to rock~now it's repeat city! by skylace ,Oct 22 '03
Pros: You can watch the office and that's really about it Cons: Eastenders is gone and evening lineups of constant repeats
When I moved back to the states nearly five years ago I was overjoyed to learn that I could get the quality tv I came to love from the BBC. At first the tv station was witty and original, offering a variety of shows from comedy to drama. Now all they have is DIY shows that are constant repeats. While I love The Office I can only watch the episode once and that's about it. A season in British television is only six episodes so it doesn't keep me going long. Now that they have taken off the wonderful show EastEnders I see no reason for me to stick around as a viewer. Especially after they just took the show off without warning. It's a shame really, that such a wonderful station went to pot so quickly.
The repetition is getting tedious by digdugsj ,Oct 26 '03
Pros: A year ago, I would have had a few. Now, I cannot think of any. Cons: Non-stop Changing Rooms, fruity homosexual talk shows. Boring and tedious.
When I first got BBCA, there was a great mix of British comedy, drama, soap, etc. In the last year, though, it's become non-stop reruns of DIY shows. The final straw was cancelling the last show I watched faithfully -- EastEnders.
I'm no longer interested in BBC America, my satellite can take it out of the lineup for all I care.
I stopped watching BBCA, 27 Sept 2003 by kmm59us ,Oct 25 '03
Pros: NONE anymore Cons: THEY REMOVED EASTENDERS their programming.
I also got satellite because I knew I could get BBCA.
I was so happy, EASTENDERS, EASTENDERS, EASTENDERS.
Then it changed, they shifted EASTENDERS, and now they have taken it off the channel. On saturday now, you will find probably only 2 hours of drama and the rest is DIY repeats.
Pros: the occasional "different" programme Cons: canceling Eastenders with no thought for the fans who loved this show
I used to watch BBC America diligently. My favorite channel. But the quality of programming has diminished drastically. The final straw was the canceling of Eastenders, and the way the loyal viewers were treated, without any consideration at all. They took the best program off of the air, and replaced it with endless repeats of reruns of reruns. The man at the top needs to be replaced, or show himself to be the bigger man and admit he was wrong.
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