Book showcases Australian retro TV from Skippy to Hey Hey It's Saturday

Ian Collis, a rugby league historian and vintage photo collector, has penned a book entitled "Retro Television: What We Watched Back in the Day." This illustrated pictorial history chronicles the first 25 years of television in Australia, featuring beloved shows such as Skippy, I Love Lucy, The Sullivans, The Brady Bunch, I Dream of Jeannie, and The Addams Family.

Collis recalls his childhood experiences with the family next door, who shared their television viewing habits with him through a window. This prompted his parents to invest in a television of their own. The book offers a glimpse into the limited but cherished viewing options available during that era, with no recording, streaming, or diverse channels. Shows had to be watched live, and the competition among siblings to watch their preferred programs added to the excitement.

The book also highlights the influence of American content, which dominated Australian television during the 1950s and 1960s. Iconic American shows like Green Acres, 77 Sunset Strip, and Gilligan's Island enthralled Australian audiences, many of whom adapted their own lives to mirror the characters on screen. Australians eagerly embraced the pioneering Australian-made shows, such as Skippy the Bush Kangaroo, The Sullivans, and The Paul Hogan Show.

Collis notes the significant role of sport in Australian living rooms, with AFL, rugby league, soccer, and cricket taking center stage. He looks forward to readers enjoying a nostalgic journey through the book, reminiscing about the past or discovering the enjoyment of television from the 1950s and 1960s.