1988: Most Shocking Moments (Channel 5 Saturday 27 January 2024)

Prepare to be transported back in time as Channel 5 takes us on a journey through the tumultuous year of 1988 in their upcoming program, “1988: Most Shocking Moments.” Set to air at 10:40 PM on Saturday 27 January 2024, this documentary delves into the controversies that permeated various aspects of society during that eventful year.

The episode promises an immersive exploration of the seismic shifts experienced in TV, film, music, and politics. One of the most significant moments was the emergence of N.W.A.’s groundbreaking album “Straight Outta Compton,” which became a blueprint for gangsta rap and forever changed the landscape of music.

On British shores, Acid House took centre stage with its pulsating electronic beats—a subculture that ignited both passion and ire among party-goers and police alike. The BBC2’s Def II provided a youth-driven alternative edge to television programming, while soap opera EastEnders shocked viewers with Kathy Beale’s horrifying ordeal.

In other realms beyond entertainment lie transformations such as all-day drinking becoming normal practice within pubs. In-flight smoking faced restrictions as airlines cracked down on this once-accepted habit. Meanwhile, below ground level, construction work commenced on the groundbreaking Channel Tunnel beneath the ocean bed—ushering in an era of increased connectivity between Britain and mainland Europe.

On a global scale in politics came Reagan and Gorbachev’s reshaping geopolitics—an era marked by shifting power dynamics between nations. Closer to home, Edwina Currie made headlines when her comments about eggs led to a nationwide salmonella scare that shook public confidence.

However scandalous events were not limited solely to British soil; tele-evangelist Jimmy Swaggart found himself confessing his sins publicly while an avalanche in the Alps reminded Prince Charles just how precious life can be.

Religious controversy flared up with Salman Rushdie’s novel “The Satanic Verses” causing a firestorm of criticism and Ian Paisley daringly heckling the Pope, challenging societal norms. The spectre of the IRA loomed large over the UK government’s decision to silence it, which led to dubbing actors reading Sinn Fein’s political statements on national news broadcasts—an outcome that raised questions about where security ended and censorship began.

Further political controversy came with Section 28—a policy prohibiting “the promotion of homosexuality” in schools. Its divisive nature sparked protests and culminated in a dramatic invasion of the BBC News studio—a moment etched into public memory.

Narrated by Jan Leeming, this episode features figures such as actor John Thomson, politician Edwina Currie, actor Danny John-Jules, choreographer Arlene Phillips, and journalist John Sergeant who will offer their perspectives on these shocking moments from 1988.

Make sure to tune in to Channel 5 at 10:40 PM on Saturday 27 January 2024 for “1988: Most Shocking Moments.”