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How TV Ruined Your Life - Episode Guide

Season 1

Fear

Episode: 1x01 | Airdate: Jan 25, 2011

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From hysterical public information films to grisly crime dramas, terror spills out of almost every channel. As Charlie Brooker explores TV's approach to fear, you won't know whether to laugh or scream. Warning: contains traces of Michael Buerk and a semi-naked lady.

The Lifecycle

Episode: 1x02 | Airdate: Feb 1, 2011

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From kids shows to Countdown, TV has something to infuriate anyone of any age. Warning: this episode contains creepy dolls and the 1980s Oxo dad.

Aspiration

Episode: 1x03 | Airdate: Feb 8, 2011

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In this episode Charlie Brooker shows how, from Dallas to Grand Designs, TV continually rubs desirable lifestyles in your face.

Love

Episode: 1x04 | Airdate: Feb 15, 2011

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Charlie Brooker argues that TV has warped our expectations of romance with a toxic combination of Blind Date and rom-coms. Do 'soulmates' even exist? Warning: this episode contains traces of Dirty Den and suggestive swimwear.

Progress

Episode: 1x05 | Airdate: Mar 1, 2011

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From the moon landings to Blake's 7 to CSI: Miami, Charlie Brooker argues that television has warped our relationship with technology. Warning: this episode contains a computerised Simon Cowell and a lady in a silver catsuit.

Knowledge

Episode: 1x06 | Airdate: Mar 8, 2011

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Charlie Brooker traces how TV's notion of knowledge has changed from bespectacled experts to celebrity presenter drivel. Warning: this episode contains an alien meeting with Danny Dyer and celebrity supernatural activity.

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