
The Problematic Gaze
David Moor and Lee Arnott
Direct from PG Towers, join social historian Dr Lee Arnott and TV producer Dave Moor for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture of yesteryear that has since been considered problematic. Each week we focus on a different piece of pop culture, and put it into context by looking at the news events and cultural landscape of the year it was released.
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Top 10 The Problematic Gaze Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The Problematic Gaze episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The Problematic Gaze for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite The Problematic Gaze episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

'Reservoir Dogs' from 1993. Blood, Guns, Severed Ears and Masculinity in the '90's.
The Problematic Gaze
03/18/25 • 55 min
Greetings from PG Towers! Join social historian Dr Lee Arnott and TV Producer Dave Moor for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture from yesteryear. This week we take a look at Quentin Tarantino's directorial debut Reservoir Dogs (released in the UK in January 1993). Controversial upon its original release for its ultra-violent style and bad language, what can this film tell us about the portrayal of masculinity in movies? Did you see the cops ear getting cut off? Think again! And what happens when a tricky actor walks onto set?
You can watch Reservoir Dogs on Netflix in the UK.
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Please leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts. They really help to spread the word of The Problematic Gaze.
And if our fellow Gazers want to comment on what they've heard in our episodes, or to suggest future topics, please email us at [email protected]. We love hearing from you!

'The Girlie Show' UK Chat Show from 1997. Ladettes, Lads and cynical marketing
The Problematic Gaze
01/14/25 • 40 min
Greetings from PG Towers! Join social historian Dr Lee Arnott and TV Producer Dave Moor for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture from yesteryear that has since been considered problematic. This week we cast our Gaze over late night delight 'The Girlie Show' from 1997. Inspired by the phenomenon of 'Ladette' culture in the UK, which in itself was a response to 'Lad' cutlture, which in itself was a response to the 'New Man'...... Phew!!! It's complicated and quite possibly all a cynical marketing ploy. What can The Girlie Show tell women about how they should behave? Turns out... not a lot.
Click here to watch 'The Girlie Show' from 2nd March 1997
Click here to follow us on all our socials
Please leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts. They really help to spread the word of The Problematic Gaze.
And if our fellow Gazers want to comment on what they've heard in our episodes, or to suggest future topics, please email us at [email protected]. We love hearing from you!
GAZER HOMEWORK:
Click here to watch 'Cruising', the topic of next week's episode.

'Aladdin & The 40 Thieves' BBC Pantomime from 1984
The Problematic Gaze
12/17/24 • 45 min
Direct from PG Towers, join social historian Dr Lee Arnott and TV Producer Dave Moor for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture from yesteryear that has since been considered problematic. This week, we cast our gaze on the BBC TV Panto 'Aladdin & The 40 Thieves' from New Years Day 1984. Featuring a Who's Who of 80's TV personalities from the world of light entertainment including Floella Benjamin, Sarah Greene and Kenneth Williams to name but a few. This panto was what the term 'cultural appropriation' was invented for. But can this stop our enjoyment of this joyous extravaganza today?
Also, Dave finally cracks open the Christmas sherry and Lee dons his thermals to brave the wilds of Northumberland.
Click here to watch the 'Aladdin & The 40 Thieves' video on YouTube
Please leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts. They really help to spread the word of The Problematic Gaze.
And if our fellow Gazers want to comment on what they've heard in our episodes, or to suggest future topics, please email us at [email protected]. We love hearing from you!
Click here to follow us on all our socials

'Ghostwatch' BBC TV Drama from 1992. Parky, Pipes and Brown Pants!
The Problematic Gaze
08/20/24 • 51 min
Join Lee and Dave for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture from yesteryear that has since been considered problematic. This week we watch the supernatural BBC 1 drama 'Ghostwatch' from 1992. Find out why it had the nation in uproar and jammed the BBC switchboard. Just who is Pipes? And dare you enter the Glory Hole?
Sadly the version of Ghostwatch we watched on YouTube has been taken down. But click here to watch a fab documentary about the Ghostwatch controversy by Shrouded Hand.
Click here to follow us on our socials
And if our fellow Gazers want to comment on what they've heard in our episodes, or to suggest future topics, please email us at [email protected]. We love hearing from you!

'Bullseye' UK Gameshow from 1988. Nothing In This Game For Two in A Bed!
The Problematic Gaze
07/02/24 • 43 min
Join Lee and Dave for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture from yesteryear that has since been considered problematic. This week we take a deep dive into Bullseye, a popular UK TV gameshow from the 80's and 90's. Jim Bowen, Tony Green, Bully's Prize Board! It's all here. Problematic? You bet!
Watch the Episode of Bullseye from 25th September 1988 here...
Click here to follow us on our socials
And if our fellow Gazers want to comment on what they've heard in our episodes, or to suggest future topics, please email us at [email protected]. We love hearing from you!

'Heartstopper" Teen Drama from 2024. The Kids are Alright!
The Problematic Gaze
10/08/24 • 40 min
Join Lee and Dave for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture from yesteryear that has since been considered problematic. This week we unite once again in the penthouse boardroom of PG Towers. We come bang up to date to cast our gaze over the latest series of Netflix coming of age teen drama Heartstopper. How has LGBTQIA+ representation on television advanced over the decades? And what can two self confessed 'old gays' learn from Nick, Charlie and their friends? Turns out, quite a lot!
Also, Lee's X-Rated Meryl Streep dream! And is Dave living in a secret KKK stronghold in leafy Hertfordshire?
Heartstopper Season 3 Episode 1 is available now on Netflix.
Please leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts. They really help to spread the word of The Problematic Gaze.
And if our fellow Gazers want to comment on what they've heard in our episodes, or to suggest future topics, please email us at [email protected]. We love hearing from you!
Click here to follow us on our socials

'Love Actually' from 2003. Romantic Loveliness or Misogynistic Mess?
The Problematic Gaze
09/16/24 • 56 min
Join Lee and Dave for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture from yesteryear that has since been considered problematic. This week we break out the mince pies and sherry to watch the British Christmas movie 'Love Actually' from 2003. A word of warning! If this film fills you with festive cheer, prepare to have your nostalgia vibes well and truly violated! This film is what The Problematic Gaze was invented for. Buckle up! Our peace and goodwill runneth on empty!
Also, Lee knows his onions when it comes to cold remedies. And Dave brushes up on his extremely rusty customer service skills.
We watched Love Actually on Sky Movies.
Click here to follow us on our socials
And if our fellow Gazers want to comment on what they've heard in our episodes, or to suggest future topics, please email us at [email protected]. We love hearing from you!

'The Terminator' Film from 1984. Mullets, Guns and Arnie's Bum!
The Problematic Gaze
09/10/24 • 46 min
Join Lee and Dave for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture from yesteryear that has since been considered problematic. This episode we cast our gaze over 1984's 'The Terminator'. What is hypermasculinity and why was it so prevalent in the 80's? Can a mullet ever look good on a woman? Can the machines really take over? Remember, always be nice to Alexa, it might just save your life come Judgement Day!
Also, ever recreated the Torvill and Dean's 'Bolero' on roller boots? And is Shakin Stevens actually an un-killable cyborg from the future?
You can watch 'The Terminator' on Amazon Prime.
Click here to follow us on our socials
And if our fellow Gazers want to comment on what they've heard in our episodes, or to suggest future topics, please email us at [email protected]. We love hearing from you!

'The Golden Girls' Sitcom from 1987. Sicily, Sin and St Olaf.
The Problematic Gaze
09/03/24 • 67 min
Join Lee and Dave for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture from yesteryear that has since been considered problematic. For the first time in weeks, Lee and Dave are thrust together in the same room!!! Add raging hangovers and a bottle of medicinal champagne and light the blue touch paper! Join us for our robust exploration into the world of Dorothy, Sophia, Blanche and Rose, AKA The Golden Girls. In this episode, Season 3 Episode 11, we join the girls on the therapists couch.
Also, Lee explores the world of 80's shopping catalogues (specifically the men's underwear section.) And why was Cher responsible for propelling Dave into George Michael's arms?
You can watch Season 3, Episode 11 of The Golden Girls on Disney+ on the UK. OR click here for a condensed version of the episode on YouTube.
Click here to follow us on our socials
And if our fellow Gazers want to comment on what they've heard in our episodes, or to suggest future topics, please email us at [email protected]. We love hearing from you!

'Bridget Jones's Diary' from 2001. Cigarettes and Chardonnay with Renee Zellweger, Hugh Grant and Colin Firth
The Problematic Gaze
02/11/25 • 52 min
Greetings from PG Towers! Join social historian Dr Lee Arnott and TV Producer Dave Moor for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture from yesteryear that has since been considered problematic. As the fourth instalment of the Bridget Jones series 'Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy' is released worldwide, we cast out gaze back to 2001 and discuss the first film 'Bridget Jones's Diary.' Just what makes Bridget Jones, played by Renee Zellweger, such a well loved, endearing character? And what can the first film tell us about the cultural landscape at the turn of the century? Crack open the Chardonnay, spark up a ciggy, and let Dr Lee and Dave guide you through.
You can watch 'Bridget Jones's Diary' from 2001 on many streaming services worldwide.
Click here to follow us on all our socials
Please leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts. They really help to spread the word of The Problematic Gaze.
And if our fellow Gazers want to comment on what they've heard in our episodes, or to suggest future topics, please email us at [email protected]. We love hearing from you!
GAZER HOMEWORK:
In next week's episode, in celebration of LGBT History month in the UK, we'll focus on 'The Naked Civil Servant' from 1975. Click here to watch on YouTube and join in with our conversation!
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FAQ
How many episodes does The Problematic Gaze have?
The Problematic Gaze currently has 41 episodes available.
What topics does The Problematic Gaze cover?
The podcast is about Lgbt, Culture, Society & Culture, Film, Lighthearted, Comedy, Documentary, Podcasts, Tv, Tv Reviews, Nostalgia and Tv & Film.
What is the most popular episode on The Problematic Gaze?
The episode title ''Cruising' movie from 1980. Sex, slings and murder. New York and the Gay Underground Scene.' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on The Problematic Gaze?
The average episode length on The Problematic Gaze is 46 minutes.
How often are episodes of The Problematic Gaze released?
Episodes of The Problematic Gaze are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of The Problematic Gaze?
The first episode of The Problematic Gaze was released on Jun 3, 2024.
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