Scottish TV

Earlier I posted clips and trailers for several mainstream British shows (shown throughout the UK). Today, let's look at some shows produced by STV (Scotland Television) and BBC Scotland for primairly Scottish audiences (although a few of these became hits in the UK and beyond).

Rebus

Based on the worldwide bestselling crime novels by Edinburgh-native Ian Rankin, these STV shows adapted several novels featuring Detective John Rebus. He was played by two actors (John Hannah, pictured, and then Ken Stott). Filmed primarily in Edinburgh.

Clips (Ken Stott version)

Opening titles and clips (John Hannah version)

Bob Servant

A 6-episode comedy that aired last year, based on a series of hilarious articles and books by Neil Forsyth. Bob Servant is a former hamburger restaurant owner in the small town of Broughty Ferry who decides to run for the British Parliament. The show is about his inept campaign and his decidedly poor handle on political matters. Stars Scottish actor Brian Cox (of X-Men, Troy, Bourne films and who played the original Hannibal Lecter in Manhunter). Most of the shows are currently available on Youtube.

Case Histories

Based on the novels by Kate Atkinson, and stars Scottish actor Jason Isaacs (Lucius Malfoy in the Harry Potter movies, and Draco's father), this is a crime mystery series based in Edinburgh. Here's a trailer for it (and it is available in the US on DVD). It ran for two series.
Trailer:

Burnistoun

This is a popular comedy sketch show from BBC Scotland starring Glasgow comedians Iain Connell and Robert Florence. It's a series of short sketches all based in a fictional West Scotland town. The show ran three seasons (called series in the UK).

Clip 1: Burnistoun Tourist Board

Clip 2 Awkward Eye Contact at the Gym (contains some mild language)

River City

A Glasgow-based soap opera from BBC Scotland  that began airing in September 2002. Based in a fictional area of the West End of Glasgow (an area we will visit), the hour show airs each Tuesday 9it originally aired twice a week in half-hour shows). Forget Brave and Braveheart -- this is the real Glasgow (minus the murders, affairs, and crimes

Opening theme:

Typical episode

Chewin the Fat

Another Glasgow-based BBC sketch comedy show that ran from 1999 to 2002, yet still has a big following. Starred Greg Hemphill and Karen Dunbar (more with her below).

Clip 1Those Who Can and "Can't"

Clip 2 Shakira parody (mild language)

Single Father

A 4-part 2010 mini series about a newly widowed father of three (played by David Tennant of Doctor Who and Harry Potter fame). Excellent, emotional drama. Filmed in Edinburgh and Glasgow by BBC Scotland. (Can you tell that the BBC Scotland is based in Glasgow?)

Trailer

The Karen Dunbar Show

A BBC Scotland produced comedy sketch show from 2002-2005 that is still popular. Stars the popular comedian from Ayr, Scotland, Karen Dunbar (from Chewin the Fat).

Paperclip as a Q-tip

Taggart

The longest running police drama in the UK (has been on since 1983), This is about a Glasgow Police Detective named Jim Taggart, who was played by Mark McManus till his death in 1994. But instead of replacing him, they killed off the character and simply kept the series going.

Opening titles:

When Taggart Met Rebus (for the 2009 Children in Need charity)