Star comment: Why the oldies are the best

It should be the golden age of television.

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People were asked to vote on their ultimate evening on the small screen. And on the basis of the results, what viewers would like to do is turn back the clock.

Only two current shows made it onto the final list – Blue Peter and Doctor Who. Even then, to describe them as current shows is entirely misleading.

Blue Peter began in 1958 and Doctor Who in 1963. All through the list, compiled from 30,000 votes, there is the cosy, safe, and familiar, as opposed to the edgy, modern, and jarring, although Doctor Who with its monsters to make children hide behind the sofa was groundbreaking in its day.

Comedy? No alternative comedy here. Only Fools And Horses is the people's choice. No 'reality' television either. The Morecambe and Wise Show unsurprisingly is the pick of the entertainment shows. It raises the question of whether the shows of yesteryear really were objectively better, or whether the context of the viewing experience was different and they have gained a special place in our affections.

Looking at the list, there is more to it than the warm glow of nostalgia. These were shows which built a special connection with the audience.

Until the explosion of viewing choice really took hold in the 1990s, children were condemned to watching what their mums and dads were watching. Nowadays they have probably got their own television in their bedrooms on which they can watch brainless cartoons and American imports which keep the canned laughter industry going.

It is the modern paradox. You can have it all, and still be deprived – deprived of the experiences which gave previous generations of adults and children such enormous pleasure. There are hundreds of different television channels but somehow we are missing out.

• What would be your ideal TV schedule? Let us know in the comments box below.