Each article contains production details of the programme (useful for referencing!), key questions and recommended reading. The key questions are useful for getting the reader thinking, but they don't go into too much depth. Recommended reading lists are brief, but this isn't necessarily a bad thing, as who wants to spend hours ploughing through lists of books trying to discern which ones will actually be useful?

As for 'fifty key' programmes of the title, there are certainly some great shows in this book that are worthy of comment. However, some of the content is questionable (Teletubbies anyone? I know it's seen as innovative in some circles, but is it really worth academic study?!)whilst the inclusion of coverage from the moon landing and 9/11 lends credibility to the text.

All in all a book worth looking if you're just interested in TV, or a decent starting place for those engaging in the study of a particular programme and seeking inspiration.