It's World Television Day 2024!

Yes folks, rejoice! It's World Television Day!

The annual celebration of that magical glowing rectangle that keeps us entertained, informed, and in my case, mostly sane. Whether you call it a telly, TV, gogglebox, or the all-knowing oracle, November 21st is the day we honour its unrivalled role in our lives. And if you’re disabled, it might just be your most loyal companion (besides your cat, your wheelchair, or your stack of paperwork from the DWP you're using as a drinks rest).
Television doesn’t care if you’ve got mobility issues, chronic pain, or a brain fog that makes remembering your own postcode a challenge. It’s always there for you, broadcasting endless worlds where dragons fly, cakes collapse, and somebody is always finding the best place to buy a house in Spain. And the best part? You don’t even have to leave your sofa or bed to explore it all.

In fact, for many disabled people, the TV is more than a source of entertainment these days; it’s a window to the world;

Can’t access that inaccessible venue? No problem, the TV will bring the concert to you.
Fancy a wild night of comedy but stuck in bed? Flick to a panel show ( I recommend 9/10 Cats, or Nevermind the Buzzcocks) and laugh along.
Need a distraction from all of it? Stick on some reality TV and revel in other people's ridiculous drama. One of my favourites is Below Deck, not only do I get the drama, but I also get to visit fab places on a luxury yacht.

Unfortunately, TV hasn’t always been great at representing disabled people. We’ve gone from being mostly invisible, to occasionally popping up in storylines like some kind of plot twist (“Oh, he’s blind AND he’s the killer!”). But things are slowly improving. Recent shows and documentaries have showcased the lived experiences of disabled people with authenticity and heart, (check out We might regret this and Love on the Spectrum). Still, there’s room for more – because I don’t know about you, but I’d love to see more disabled superheroes, ones who can not only defeat villains, but also navigate PIP forms without crying. 😆

Society might tut at a good old binge session, but for us disabled folk, it’s sometimes the perfect self-care tool. TV lets you pace yourself, escape reality, and occasionally yell at a contestant for not knowing the capital of France. It’s exercise for the emotions, and frankly, that’s as good as a gym session in my book.

So, this World Television Day, grab your remote, your favourite snacks, and your comfiest blanket. Celebrate the unsung hero of our lives with pride. Because while the world might be complicated, at least we can rely on TV to keep us entertained, informed, and slightly less stressed.

Will you be watching anything special today?

What've been your favourite shows over the last year?

Let me know!