TV series
The Real Thing
1980–1983, English, on BBC Two. Created by James Burke.
Asking how you tell what's real and what isn't sounds like an obvious question. But in this series of six programmes, James Burke shows that the more you think about it the harder it is to answer. After all, what have you got, apart from your five senses, to prove those senses are giving you the real thing?
- Seasons
- 1
- Episodes
- 6
- Episode length
- 21 min
- Status
- Ended in 1983
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Where to watch The Real Thing
The Real Thing isn’t listed on any OTT platform in India yet.
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Latest episode
S1 E6: Life Sentence
Aired 6 December 1983
Seasons 1
Details
- First aired
- 20 March 1980
- Last aired
- 6 December 1983
- Network
- BBC Two
- Language
- English
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Type
- Scripted
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
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The Real Thing: quick answers
Is The Real Thing worth watching?
The Real Thing doesn’t have enough ratings for a verdict yet.
How many seasons of The Real Thing are there?
The Real Thing has 1 season and 6 episodes, about 21 minutes each.
Is The Real Thing finished?
Yes. The Real Thing ended in 1983, so you can watch the whole story.
Which OTT platform is The Real Thing on?
The Real Thing isn’t listed on any OTT platform in India yet. (Checked 9 November 2026.)
The Real Thing parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
No age rating is listed for The Real Thing yet.
What shows are like The Real Thing?
If you liked The Real Thing, try Horizon, Life After People: The Series, The World According to Jeff Goldblum.
Who created The Real Thing?
The Real Thing was created by James Burke and stars James Burke.