Matthew Macfadyen Interview "sub-reality TV shows are crap and worthless" (RADIO TIMES)

Ripper Street's Detective Reid on being moved to tears by Desert Island Discs and why so many people love Danish drama

Claire Webb

8:00 AM, 06 January 2013

What’s your guilty pleasure?

I don’t watch enough television to feel guilty about it. Maybe it’s because I have a very unstructured life: half the time I do nothing and then I’ll work 13 hours a day. Or maybe it’s the fact that if I gave into watching daytime telly, I’d never stop.

What sort of programmes make you cringe?

Sub-reality TV shows, although they’re almost beyond offending now because they’re so crap and worthless.

What’s top of your watchlist?

Series three of The Killing.

Why do you think so many people love a bit of Danish drama?

I have a theory that watching things in another language allows you to filter out all your prejudices and preconceptions and pay attention in a different way, so it’s more rewarding. Plus you can’t wander out to put the kettle on.

Who controls the remote?

My seven-year-old daughter, Maggie – we call her “Queen of the Remote”. She rules with a rod of iron and if she needs to go to the loo, she’ll take the remote with her. I’ve become well acquainted with iCarly and SpongeBob SquarePants.

Which station is your radio tuned to?

Radio 4 for Today, although I don’t listen to it religiously, and Eddie Mair. I admire his calm, measured tone and the way he’s witty, kind and firm with people who need someone to be firm with them.

THERE'S MORE:  http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2013-01-06/matthew-macfadyen-sub-reality-tv-shows-are-crap-and-worthless