Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing is back on UK television screens with its ninth series, and it has become a staple in people’s living rooms up and down the country. In an entertainment world in which streaming services are offering fast-paced, high-octane series and films, this kind of slow television provides a way for viewers to wind down.

The BBC series follows Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse as they travel around Britain, with the two likeable comedians chatting about life and catching the odd fish here and there. There are various other series of the same ilk as well, suggesting there’s a demand for this type of programming.

One of Many Entertainment Titles Offering a Way to Enjoy Fishing

As you may have guessed from the series’ title, Gone Fishing is about catching fish at its core. It’s one of many fishing-themed offerings in the entertainment market, with various titles found across television and gaming.

Fishing is a particularly prevalent theme in the online casino industry, with games like the Fishin’ Frenzy online slot giving players a cartoony way to experience fishing themes. There are numerous other games in the franchise, along with other fishing franchises like Big Bass. This suggests that a lot of players are interested in fishing.

There are plenty of other games that let players experience fishing from their homes. For example, the Ultimate Fishing Simulator has been described as one of the best.

Viewers Enjoy the Fact that Not Much Happens

For anyone who’s been fishing before, one of the key features of the activity is sitting around without much happening. The act of catching fish is just one of many elements that make it popular, with many anglers also enjoying the fact that they are able to sit out and soak up nature with friends.

This is what makes Gone Fishing so fascinating. It’s not just about catching fish; it’s also about the two stars connecting and having conversations about anything and everything. In an age in which many shows rely on high stakes, conflict, and constant drama, the relaxing formula of Gone Fishing offers the opposite. The nothing-happening aspect of it becomes the selling point, offering viewers a relaxing alternative to the television they may be used to.

Other Similar Series Are Also Attracting Interest

The slow style of Gone Fishing can also be seen across various other television series, many of which are also registering high viewing figures. One of the best examples of this is Clarkson’s Farm, which became Prime Video’s most-watched original series in the UK after its second season.

Some other options for people who enjoy Gone Fishing to consider include The Repair Shop and The Yorkshire Vet. These are usually low on drama and on high stakes, but high on scenery and personal stories.

It does seem like we are in the midst of an era of slow television, in which low or no stakes reality series are appealing to huge audiences. There’s a good chance that other programmes will try to replicate this formula in the years ahead.