Wondering why your favourite programme is not on the list?  Here are the criteria for inclusion on USTV, along with the arbitrary exceptions I make (because I can).

1.  At least one episode of the programme must have been shown on UK terrestrial TV.  No exceptions.

2. The programme must have originated on North American TV.  Canadian programmes are included because most English viewers can't tell the difference, and otherwise classics such as 'The Littlest Hobo' would not be here.  One arbitrary exception is 'The Muppet Show', which is included because, although it was made in the UK, for UK TV, the concept, cast and crew were American and the ties to 'Sesame Street' are too strong to ignore.

3.  No sports programmes.

4.  Programmes made for US TV, bought and repackaged with a UK voiceover and different titles, etc, don't count. (eg, C5's 'The FBI Files' and the like)

5.  Animation depends on the target audience.  If it's generally aimed at adults ('The Simpsons', 'Duckman', etc) it gets in.  If it's mainly for kids ('Hong Kong Phooey', 'Wacky Races', etc) it doesn't.  This is because of the sheer volume of kids cartoons.  Naturally, there is some leeway here.  'The Flintstones', for instance, makes it largely due to links with 'The Honeymooners'.

6. No mini-series.  I can't be doing with all the 'The Winds of War' and countless Jackie Collins adaptations.  Exception: V.  Partly because it's the greatest mini-series ever made, and partly because it led to a series.

If the programme you have in mind isn't excluded by these, and it's still not on the list, maybe I've forgotten it.  E-mail me.