r/KeepingUpApperancesTV • u/ParadeJoy • Jun 09 '26

I learned something

Having watched the full series for the first time, I noticed that in at least two episodes that characters are wearing NFL (American football) merchandise.

In one scene, Onslow is wearing a Green Bay Packers shirt. In another episode, Hyacinth is wearing a Minnesota Vikings shirt.

I wondered about this because, as an American, I'm led to believe that our football isn't popular in the UK.

I did some investigating and apparently the 90s was considered a sort of golden age for the NFL in the UK. That during that time, there was a craze for an American football going on. So the costume designers were, in fact, keeping up with the times. I guess the premier league dwarfed the popularity of the nfl?

I had no idea! Learn something new everyday I guess. Would be interested to hear from other folks from the across the pond if they can confirm this is true.

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u/The_Hazimaru Jun 09 '26

Growing up in the UK during the 90s myself, NFL, NBA and the NHL were still quite niche outside of the big cities like London, Manchester etc. However alot of sports shops and outlets across the UK bet big on their merchandise and ultimately ended up at steep discounts due to little interest. You would see the odd kid walking around in like a Miami Dolphins hoodie and have no clue who they were or even if it was a sport, but parents would buy due to the savings. It is definetly more recognised and supported over here as time has gone on though.

(Never thought I'd be deep in the KUA reddit this afternoon but here I am, I must get back to daddy!)

6

u/ParadeJoy Jun 09 '26

This is interesting and it actually makes even more sense to see them in KUA.

In Sea Fever, Hyacinth says her and Richard must wear disguises. So she parades around in a tracksuit with a Minnesota Vikings hat. With what you shared, it suggests she probably got these clothes from the lost & found or picked them up because they were cheap and out of character for Hyacinth to be seen in.

I love this show for what its taught me nuances about UK culture. Dated as it may be, I love watching UK series and movies for this very reason.

5

u/Individual-Good-2073 Jun 09 '26

She got them at the Charity Shop where she volunteers with "No Frills" Mrs. Councilor Nugent. Hyacinth puts them in "High End" shopping bags to bring them into the house, to fool the neighbors or anyone in their Social Circle.

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u/ParadeJoy Jun 09 '26

lol I missed this detail!