If I recall correctly, the BBC aired a programme on the Geordies many years ago.
Correct. I lived in the UK then. The BBC used subtitles for the program. It was funny as hell.
On a drilling rig in the North Sea our electrician was a Geordie. He spoke to me and I replied, "I can only speak English and Spanish." He was quite offended as he thought I was making fun of him. He was a really good guy and once I got accustomed to his accent and colloquialism we could speak.