List of longest-running British television programmes

Last updated

This is a list of the longest-running television programmes in the United Kingdom .

Contents

Running

RankNo. of broadcast years
(after year of first broadcast) [a]
TitleNetworkGenreAiring between
180–81 The Wimbledon Championships BBC Television Service, BBC One, BBC Two Sports outside broadcast 1937-1939, 1946-2019, 2021-present [b] [1] [2]
280–81 The Lord Mayor's Show BBC One Outside broadcast 1937–1938, 1946–present [c] [3]
380–81 Remembrance Sunday: The Cenotaph BBC One Outside broadcast 1937–1938, 1946–present [d]
478–79 The Boat Race BBC (1938-1939, 1946-2004, 2010-2019, 2021-2025), ITV (2005-2009), and Channel 4 (2026-present) Outside broadcast 1938-1939, 1946-2019, 2021–present [e]
576–77 Trooping the Colour BBC One Outside broadcast 1939, 1947, 1949-1954, 1956–present [f]
673–74 BBC Proms BBC Concert outside broadcast 1947-1948, 1953-present [g]
772–73 National Eisteddfod of Wales [4] BBC One Wales (1953–1982), and S4C (1982–present) Outside broadcast 1953–present
872–73 Panorama [5] BBC One and BBC World News Current affairs 1953–present
971–72 The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo BBC Outside broadcast 1951-2019, 2022–present [h]
1070–71 BBC Weekend News BBC One News programme1954-present
1171–72 Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod [6] BBC One Wales (1954–1982), and S4C (1982–present) Outside broadcast 1954–present
1271–72 BBC Sports Personality of the Year BBC Awards ceremony1954–present
1370–71 ITV Weekend News ITV News programme1955-present
1470–71 ITV Evening News ITV News programme1955-present
1569–70 Crufts BBC (1950-1953, 1955-2008), and Channel 4 / More4 (2010-2020, 2022-present) Dog show outside broadcast 1950-1953, 1955-2008, 2010-2020, 2022–present [i]
1669–70 Eurovision Song Contest Eurovision and Euroradio networks / BBC (1956–present)Song contest1956–2019, 2021-present [j]
1769–70 BAFTA Awards BBC One, ITV Awards ceremony1956-present
1868–69 The Sky at Night BBC One (1957–2013), and BBC Four (2014–present)Science programme1957–present
1967–68 RHS Chelsea Flower Show BBC Garden show outside broadcast 1958–present
2067–68 Final Score BBC Sports programme1958–present
2167–68 Blue Peter BBC One (1958–2011), and CBBC (2012–present) Children's television show 1958–present
2265–66 The Royal Variety Performance ITV (1960, 1961-2009 on odd-numbered years only, 2011-present), and BBC (1962-2010 on even-numbered years only) Variety show 1960–present
2365–66 Coronation Street [7] ITV Soap opera 1960–present
2464–65 Royal Institution Christmas Lectures BBC Television Service (1936, 1949-1951, 1953, 1957), BBC Two (1966-1999), Channel 4 (2000-2004), Channel 5 (2005-2008), More4 (2009), and BBC Four (2010-present)Scientific lecture series1936, 1949-1951, 1953, 1957, 1966-present [8]
2564–65 Dechrau Canu, Dechrau Canmol (Welsh) [9] BBC One Wales (1961–1982), and S4C (1982–present)Religious programme1961–present
2664–65 Songs of Praise BBC One Religious programme1961–present
2762–63 Royal Christmas Message BBC, ITV, Sky News Speech1957-1958, 1960-1962, 1964-1968, 1970–present
2861–62 The State Opening of Parliament BBC Outside broadcast 1958–2010, 2012-2017, 2019, 2021-2024, 2026-present
2961–62 Horizon BBC Two Science programme1964–present
3061–62 Match of the Day BBC Two (1964–1966), and BBC One (1966–present) Sports programme1964–present
3157–58 Gardeners' World BBC Two Gardening1968–present
3256–57 Points of View BBC One TV feedback show1961–1971, 1979–present
3356–57 University Challenge ITV (1962–87), and BBC Two (1994–present)Quiz1962–1987, 1994–present
3453–54 Newsround BBC One (1972–2012), CBBC (2002–present), BBC Two (2022–present)Children's news programme1972–present
3553–54 ITV Lunchtime News ITV News programme1972-present
3653–54 Emmerdale ITV Soap opera 1972–present
3752–53 ITV News at Ten ITV News programme1967–1999, 2001–2004, 2008–present
3852–53 Cân i Gymru (Welsh) BBC One (1969), BBC One Wales (1972, 1974-1978, 1982), HTV (1979, 1981), and S4C (1983–present) [k] Song contest1969–1972, 1974–1979, 1981–present
3951–52 Pobol y Cwm (Welsh) [10] BBC One Wales (1974–1982), and S4C (1982–present) Soap opera 1974–present
4050–51 Sportscene BBC One Scotland, BBC Two Scotland, and BBC Scotland Sports1975–present
4150–51 Arena BBC Two (1975–2011), and BBC Four (2003–present)Documentary1975–present
4249–50 Mastermind BBC One (1972-1997), Discovery Channel (2001–2002), and BBC Two (2003–present) [l] Quiz1972–1997, 2001-present
4349–50 Landward BBC One Scotland, BBC Scotland Rural and agricultural affairs1976–present
4448–49 It'll Be Alright on the Night ITV Bloopers programme1977–present
4547–48 Football Focus BBC One Sports programme1974-1988, 1992–present
4647–48 Ski Sunday BBC Two Sports programme1978–present
4747–48 Beechgrove Garden BBC One Scotland, BBC Two Scotland, and BBC Scotland Gardening1978–present
4847 Doctor Who BBC One Science fiction 1963–1989, 1996, 2005-2025
4946–47 Antiques Roadshow BBC One Antiques programme1979–present
5046–47 Question Time BBC One Political panel programme1979–present
5145–46 Newsnight BBC Two News programme1980–present
5245–46 BBC Children in Need BBC One and BBC Two Charity telethon1980–present
5344–45 London Marathon BBC Sports1981–present
5444–45 See Hear BBC Two Deaf magazine programme1981–present
5543–44 Wales This Week ITV Current affairs 1982–present
5643–44 Newyddion S4C (Welsh) S4C News programme1982–present
5743–44 Countdown Channel 4 Game show1982–present
5843–44 Channel 4 News Channel 4 News programme1982–present
5943–44 Y Byd ar Bedwar (Welsh) S4C Current affairs 1982–present
6043–44 Noson Lawen (Welsh) S4C Variety entertainment show1982–present
6143–44 Cefn Gwlad (Welsh) S4C Rural and agricultural affairs1982–present
6241–42 BBC News at Six BBC One and BBC News Channel News programme1984–present
6340–41 BRIT Awards BBC One (1985-1992), and ITV (1993-present)Awards ceremony1985–present
6440–41 EastEnders BBC One Soap opera 1985–present
6539–40 Casualty [11] BBC One Medical drama 1986–present
6639–40Lifeline BBC One Charity appeal programme1986–present
6739–40 BBC News at One BBC One and BBC News Channel News programme1986–present
6838–39 Dispatches Channel 4 Current affairs 1987–present
6937–38 Comic Relief BBC One and BBC Two Charity telethon1988-present
7037–38 Countryfile BBC One Rural and agricultural affairs news magazine 1988–present
7137–38 This Morning ITV Daytime magazine programme1988–present
7237–38 Sgorio (Welsh) S4C Sports1988–present
7336–37 Olivier Awards BBC One (1981-1992), BBC Two (1993-2003, 2026), BBC Red Button (2011-2012) and ITV (2013-2025) [m] Awards ceremony1981–2003, 2011-present
7436–37 Prime Minister's Questions BBC Parliament Politics1989-present [12]
7535–36 Have I Got News for You BBC Two (1990-2000), and BBC One (2000-present) Satirical panel show 1990–present
7633–34 Soccer Saturday Sky Sports Sports programme1992–present
7733–34 Super Sunday Sky Sports Sports1992–present
7833–34 Later... with Jools Holland BBC Two Music1992–present
7932–33 Eòrpa (Scottish Gaelic) BBC Alba Current affairs 1993-present
8031–32 MasterChef BBC One (1990-2000, 2009-present), and BBC Two (2001, 2005-2008)Cooking competition1990-2001, 2005–present
8131–32 The National Lottery Draws BBC One (1994–2016), BBC iPlayer (2017–2018), and ITV (2018–present) (during advert breaks)Game show1994–present
8230–31 Catchphrase ITV Game show1986–2002, 2013–present
8330–31 Monday Night Football Sky Sports Sports1992–2007, 2010-present
8430–31 NFL on Sky Sports Sky Sports Sports1995-present
8530–31 Rownd a Rownd (Welsh) S4C Soap opera 1995–present
8630–31 Hollyoaks Channel 4 (1995–present), E4 (2001–present), and All 4 (2022–present) Soap opera 1995–present
8729–30 Silent Witness BBC One Drama1996–present
8829 World Business Report BBC News, BBC One, BBC Two Business news programme1995-2024
8928–29 National Television Awards ITV Awards ceremony1995–2008, 2010-present
9028–29 Midsomer Murders ITV Detective series1997–present
9128–29 5 News Channel 5 News programme1997–present
9228–29 Storyville BBC Two, and BBC Four Documentary1997–present
9328–29 Ffermio (Welsh) S4C Rural and agricultural affairs1997–present
9428–29 Clwb Rygbi (Welsh) S4C Sports programme1997–present
9528 HARDtalk BBC News Interview show1997–2025
9627–28 Prynhawn Da (Welsh) S4C Magazine show1998–present
9726–27 Sky News at 10 Sky News News programme1999–present
9826–27 Tonight ITV Current affairs 1999–present
9926–27 Grand Designs Channel 4 Documentary1999–present
10026–27 Loose Women ITV Talk show1999–present
10126–27 DIY SOS BBC One DIY 1999–present
10225–26 Heno (Welsh) S4C Magazine and chat show1990-2002, 2012-present
10325–26 Bargain Hunt BBC One Antiques programme2000–present
10425–26 Pride of Britain Awards ITV Awards ceremony2000–present
10525–26 Location, Location, Location Channel 4 Property show2000–present
10625–26 Unreported World Channel 4 Current affairs 2000–present
10725–26 A Place in the Sun Channel 4 Property show2000–present
10825–26 BBC Breakfast BBC One and BBC News Channel News programme2000–present
10925–26 BBC News at Ten BBC One and BBC News Channel News programme2000–present
11025 Click BBC Review show2000–2025
11124–25 ITV Racing ITV Horse racing programme1969-1985, 2017-present
11224–25 Saturday Kitchen BBC Two (2001-2005), and BBC One (2006-present)Cooking show2001–present
11324 Doctors BBC One Soap Opera / Medical Drama (Day Time)2000–2024
11424 BBC Sportsday BBC News, BBC One, BBC Two Sports news programme2001–2025
11523–24 Never Mind the Buzzcocks BBC Two (1996-2015), and Sky Max (2021–present)Music-based panel show 1996-2015, 2021–present
11623–24 Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? ITV Quiz1998–2014, 2018–present
11723–24 I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out Out of Here! ITV Reality competition2002–present
11823–24 Sky News Today Sky News News programme2002–present
11923–24 River City BBC One Scotland, BBC Two Scotland, and BBC Scotland Drama2002–present
12023–24 Escape to the Country BBC One Property show2002–present
12123–24 Celebrity Mastermind BBC Two (2002-2004, 2024-present), and BBC One (2004-2024)Quiz2002–present
12222–23 Homes Under the Hammer BBC One Property show2003–present
12322–23 QI BBC Four, BBC Two, and BBC One Panel show 2003–present
12422 British Soap Awards ITV Awards ceremony1999-2019, 2022-2023, 2025
12522 imagine... BBC One Documentary2003-2025
12621–22 Sunday Supplement Sky Sports Sports discussion programme1999-2020, 2025-present
12721–22 Strictly Come Dancing BBC One Talent show2004–present
12821–22 Who Do You Think You Are? BBC Two (2004-2006), and BBC One (2006-present)Documentary2004–present
12921–22 BBC Newswatch BBC Factual 2004–present
13021–22 Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two BBC Two Aftershow 2004–present
13121–22 The Big Fat Quiz of the Year Channel 4 Panel show 2004–present
13221 Match of the Day 2 BBC Two (2004-2012), and BBC One (2012-2025)Sports programme2004-2025
13320–21 Blankety Blank BBC One (1979-1990, 1997-1999, 2020-present), and ITV (2001-2002, 2016) Game show 1979-1990, 1997-1999, 2001-2002, 2016, 2020–present
13420–21 Big Brother Channel 4 (2000-2010), Channel 5 (2011-2018), and ITV2 (2023-present)Reality competition2000-2018, 2023–present
13520–21 Dragons' Den BBC Two (2005–2020), and BBC One (2021–present)Reality competition2005–present
13620–21 Come Dine with Me Channel 4 Reality2005–present
13720–21 The Apprentice BBC Two (2005–2006), and BBC One (2007-present)Reality competition2005–present
13820–21 Pocoyo CITV (series 1–2), Nick Jr. (series 3), and ITVX (series 4–present)Preschool series2005–2010, 2016–present
13920–21 Springwatch BBC Two Nature2005-present
14020–21 The Hotel Inspector Channel 5 Documentary2005-present
14119–20 The Blame Game BBC One Northern Ireland [n] Panel show2006–present
14219–20 Great British Menu BBC Two Cooking competition2006–present
14319–20 The One Show BBC One Magazine and chat show2006–present
14419–20 Celebrity MasterChef BBC One (2006-2011, 2013-present), and BBC Two (2012)Cooking competition2006–present
14519 Glastonbury Channel 4 (1994-1995), and BBC (1997-2000, 2002-2005, 2007-2011, 2013-2017, 2019, 2022-2025) Performing arts festival outside broadcast 1994-1995, 1997-2000, 2002-2005, 2007-2011, 2013-2017, 2019, 2022-2025
14619 The Apprentice: You're Fired BBC Three (2006), and BBC Two (2007-2025) [13] Aftershow 2006–2025
14718–19 Dickinson's Real Deal ITV Antiques programme2006–2024, 2026-present
14818–19 Animal Park BBC One Documentary2000–2009, 2016–present
14918–19 I'm a Celebrity: Unpacked ITV2 Aftershow 2002-2019, 2024–present
15018–19 The Graham Norton Show BBC Two (2007–2009), and BBC One (2009–present) Talk show 2007–present
15118–19 Britain's Got Talent ITV Variety talent show 2007-2020, 2022–present
15218–19 Would I Lie to You? BBC One Panel show 2007–present
15318 Celebrity Big Brother Channel 4 (2001-2010), Channel 5 (2011-2018), and ITV1 (2024-2025)Reality competition2001-2018, 2024–2025
15418 The Adventure Show BBC Two Scotland (2007-2018), BBC Scotland (2019-2024), and BBC Alba (2025)Sports programme2007–2025
15517–18 The Weakest Link BBC One and BBC Two Quiz2000–2012, 2017, 2021–present
15617–18 Crimewatch Live BBC One Crime programme2000-2001, 2009-present
15717–18 Live at the Apollo BBC One (2004-2005, 2007-2015), and BBC Two (2015-2019, 2021-present)Stand-up comedy2004–2005, 2007-2019, 2021-present
15817–18 Mock the Week BBC Two (2005-2022), and TLC (2026-present) Panel show 2005–2022, 2026-present
15917–18 Police Interceptors Channel 5 Documentary2008–present
16017–18 MasterChef: The Professionals BBC Two (2008-2019), and BBC One (2020-present)Cooking competition2008–present
16117–18 Only Connect BBC Four (2008–2014), and BBC Two (2014–present)Quiz2008–present
16217–18 Seachd Là (Scottish Gaelic) BBC Alba News programme2008-present
16317–18 Trusadh (Scottish Gaelic) BBC Alba Documentary2008-present
16416–17 Bullseye ITV (1981-1995, 2024-present), and Challenge (2006)Game show1981-1995, 2006, 2024–present
16516–17 CBeebies Bedtime Stories CBeebies Children's stories2009–present
16616–17 The Chase ITV Quiz2009–present
16716–17 Pointless BBC Two (2009–2011), and BBC One (2011–present)Quiz2009–present
16816–17 Rip Off Britain BBC One Factual2009–present
16916 Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway ITV Variety2002–2009, 2013-2018, 2020-2024
17015–16 A Ghost Story for Christmas BBC One (1971-1978), BBC Four (2005-2006, 2018-2019), and BBC Two (2010, 2013, 2021-present)Horror1971-1978, 2005-2006, 2010, 2013, 2018-2019, 2021-present
17115–16 Peppa Pig Channel 5 and Nick Jr. Children's programme2004, 2006-2007, 2009–2012, 2015–present
17215–16My Life CBBC, BBC Two Documentary2010–present
17315–16 Antiques Road Trip BBC Two (2010-2012), and BBC One (2013-present)Antiques programme2010–present
17415–16 Four in a Bed Channel 4 Reality competition2010–present
17515–16 Sunday Morning Live BBC One Religious and current affairs2010–present
17615–16 The Great British Bake Off BBC Two (2010–2013), BBC One (2014–2016), and Channel 4 (2017–present)Baking competition2010–present
17715–16 Lorraine ITV Morning magazine show2010–present
17815–16 The Only Way Is Essex ITV2 (2010–2014, 2025-present), and ITVBe (2014–2025)Reality2010–present
17915–16 FYI Daily ITV2, ITV3, ITV4 Entertainment news2010–present
18015 Fifth Gear Channel 5 (2002-2011), Discovery (2012-2014), History (2015), and Quest (2018-2019, 2024)Automotive show2002-2015, 2018-2019, 2024
18115 Dancing on Ice ITV Talent show2006–2014, 2018–2025
18215 A League of Their Own Sky One (2010–2021), and Sky Max (2021–2025) Panel show 2010–2025
18314–15 Sam Tân / Fireman Sam Welsh: S4C
English: BBC One (1987-1988, 1990, 1994), CBeebies (2005), Cartoonito (2008-2009), Channel 5 (2012, 2014, 2016-2018, 2020–present)
Children's programme 1987–1988, 1990, 1994, 2005, 2008-2009, 2012, 2014, 2016-2018, 2020-present
18414–15 Monkey Life Channel 5, Animal Planet, Sky Nature Documentary 2007-2013, 2015-2016, 2018–present
18514–15 Mrs. Brown's Boys [o] BBC One Sitcom 2011–present
18614–15 Long Lost Family ITV Documentary2011–present
18714–15 Made In Chelsea E4 Reality2011–present
18814–15 24 Hours in A&E Channel 4 Medical documentary2011–present
18914–15 Newsday BBC News, BBC One News programme2011–present
19014–15 The Jonathan Ross Show ITV Talk show2011–present
19114–15 Exposure ITV Current affairs 2011–present
19214–15 Scotland Tonight STV Current affairs 2011–present
19314–15 Christmas University Challenge BBC Two Quiz2011–present
19414–15 Black Mirror Channel 4 (2011–2014), and Netflix (2016-present)Science Fiction Anthology2011–present
19514 Vera ITV Crime drama2011–2025
19613–14 Deal or No Deal Channel 4 (2005-2016), and ITV1 (2023-present)Game show2005-2016, 2023–present
19713–14 Soccer Aid ITV Charity sports event2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018-present
19813–14 Great British Railway Journeys BBC Two Travel documentary2010–2021, 2023-present
19913–14 Death in Paradise BBC One Mystery2011, 2013–present
20013–14 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown Channel 4 Panel show 2012–present
20113–14 Call the Midwife BBC One Drama2012–present
20213–14 Winterwatch BBC Two Nature2012-present
20313–14 The Voice UK BBC One (2012–2016), and ITV (2017-present)Talent show2012–present
20413–14 Sunday Brunch Channel 4 Cookery talk show2012-present
20513–14 Tipping Point ITV Quiz show 2012-present
20613–14 The Last Leg Channel 4 Topical panel2012–present
20713–14 The Martin Lewis Money Show ITV Financial current affairs2012–present
20813–14 Stand Up to Cancer Channel 4 Charity telethon2012–present
20913–14 George Clarke's Amazing Spaces Channel 4 Documentary2012–present
21013 Kate Garraway's Life Stories ITV Talk show2009–2015, 2017-2023, 2025
21113 Food Unwrapped Channel 4 Consumer show2012–2025
21212–13 Wheel of Fortune ITV Game show1988-1989, 1991-2001, 2024-present)
21312–13 Something Special CBeebies Children's programme2003, 2006-2008, 2010-2012, 2014, 2016-2018, 2020, 2022-present
21412–13 Not Going Out BBC One Sitcom 2006–2007, 2009, 2011-2015, 2017-2023, 2025-present
21512–13 Geordie Shore MTV Reality2011–2022, 2024-present
21612–13 The Dumping Ground CBBC Children's drama programme2013–present
21712–13 Talking Pictures BBC Two Documentary2013–present
21812–13 Father Brown BBC One Mystery2013–present
21912–13 Car S.O.S National Geographic Automotive show2013–present
22012–13 The Travel Show BBC News, BBC Two Travel programme2013–present
22112–13 Gogglebox Channel 4 Reality2013–present
22212–13 The Great British Sewing Bee BBC Two (2013-2019), and BBC One (2020-present)Sewing competition2013–present
22312–13 Ben Fogle: New Lives in the Wild Channel 5 Documentary2013–present
22412–13The Women's Football Show BBC One Sports programme2013–present
22512–13 First Dates Channel 4 Reality dating2013–present
22612–13 Artist of the Year Sky Arts Competition2013–present
22711–12 Waterloo Road BBC One (2006-2014, 2023-present), and BBC Three (2015) School drama 2006-2015, 2023-present
22811–12 For the Love of Dogs ITV Documentary2012-2019, 2021–present
22911–12 Good Morning Britain ITV Breakfast television 2014–present
23011–12 24 Hours in Police Custody Channel 4 Crime documentary2014–present
23111 Côr Cymru (Welsh) S4C Music competition 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2022, 2024
23211 The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice BBC Two (2014-2016), and Channel 4 (2017-2025) Aftershow 2014–2025
23310–11 Shaun the Sheep CBBC, BBC One, BBC Two Animated comedy2007, 2009-2010, 2012-2016, 2019-2022, 2025-present
23410–11 Fake or Fortune? BBC One Documentary2011–2012, 2014-2019, 2021-present
23510–11 The Real Housewives of Cheshire ITVBe (2015-2025), and ITV2 (2026-present)Reality2015–present
23610–11 Love Island ITV2 Reality dating2015–present
23710–11 Married at First Sight Channel 4 (2015–2020), and E4 (2016-present)Reality dating2015–present
23810–11 Taskmaster Dave (2015-2019), and Channel 4 (2020-present)Panel game show2015–present
23910–11 Inside the Factory BBC Two Documentary2015–present
24010–11 Money for Nothing BBC One DIY 2015–present
24110–11 The Yorkshire Vet Channel 5 Reality documentary2015–present
24210 You Bet! ITV Game show1988-1997, 2024–2025
2439–10 Digging for Britain BBC Two Documentary 2010-2011, 2015-2020, 2022–present
2449–10 Operation Ouch! CBBC Children's medical programme2012-2013, 2015-2017, 2019–present
2459–10 Bargain-Loving Brits in the Sun Channel 5 Reality documentary2016–present
2469–10A New Life in the Sun Channel 4 Property show2016–present
2479–10 Bake Off: The Professionals BBC Two (2016-2017), and Channel 4 (2018-present)Cooking competition2016–present
2489–10Garddio a Mwy (Welsh) S4C Gardening2016–present
2499–10Garden Rescue BBC One Gardening2016–present
2509–10 Saving Lives at Sea BBC Two Documentary 2016–present
2519–10 Celebs Go Dating E4 Reality dating2016–present
2529–10 Ambulance BBC One Documentary 2016–present
2539–10 Priodas Pum Mil (Welsh) S4C Reality2016–present

Ended

Years [p] TitleNetworkGenreAiring betweenFirst broadcastLast broadcastNotes
62 Up (ITV series) ITV (1964-1991, 2005-2026), and BBC One (1998)Documentary1964–20265 May 196422 September 2026The BBC version (also made by a unit of ITV Studios) started in April 2000 with two episodes of 28 Up: Millennial Generation broadcast on 29 September 2021 and 6 October 2021, giving a timeframe of 21 years for the BBC programme and 57 years for the overall Up format. [14] [15] [16]

The final series aired in 2026, directed by Asif Kapadia. [17]

52 Eurovision: You Decide [q] BBC One (1956-1957, 1959-1976, 1978, 1980-2010), BBC Four (2016), and BBC Two (2017-2019)Song contest1956-1957, 1959-1976, 1978, 1980-2010, 2016-2019 [r] 7 May 19568 February 2019The UK national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest most recently went by the name Eurovision: You Decide from 2016-2019. In 1977 it was not televised, due to industrial action by BBC cameramen and technicians minutes before the show went live. A recording of the contest was transmitted a few hours later on BBC Radio 2. The 1979 edition of A Song for Europe was abandoned due to a strike by BBC sound engineers.
52 What the Papers Say Granada Television / Associated-Rediffusion / Scottish Television / Thames Television (1956-1982), Channel 4 (1982-1988), ITV (1988-1989), and BBC Two (1990-2008) [s] News programme1956–20085 November 19568 March 2008The programme was revived on BBC Radio 4 in the run-up to the 2010 general election, [18] and continued until 27 March 2016, when it was announced that that was its last Radio 4 episode. [19]
51 Scotsport STV (1957-2008), ITV Border Scotland (1987–2008)Sports programme1957–200818 September 195722 May 2008
50 A Question of Sport BBC One Quiz show1968, 1970-1972, 1974-1977, 1979–20232 December 19688 September 2023
49 Grandstand BBC One, BBC Two Sports programme1958–200711 October 195828 January 2007
46 The Film Show [20] BBC One Entertainment review1971–201816 November 197128 March 2018
44 This Is Your Life BBC One (1955-1964, 1994-2003), and ITV (1969-1994, 2007)Documentary1955–1964, 1969–2003, 200729 July 19552 June 2007
44 The Money Programme BBC Two Finance programme1966–20105 April 19669 November 2010
44 Top Gear Original: BBC1 Midlands (1977–1978), BBC Two (1978–2001)
Revival: BBC Two (2002–2020), BBC One (2020–2022)
Automotive show1977–202222 April 197718 December 2022
43 Come Dancing BBC One Talent show1950-1981, 1983-1986, 1988-1996, 199829 September 195029 December 1998The celebrity show Strictly Come Dancing has been broadcast on the BBC since 2004. [21]
43 The South Bank Show ITV (1978–2010), and Sky Arts (2012–2023)Art programme1978–2010, 2012–202314 January 197829 August 2023
42 Top of the Pops BBC Chart programme1964–20061 January 1964Two special best of the year editions (with one billed as the Christmas show [22] and the other as the New Year show) [23] have been usually scheduled each year since 2006, with the last new episode going out on BBC One on 31 December 2021, giving a total of 57 years. In addition to these shows BBC Four have been broadcasting new Big Hits compilation shows and Story of... documentaries since 2006. [24] [25]
38 Tomorrow's World BBC One Science and technology1965–20037 July 196516 July 2003Tomorrow's World returned for a one-off live special, with Hannah Fry and four presenters from the show's original run: Maggie Philbin, Howard Stableford, Judith Hann and Peter Snow in 2018. The 90-minute interactive show was broadcast at 9 pm on BBC Four on 22 November 2018. [26] [27]
38 Holiday BBC One, BBC Two Travel1969–20072 January 196919 March 2007The travelogue series ended in 2007, 8 years after the murder of Jill Dando.
35 World in Action ITV Current affairs1963–19987 January 19637 December 1998
34 One Man and His Dog BBC Two Sheepdog trials 1976-1996, 1998-201217 February 1976It aired from 2013 to 2023 as a special annual edition of the rural affairs show Countryfile on BBC One. [28]
33 The Sooty Show BBC1 (1955-1967), ITV (1968-1978, 1980-1981, 1983-1992)Children's programme1955-1978, 1980-1981, 1983-199216 January 195530 November 1992
33 Crimewatch BBC One Crime programme1984–20177 June 198420 March 2017A spin-off programme, Crimewatch Live , continues to air on an ad-hoc basis as part of BBC One's daytime schedule.
33 Watchdog BBC One Consumer investigative journalism 1985, 1987–2019 [29] [30] 14 July 198517 October 2019Watchdog started out as a feature on BBC1's news magazine programme Nationwide in 1980, moving to Sixty Minutes after the programme ended and becoming a stand-alone series after that show also ended. After the regular series was cancelled after 2019, Watchdog became a feature segment on Wednesday night episodes of The One Show , with Matt Allwright and Nikki Fox continuing to present the reports. [31] [32] with Matt Allwright [33] [34]
32 Jackanory BBC1 (1965-1996), CBBC (2006)Children's programme1965–1996, 200613 December 19654 December 2006The format was revived as Jackanory Junior, airing on CBeebies between 2007 and 2009.
32 Last of the Summer Wine BBC One Sitcom1973, 1975-1979, 1981-1993, 1995-20104 January 197329 August 2010
32 Channel 4 Racing Channel 4, More4 Horse racing programme1984–201622 March 198427 December 2016
32 You've Been Framed! ITV Comedy1990-202214 April 199027 August 2022
31 Police 5 ITV (1962-1992), and Channel 5 (2014)Factual1962-1992, 201430 June 196225 March 2014
31 Call My Bluff BBC2 (1965-1985, 1987-1988, 1994), BBC One (1996-2005)Panel show1965–1985, 1987-1988, 1994, 1996–200517 October 196517 July 2005A special aired in March 2011 for Red Nose Day 2011 as part of the BBC marathon panel show 24 Hour Panel People .
30 The Good Old Days BBC1 Old time variety1953-198320 July 195331 December 1983
30 The Benny Hill Show BBC1, and ITV Comedy1955, 1957-1961, 1964-198915 January 19551 May 1989
30 HOW [35] [36] ITV / CITV Children's educational programme1966–1981, 1990-1997, 1999-2004, 2006, 2020, 202222 March 19666 May 2022
30 BBC Nine O'Clock News BBC One News programme1970–200014 September 197013 October 2000
30 Grange Hill BBC One (1978–2005, 2008), and CBBC (2007)Teen drama1978–20088 February 197815 September 2008
30 Sunrise Sky News News1989–20196 February 198913 October 2019
29 Sportsnight BBC1 Sports programme1968-199712 September 196814 May 1997
29 Wish You Were Here...? ITV Travel1974-20037 January 197429 June 2003ITV commissioned a new version of the show for 2008, Wish You Were Here...? Now & Then, giving Judith Chalmers' son Mark Durden-Smith the role of main host, along with Sarah Heaney. It revisited destinations featured in the original series to see how much they have changed, and was filmed within production studios and not directly on location.
29 Timewatch BBC Two History series1982–201129 September 198215 November 2011
29 Soccer AM Sky Sports Football-based comedy talk show1994-202320 August 199427 May 2023
28 Crackerjack BBC1 (1955-1984), and CBBC (2020–2021)Children's programme1955–1970, 1972-1984, 2020–202114 September 19555 March 2021
28 This Week (1956 TV programme) ITV Current affairs1956–1978, 1986-19926 January 195617 December 1992
28 It's a Knockout / Gemau Heb Ffiniau BBC1 (1966-1988), ITV (1990), S4C (1991-1994), and Channel 5 (1999-2001)Game show1966–1988, 1990–1994, 1999–20017 August 19666 January 2001
28 Ffeil (Welsh) S4C Children's news programme1995–2023September 1995July 2023
27 Record Breakers BBC One Children's programme1972-1983, 1985-200115 December 197221 December 2001
27 The Bill ITV Police drama 1983–201016 August 198331 August 2010The programme originated from a one-off drama, "Woodentop" (part of the show Storyboard), broadcast on 16 August 1983. Also includes the spin-off Murder Investigation Team (2003–2005). On 26 March 2010, ITV had announced that The Bill would be axed due to a dramatic drop in ratings and on 31 August 2010, The Bill aired its final-ever episode at the end of the 26th series.
26 Crossroads ITV Soap opera1964–1988, 2001–20032 November 196430 May 2003
26 On the Ball ITV Sports programme1965-1985, 1998-2004196515 May 2004On the Ball was a segment on World of Sport before it was revived as its own show in 1998.
26 Dateline London BBC News News discussion programme1996-2022199615 October 2022
25 Mr and Mrs TWW (1965–1967), ITV (1967–1988, 1999), and UK Living (1995–1996)Game show1965-1988, 1995-1996, 199923 February 19652 July 1999The show was part of the second series of Gameshow Marathon and aired on 12 May 2007. Phillip Schofield started to host a celebrity revival called All Star Mr & Mrs in 2008, with this new version lasting until 2016.
25 The Generation Game BBC One Game show1971-1982, 1990-2002, 2005, 20182 October 19718 April 2018The show ended in 2002, with a celebrity special hosted by Graham Norton airing in 2005 and two specials hosted by Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins being shown on BBC One in April 2018. [37] [38] Even though these episodes are listed as series 1 [39] on the BBC programme guide, no regular series have been made since Jim Davidson left the series in the early 2000s. A special aired in March 2011 for Red Nose Day 2011 as part of the BBC marathon panel show 24 Hour Panel People .
24 Play School BBC2 (1964-1983), and BBC1 (1983-1988)Children's programme1964–198821 April 196412 September 1988
24 The Big Match ITV Sports programme1968–199225 August 196826 April 1992Between 1997 and 2001, ITV had the rights to show the FA Cup, both as highlights and live, and ITV revived the name The Big Match. However, when these rights reverted to the BBC, with ITV replacing the BBC as holder of the rights to English top-flight football highlights in 2001, the new programme was simply called The Premiership .
24 Taggart ITV Detective fiction 1983, 1985-1990, 1992–20106 September 19837 November 2010The pilot which aired between 6-20 September in 1983 was called Killer.
24 ITV News at 5:30 ITV News programme1988-201215 February 198821 December 2012
24 BBC Scotland Investigates BBC One Scotland Current affairs 1994-201810 November 199414 July 2018
23 Rainbow ITV Children's educational programme1972–1992, 1994-199716 October 197224 March 1997
23 We Are the Champions BBC1 (1973-1995), and CBBC (2010)Children's game show 1973-1995, 201013 June 197312 March 2010
23 Take the High Road ITV Soap opera1980–200319 February 198027 April 2003
23 Top of the Pops 2 BBC Archive music programme1994–201717 September 199422 December 2017
23 Holby City BBC One Medical drama1999–202212 January 199929 March 2022
22 Why Don't You? BBC1 Children's programme1973–199520 August 197321 April 1995
22 Family Fortunes ITV Game show1980–1985, 1987-2000, 2002, 2020–20236 January 19804 June 2023A series of 10 episodes [40] was planned for broadcast but was shelved in February 2025 following sexual misconduct allegations aimed towards host Gino D'Acampo on other ITV shows. [41] [42] [43] [44]
22 Food and Drink BBC Two Food and drink1982-2002, 2013-20156 July 198213 April 2015
22 Thomas & Friends [45] ITV (1984-1986, 1992), Cartoon Network (1996, 1998), Nick Jr. (2002-2007, 2014), (2008, 2010-2021), and Cartoonito (2017) [t] Children's programme1984-1986, 1992, 1996, 1998, 2002-2008, 2010-20219 October 198420 January 2021Rebooted into Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go by Mattel Television & Nelvana, which premiered in autumn 2021 after cancellation on 20 January 2021.
22 Through the Keyhole ITV (1987-1994, 2013-2019), Sky 1 (1996), BBC One (1998-2004), and BBC Two (2006-2008)Panel show1987-1994, 1996, 1998-2004, 2006-2008, 2013-20193 April 198723 February 2019A special aired in March 2011 for Red Nose Day 2011 as part of the BBC marathon panel show 24 Hour Panel People .
22 ChuckleVision BBC One (1987-2009), CBBC (2002-2009)Children's programme1987–200926 September 198718 December 2009
21 What's My Line? BBC Television (1951-1963), BBC2 (1973-1974), ITV (1984-1990), and HTV / Meridian (1994-1996)Panel game show1951-1963, 1973-1974, 1984-1990, 1994-199616 July 195117 December 1996A special aired in March 2011 for Red Nose Day 2011 as part of the BBC marathon panel show 24 Hour Panel People .
21 Dixon of Dock Green BBC1 Police drama 1955–19769 July 19551 May 1976
21 Heddiw (Welsh) BBC Television (1961-1964), and BBC Wales (1964-1982)News programme1961-198217 April 196130 July 1982
21 Animal Magic BBC1 Children's programme1962-198313 April 19628 March 1983
21 That's Life! BBC1 Satirical consumer affairs programme1973-199426 May 197319 June 1994
21 Jim'll Fix It BBC One (1975-1994, 2011), and UKTV Gold (2007)Children's programme1975–1994, 2007, 201131 May 197526 December 2011
21 An Audience with... ITV (1980-1981, 1988, 1994-1999, 2001-2002, 2004-2011, 2013, 2021, 2023), and Channel 4 (1983-1985, 1988, 1990)Entertainment1980-1981, 1983-1985, 1988, 1990, 1994-1999, 2001-2002, 2004-2011, 2013, 2021, 202326 December 198010 December 2023The An Audience With title was first used in a television series produced by London Weekend Television (LWT) for the comedian Jasper Carrott, which aired for six episodes in 1978. [46]
21 Brookside Channel 4 Soap opera 1982–20032 November 19824 November 2003
21 BBC Cardiff Singer of the World BBC Two (1983–2011), BBC Knowledge (2001), and BBC Four (2003–2023)Singing competition1983-2023 (odd-numbered years only)16 June 198315 June 2023The 2025 edition of the competition has been postponed until 2027 due to the host venue, St David's Hall, being closed to allow for essential work to be carried out to replace the roof. The competition instead staged a televised gala concert, featuring previous winners and competitors, in October 2025 as part of the Wales Millennium Centre's Llais international music festival. [47]
21 Art Attack ITV / CITV (1990-2007), and Disney Junior (2011-2015)Children's art programme1990–2007, 2011–201515 June 199012 June 2015
21 Parkinson BBC One (1971–1982, 1998–2004), and ITV (1987–1988, 2004–2007)Chat show1971–1982, 1987–1988, 1998–200719 June 197122 December 2007Parkinson was revived again as Parkinson: Masterclass on Sky Arts from 2012–2014. A retrospective show, Parkinson at 50, was broadcast by BBC One on 28 August 2021. [48]
21 Equinox Channel 4 Science and documentary1986–200731 July 198614 January 2007
21 Fifteen to One Channel 4 Quiz Show 1988-2003, 2013-201911 January 198828 June 2019 William G. Stewart hosted the original series every weekday afternoons before ending in 2003. From 2014 to 2019, Sandi Toksvig took over as host.
20 Tonight at the London Palladium ITV Variety show 1955-1969, 1973-1974, 1998, 2000, 2014-201725 September 195514 June 2017
20 World of Sport ITV Sports programme1965-19852 January 196528 September 1985
20 Surprise Surprise ITV (1984–2001, 2012–2015), and ITV3 (2015) Light entertainment 1984–2001, 2012–20156 May 198426 December 2015Despite the show's revival ending on 26 July 2015, a previously unbroadcast episode of the show, which was originally produced in 2003 as a one-off special to celebrate the series' 20th anniversary, was broadcast on ITV3 on 27 December 2015, four months after Cilla Black's death. It wasn't originally broadcast at the time due to Black's departure from ITV earlier that year. [49] [50]
20 Blind Date ITV (1985-2003), and Channel 5 (2017-2019) Dating game show 1985–2003, 2017-201930 November 198516 June 2019Channel 5 broadcast a version of this format with Paul O'Grady between 2017 and 2019, giving Blind Date a span of 34 years. [51]
20 The Really Wild Show BBC, CBBC Children's nature programme1986–200621 January 198618 May 2006
20 British Comedy Awards ITV (1990-2006, 2008-2009), and Channel 4 (2011-2014)Awards ceremony1990-2006, 2008-2009, 2011-201416 December 199017 December 2014The 2007 ceremony occurred on 6 December 2007, but the broadcast was suspended by ITV due to allegations of irregularities and deception in the awarding of the 2005 People's Choice Award and then ongoing related investigations about the 2007 British premium-rate phone-in scandal resulting in Ofcom's subsequently fining ITV a record £5.675 million for its misuse of premium-rate telephone lines. [52] [53] The 2010 ceremony, the first to air on Channel 4, was postponed until it finally aired in January 2011. The show was revived as the National Comedy Awards, and aired on Channel 4 from 2022-2023.
20 Time Team Channel 4 Archaeology1994–201416 January 19947 September 2014In May 2021, Time Team's producer, Tim Taylor announced the return of the series, with free episodes to be shown on YouTube.[ citation needed ] The first episodes of the revival began appearing on YouTube in 2022.
20 Goals on Sunday Sky Sports Sports discussion programme2000-202020002020
20 Eggheads BBC One (2003–2004), BBC Two (2005–2020), and Channel 5 (2021–2023)Quiz2003–202310 November 200326 April 2023
19 Going for a Song BBC One Game show1965-1977, 1995-200231 March 19653 February 2002
19 Pebble Mill at One BBC1 Magazine show1972-1986, 1991-19962 October 197229 March 1996
19 The Krypton Factor ITV Game show1977–1995, 2009–20107 September 19779 March 2010
19 Right to Reply Channel 4 TV feedback show1982-200114 November 198220 April 2001
19 The Gadget Show Channel 5 Consumer technology review2004–20237 June 200414 July 2023
18 Opportunity Knocks ITV (1956, 1964-1978), and BBC1 (1987-1990)Talent show1956, 1964–1978, 1987–199020 June 19562 June 1990The show started out as a radio show on 18 February 1949 on the BBC Light Programme, moving to Radio Luxembourg in the 1950s.
18 Armchair Theatre ITV Drama anthology series1956-19748 July 19569 July 1974The programme also had several spin-off series including Armchair Mystery Theatre , Out of This World , Armchair Cinema and Armchair Thriller .
18 Y Dydd (Welsh) TWW (1964-1968), and HTV Cymru Wales (1968-1982)News programme1964-1982196429 October 1982
18 The Old Grey Whistle Test BBC2 (1971-1988), and BBC Four (2018)Music1971-1988, 201821 September 197123 February 2018On 23 February 2018, a one-off live three-hour special of The Old Grey Whistle Test was broadcast on BBC Four to mark 30 years since the final episode had been broadcast. [54]
18 Kilroy BBC One Talk show 1986-200424 November 198623 January 2004
18 Heartbeat ITV Police procedural period drama 1992–201010 April 199212 September 2010The programme had two spin-offs, namely The Royal (2003–2011) and The Royal Today (2008).
18 Flog It! BBC Two Antiques programme2002-202027 May 20024 May 2020
18 Inside Out BBC One Current affairs 2002-20209 September 200230 March 2020
18 The Sarah-Jane Mee Show Sky News News programme2005-202324 October 200531 August 2023
17 Take Your Pick! ITV Game show1955-1968, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1998-199923 September 195523 December 1999Take Your Pick! was originally broadcast by Radio Luxembourg starting in 1952. The show was part of the first series of Gameshow Marathon and aired on 24 September 2005. Take Your Pick! was also one of the formats used for Alan Carr's Epic Gameshow , with episodes of the game appearing on ITV as part of series 1 (13 June 2020) and series 2 (13 August 2022).
17 Man Alive BBC2 Documentary and current affairs 1965-19824 November 19656 June 1982
17 Ask the Family BBC1 (1967-1971, 1973-1984), UK Gold (1999), and BBC Two (2005)Game show1967-1971, 1973-1984, 1999, 200512 July 19675 May 2005
17 Byker Grove BBC One (1989–2005), and CBBC (2006)Teen drama1989–20068 November 198910 December 2006
17 Stars in Their Eyes ITV Talent show1990-2006, 201521 July 199023 December 2006In 2022-2023, ITV aired Starstruck, a similar format which was described by some media outlets as a revived and reformatted version of Stars in Their Eyes.
17 GMTV ITV and ITV2 (GMTV2) Breakfast television 1993–20101 January 19933 September 2010ITV's current breakfast show Good Morning Britain uses the name of GMTV's predecessor, broadcast by ITV company TV-am between 1983 and 1992. This gives the Good Morning Britain breakfast programme brand a span of 40 years as of 2023. [55]
17 Ready Steady Cook BBC Cooking show1994-2010, 2020-202124 October 199415 April 2021
17 Live at Five Sky News News programme1999-20162016The programme was rebranded as simply Sky News at Five (and Sky News at Six) in 2011. In October 2016, the programme was axed as part of a schedule change. [56]
17 Hacio (Welsh) S4C Current affairs for young people2000-201720001 June 2017
17 Autumnwatch BBC Two Nature2005-20228 November 200528 October 2022The BBC decided to axe Autumnwatch in 2023, saying that more money could then be put into its twin programmes Springwatch and Winterwatch, which generally received more viewers. Following the cancellation of Autumnwatch as a standalone programme, the format and title were brought back into use in the form of short reports and features on autumnal nature within The One Show in October 2023. [57]
16 Comedy Playhouse BBC One Sitcom anthology 1961-1975, 2014, 2016-201715 December 196115 September 2017
16 The Two Ronnies BBC1 (1971-1972, 1976-1987), and BBC2 (1973-1976) Comedy sketch show 1971-198710 April 197125 December 1987
16 Weekend World ITV Current affairs 1972-198819721988
16 The Paul Daniels Magic Show BBC1 Magic1977, 1979-199431 December 197718 June 1994
16 Uned 5 S4C Youth magazine show1994-201017 February 199430 May 2010
16 Room 101 BBC Two (1994-1995, 1997, 1999-2007), and BBC One (2012-2018)Comedy1994-1995, 1997, 1999-2007, 2012-20184 July 19946 April 2018 Room 101 started as a radio show from 1992-1994 on BBC Radio 5 before transferring to television. The radio show was revived on BBC Radio 4 in 2023.
16 This Week (2003 TV programme) BBC One Political current affairs 2003-201916 January 200318 July 2019
16 The Andrew Marr Show BBC One Talk show2005–202111 September 200519 December 2021
15 Young Scientists of the Year BBC1 Educational competition1966-19817 July 196615 February 1981
15 Sale of the Century ITV (1971-1983), Sky One (1989-1991), and Challenge TV (1997-1998) Game show 1971-1983, 1989-1991, 1997-19989 October 19711998The show was part of the first series of Gameshow Marathon and aired on 8 October 2005.
15 Blockbusters ITV (1983-1993), Sky One (1994-1995, 2000-2001), BBC2 (1997), Challenge (2012), and Comedy Central (2019)Quiz show1983–1993, 1994–1995, 1997, 2000–2001, 2012, 201929 August 19835 December 2019The show was part of an episode of the second series of Gameshow Marathon and aired on 14 April 2007.
15 Dòtaman (Scottish Gaelic) BBC One Scotland Children's programme1985-200017 October 19858 December 2000
15 The Clothes Show BBC One (1986-1998), UKTV Style / Really (2006-2009)Factual1986-1998, 2006-200913 October 19862009
15 London's Burning ITV Drama1986, 1988–20027 December 198625 August 2002
15 60 Seconds BBC Choice (2001-2003), and BBC Three (2003-2016)News programme2001-201616 July 200116 February 2016
15 Daily Politics BBC Two (Monday–Friday) and BBC One (Sunday)Political current affairs 2003-20186 January 200324 July 2018
15 Sky World News Sky News News programme2005-202020052020
14 Top of the Form BBC1 Quiz show1953-1954, 1962-197525 April 19539 August 1975The radio version aired from 1 May 1948 to 2 December 1986 on the BBC Light Programme (1948-1967), BBC Radio 2 (1967-1970) and BBC Radio 4 (1970-1986).
14 Sportsview BBC1 Sports programme1954-19688 April 19541968
14 Z-Cars BBC1 Police procedural 1962–1965, 1967–19782 January 196220 September 1978Spin-offs included Softly, Softly (1966-1969), Softly, Softly: Task Force (1969-1976) and Barlow at Large (1971, 1973-1975).
14 Nai Zindagi Naya Jeevan (Hindi, Urdu, Hindustani) [58] BBC1 Magazine show1968-198224 October 196813 June 1982
14 Nationwide BBC1 Current affairs1969-19839 September 19695 August 1983
14 Screen Test BBC1 Children's game show1970-198418 November 197020 December 1984
14 Winner Takes All ITV (1975-1988), and Challenge TV (1997)Game show1975-1988, 199720 April 19751997
14 The Price is Right ITV (1984–1988, 1995–2001, 2006–2007), Sky One (1989-1990), and Channel 4 (2017)Game show1984–1990, 1995–2001, 2006–2007, 201724 March 198430 December 2017The show was part of both series of Gameshow Marathon and aired on 17 September 2005 and 7 April 2007. The Price is Right was also one of the formats used for Alan Carr's Epic Gameshow , with episodes of the game appearing on ITV as part of series 1 (6 June 2020 and a Christmas special on 24 December 2020) and series 2 (17 April 2021 and a Christmas special on 23 December 2021).
14 The Chart Show Channel 4 (1986-1989, 2003), ITV (1989-1998), and Chart Show TV (2008-2009)Music1986-1998, 2003, 2008-200911 April 1986May 2009
14 On the Record BBC One Political current affairs 1988–200218 September 198815 December 2002
14 The National Lottery: In It to Win It BBC One Game show 2002-201618 May 200216 July 2016
14 8 Out of 10 Cats Channel 4 (2005-2015), More4 (2016-2017), and E4 (2017, 2019-2021)Panel show2005–2017, 2019-20213 June 200517 January 2021
14 The X Factor ITV Talent show2004–20184 September 20042 December 2018This total does not include the 2019 spin-offs The X Factor: Celebrity or The X Factor: The Band .
14 The Jeremy Kyle Show ITV Tabloid talk show 2005–20194 July 200510 May 2019The show ended on 10 May 2019 following the death of a guest named Steve Dymond after failing a lie detector test.
14 BBC News at Five BBC News News programme2006-20203 April 200613 March 2020
14 World News Today BBC News, BBC One, BBC Four Current-affairs news programme2006-202030 May 200620 March 2020
14 The Big Questions BBC One Religion and ethics2007-20219 September 200721 March 2021
14 Celebrity Juice ITV2 Panel show2008-202224 September 200815 December 2022
13 Double Your Money ITV Game show1955-196826 September 195522 July 1968Originally broadcast on Radio Luxembourg since 1950.
13 Play Away BBC2 Children's programme1971-198419711984
13 Jackanory Playhouse BBC Children's programme1972-198519721985
13 Play Your Cards Right ITV Game show1980–1987, 1994-1999, 2002-20031 February 198020 June 2003The show was part of both series of Gameshow Marathon and aired on 15 October 2005 and 26 May 2007. Play Your Cards Right was also one of the formats used for Alan Carr's Epic Gameshow , with episodes of the game appearing on ITV as part of series 1 (27 June 2020 and a celebrity special on 30 May 2020), series 2 (6 August 2022 and a celebrity special on 3 April 2021) and series 3 (a celebrity special on 18 June 2022).
13 Only Fools and Horses BBC One Sitcom1981–1983, 1985-1993, 1996, 2001-20038 September 198125 December 2003Only Fools and Horses had two spin-offs, namely The Green Green Grass (2005–2009) and Rock & Chips (2010–2011).
13 40 Minutes BBC2 Documentary1981–199419811994Some documentaries in the original series were revisited and updated in a 2006 version, Forty Minutes On.
13 Screen Two BBC Two Anthology drama1985-19986 January 198521 June 1998
13 Telly Addicts BBC One Quiz Show 1985-19983 September 198529 July 1998
13 Goals on Sunday (1989 TV programme) ITV Sports programme1989-20028 October 198922 April 2002
13 Westminster Live BBC Two Political current affairs 1989-200221 November 198919 December 2002
13 Pingu SF DRS (Switzerland) / ZDF (Germany) (1990-2000), and CBeebies (2003-2006)Children's programme1990-2000, 2003-20067 March 19903 March 2006Two test animations were made in 1980 and one in 1986. A spin-off, Pingu in the City , first aired on NHK Educational TV in Japan from October 7, 2017 to March 30, 2019.
13 Get Your Own Back BBC One Children's game show1991–200426 September 1991
13 A Touch of Frost ITV Detective drama1992, 1994-1997, 1999-2006, 2008, 20106 December 19925 April 2010
13 SMart BBC One (1994–2005), BBC Two (2007–2008), and CBBC (2009)Children's art programme1994–2005, 2007-20095 October 19944 April 2009
13 The Vicar of Dibley BBC One Sitcom1994, 1996-2000, 2004–2007, 202010 November 19941 January 2007
13 Banged Up Abroad Channel 5 Documentary2006–2015, 2018-2022March 2006December 2022
13 Don't Tell the Bride BBC Three (2007-2014), BBC One (2015), Sky 1 (2016), and E4 (2017-2020)Reality2007-20208 November 200716 March 2020
12 Vision On BBC1 Children's programme for visually impaired children1964-19766 March 196411 May 1976
12 The Basil Brush Show BBC1 Children's programme1968–198014 June 19681980A show with the same name ran from 2002 to 2007 but was a sitcom whereas the original show was a variety show.
12 Magpie ITV Children's programme1968-198030 July 19686 June 1980
10 Crown Court ITV Courtroom drama 1972-198418 October 197229 March 1984
12 Name That Tune ITV (1976-1987), and Channel 5 (1997-1998)Game show1976-1987, 1997-19987 April 197629 December 1998Name That Tune was a 15-minute slot on the popular entertainment series Wednesday at Eight, which went on to become London Night Out, until it became a half-hour weekly series in 1983. The show was part of the second series of Gameshow Marathon and aired on 5 May 2007. Name That Tune was also one of the formats used for Alan Carr's Epic Gameshow , with episodes of the game appearing on ITV as part of series 2 (24 April 2021 and a celebrity special on 15 May 2021).
12 Give Us a Clue ITV (1979-1986, 1988-1992), and BBC One (1997)Game show1979-1986, 1988-1992, 19972 January 197919 December 1997A special aired in March 2011 for Red Nose Day 2011 as part of the BBC marathon panel show 24 Hour Panel People .
12 Spitting Image ITV Satire1984–199626 February 198418 February 1996In 2020, a new version of the show was made for international streamer BritBox with input from American and British writers. A couple of the episodes from the revived series, such as the Halloween Special (30 October 2021), have been also shown on ITV, the original broadcast channel of Spitting Image when it debuted 37 years earlier. [59]
12 The Cook Report ITV Current affairs1987-199922 July 198724 August 1999
12 Poirot ITV Detective fiction 1989–1993, 1995-1996, 2000-2001, 2003-2006, 2008-2010, 20138 January 198913 November 2013
12 Breakfast with Frost BBC One Current affairs 1993-20053 January 199329 May 2005
12 Jonathan Dimbleby ITV Political current affairs 1994-20069 April 19947 May 2006
12 BBC Wildlife Specials BBC One Nature documentary1995, 1997, 1999-2004, 2007-2010, 2013-2014, 201814 April 199530 December 2018
12 Scrapheap Challenge Channel 4 Game show1998-201012 April 199827 June 2010
12 New Tricks BBC One Police procedural comedy drama 2003–201527 March 20036 October 2015
12 The Xtra Factor ITV2 Talent companion show2004–20164 September 200411 December 2016
12 Coach Trip Channel 4 (2005-2006, 2009-2012, 2014-2015), and E4 (2016-2022)Reality game show2005-2006, 2009-2012, 2014-20227 March 200521 January 2022
12 Britain's Got More Talent ITV2 Variety talent companion show2007–20199 June 20072 June 2019This title was replaced by a new companion show, Britain's Got Talent: Unseen, on the ITV Hub in 2020. Britain's Got Talent: Unseen was next released in 2025 on ITVX and from 2026 was broadcast on ITV2 in a Sunday afternoon slot. [60] [61]
12 Love Your Garden ITV Gardening2011–202310 June 20112023
11 Christmas Night with the Stars BBC One Entertainment1958-1960, 1962-1964, 1967-1972, 1994, 200325 December 195825 December 2003
11 Wheelbase BBC2 Automotive show1964-197519641975
11 Are You Being Served? BBC One Sitcom1972-1979, 1981, 1983, 1985, 20168 September 197228 August 2016
11 Gambit ITV (1975-1985), Anglia (1995) Game show 1975-1985, 19953 July 19755 November 1995
11 Strike It Lucky ITV Game show 1986-1994, 1996-199929 October 198623 August 1999Rebranded as Strike It Rich from 1996 to 1999. Strike It Lucky was one of the formats used for Alan Carr's Epic Gameshow , with episodes of the game appearing on ITV as part of series 1 (20 June 2020), series 2 (1 May 2021 and a celebrity special on 22 May 2021) and series 3 (2 July 2022 and a celebrity version on 23 July 2022).
11 The Time, The Place ITV Talk show 1987-19987 September 198720 March 1998
11 Whose Line Is It Anyway? Channel 4 Improvisational comedy panel show 1988-199923 September 19884 February 1999A special aired in March 2011 for Red Nose Day 2011 as part of the BBC marathon panel show 24 Hour Panel People .
11 Birds of a Feather BBC One (1989-1994, 1996-1998), and ITV (2014-2017, 2020)Sitcom1989–1994, 1996-1998, 2014-2017, 202016 October 198924 December 2020
11 Children's Ward ITV Children's drama programme1989–200015 March 19894 May 2000
11 Breakfast News BBC One News programme1989–20002 October 198915 September 2000
11 Big Break BBC One Game show1991–200230 April 19919 October 2002
11 999 BBC One Docudrama 1992-200325 June 199217 September 2003
11 The Big Breakfast Channel 4 Light entertainment1992-2002, 2021-202228 September 19923 September 2022
11 They Think It's All Over BBC One Sport-based panel show 1995-200614 September 19959 June 2006The show was originally produced for BBC Radio 5, where it aired from 1992-1994. A special aired in March 2011 for Red Nose Day 2011 as part of the BBC marathon panel show 24 Hour Panel People .
11 My Family BBC One Sitcom2000–201119 September 20002 September 2011
11 Harry Hill's TV Burp ITV Comedy2001–2004, 2006-201222 December 20017 April 2012
11 60 Minute Makeover ITV (2004-2014), and Quest Red (2018)Home interior design 2004-2014, 201819 April 20042 March 2018
11 The Culture Show BBC Two Magazine programme 2004–201511 November 200424 January 2015
10 Clapperboard ITV Children's programme1972-198214 April 19721 January 1982
10 Gharbar (Hindustani) BBC2 (1977-1983, 1986-1987), and BBC1 (1983-1986)Magazine show1977-198719 October 197728 April 1987
10 3-2-1 ITV Game show1978-198829 July 197824 December 1988
10 The Book Tower ITV Children's programme1979-19893 January 197916 May 1989
10 Postman Pat BBC1 (1981-1982, 1990-1992, 1994-1995, 1997), CBeebies (2004, 2006-2008, 2013, 2016-2017) [u] Children's programme1981-1982, 1990-1992, 1994-1995, 1997, 2004, 2006-2008, 2013, 2016-201716 September 198129 March 2017
10 Wogan BBC1 Talk show1982-19924 May 19823 July 1992Wogan presented Wogan Now and Then in 2006, for UKTV Gold, where he spoke again with former guests from original series along with new guests. Thirteen hour-long episodes were made. [62] In March 2015, BBC Two launched a new compilation series, Wogan: the Best Of, featuring selected interview segments and music performances from Wogan's past chat series, linked by new introductions. [63]
10 First Tuesday ITV Documentary1983-19935 April 19832 November 1993
10 Highway ITV Religion1983-199323 October 19831 August 1993
10 Alas Smith and Jones BBC2 (1984-1988), and BBC One (1989-1998) Sketch comedy 1984–1992, 1995, 1997-199831 January 198414 October 1998
10 Crosswits ITV Quiz Show 1985, 1987-1994, 1996, 19983 September 198523 December 1998
10 Beadle's About ITV Comedy1986-199622 November 198631 October 1996
10 Inspector Morse ITV Detective drama1987–1993, 1995-1998, 20006 January 198715 November 2000Inspector Morse had two spin-offs, namely Lewis (2006–2015) and Endeavour (2012–2014, 2016-2021, 2023).
10 Going for Gold BBC1 (1987-1996), and Channel 5 (2008-2009)Game show1987-1996, 2008-200912 October 198720 March 2009
10 Crimewatch File BBC One Crime programme1988-1996, 1998-200010 August 19884 April 2000
10 Wipeout Galaxy / Sky One (1990-1992), and BBC One (1994-2002)Game show1990-1992, 1994-20021 October 19903 December 2002
10 Supermarket Sweep ITV (1993-2001, 2007, 2020), and ITV2 (2019)Game show1993-2001, 2007, 2019-20206 September 199319 December 2020
10 Animal Hospital BBC One Factual1994-200429 August 199413 September 2004
10 Jonathan Creek BBC One Comedy crime drama1997–2004, 2009-2010, 2013-2014, 201610 May 199728 December 2016
10 Child of Our Time BBC One (2000-2002, 2004-2008, 2010, 2013, 2017), and BBC Two (2020)Documentary2000-2002, 2004-2008, 2010, 2013, 2017, 202023 February 200011 March 2020
10 Bandit (Welsh) S4C Music2001-2011200128 December 2011
10 Wedi 7 (Welsh) S4C Magazine and chat show2002-20127 January 200229 February 2012
10 Doc Martin ITV Medical comedy-drama 2004–2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 20222 September 200425 December 2022
10 Who Dares Wins BBC One Game show 2007-2008, 2010-201917 November 20077 September 2019
10 Match of the Day Kickabout CBBC, BBC Two Sports programme2011-20218 January 201127 March 2021

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ Discounting first years of further runs if broadcast non-continuously, except if broadcast in an isolated year
  2. ↑ Not played during World War II, nor in 2020 due to COVID-19 concerns
  3. ↑ Not broadcast during World War II (1939–1945)
  4. ↑ Not broadcast during World War II (1939–1945)
  5. ↑ Cancelled due to World War II from 1940–1945 and due to Covid-19 in 2020
  6. ↑ Cancelled due to World War II from 1940–1946
  7. ↑ The BBC took over the Proms in 1927, broadcasting through radio
  8. ↑ Cancelled due to Covid-19 from 2020-2021
  9. ↑ Cancelled due to an electricians' strike in 1954 and the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021
  10. ↑ The 2020 edition was cancelled due to concerns about Covid-19
  11. ↑ BBC Radio Cymru in 1980
  12. ↑ BBC Radio 4 from 1998-2000
  13. ↑ Not broadcast on television from 2004-2010
  14. ↑ First broadcast on BBC Radio Ulster in 2005
  15. ↑ Made in partnership with Irish broadcaster RTÉ
  16. ↑ No. of broadcast years after year of first broadcast, discounting first years of further runs if broadcast non-continuously (except if broadcast in an isolated year)
  17. ↑ Previously Festival of British Popular Songs (1956-1957), Eurovision Song Contest British Final (1959-1960), A Song for Europe (1961-1995, 2000-2003), The Great British Song Contest (1996-1999), Eurovision: Making Your Mind Up (2004-2007), Eurovision: Your Decision (2008), and Eurovision: Your Country Needs You (2009-2010)
  18. ↑ Not a selection for the Eurovision Song Contest until 1957
  19. ↑ BBC Radio 4 from 2010-2016
  20. ↑ Some episodes were first released direct-to-video
  21. ↑ Episodes which were first released direct-to-video are counted by their television premiere

References

  1. ↑ "Wimbledon and the BBC 1927 to 2017". History of the BBC. 22 November 2018.
  2. ↑ "Wimbledon". Genome Project. 9 October 2018. Archived from the original on 10 October 2018.
  3. ↑ "The Lord Mayor's Show dates". BBC Genome. Retrieved 10 September 2018.
  4. ↑ "Royal National Eisteddfod of Wales 1953". 3 August 1953. p. 16 – via BBC Genome.
  5. ↑ "Panorama BBC Television, 11 November 1953". BBC Genome. 11 November 1953. Retrieved 23 November 2017.
  6. ↑ "Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod 1954". 7 July 1954. p. 15 – via BBC Genome.
  7. ↑ Bloxham, Andy (24 September 2010). "Coronation Street becomes world's longest-running soap". The Daily Telegraph . Retrieved 17 June 2014.
  8. ↑ "Royal Institution Christmas Lectures (lost television coverage of scientific presentations; 1936-1957)" . Retrieved 16 January 2026.
  9. ↑ "Dechrau Canu, Dechrau Canmol". 1 January 1961. p. 16 – via BBC Genome.
  10. ↑ "Pobol y Cwm". 16 October 1974. p. 55 – via BBC Genome.
  11. ↑ "Casualty to celebrate the end of 30th Anniversary series with a pioneering one-shot episode". BBC . Retrieved 24 November 2017.
  12. ↑ "Broadcasting Parliament". BBC. Retrieved 5 February 2025.
  13. ↑ "The Apprentice: Unfinished Business is coming to BBC Two, BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds". BBC . Retrieved 16 January 2026.
  14. ↑ "BBC One - 28 up: Millennium Generation".
  15. ↑ "'So different': How the millennials of 28 up are coping with changing times". TheGuardian.com . 28 September 2021.
  16. ↑ "Where the cast of 7 up are now they're 28 as new series starts on BBC". 29 September 2021.
  17. ↑ Bakare, Lanre (17 April 2026). "Asif Kapadia to direct 70 Up, last chapter of influential ITV documentary series". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 18 April 2026. Retrieved 23 June 2026.
  18. ↑ "What The Papers say set for radio revival". BBC News. 17 February 2010. Retrieved 22 February 2010.
  19. ↑ "BBC's What the Papers Say to fold after 60 years". TheGuardian.com . 26 February 2016.
  20. ↑ The Film Programme https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-46694568
  21. ↑ "Strictly Come Dancing" – via www.bbc.co.uk.
  22. ↑ "BBC One - Top of the Pops, Christmas 2020".
  23. ↑ "BBC One - Top of the Pops, New Year Special 2020/2021".
  24. ↑ "BBC One - Top of the Pops, the Story of 1990".
  25. ↑ "BBC One - Top of the Pops, 1990 - Big Hits".
  26. ↑ "BBC to reboot Tomorrow's World for one-off live special". The Guardian. 3 November 2018. Retrieved 3 November 2018.
  27. ↑ "BBC Four - Tomorrow's World Live: For One Night Only". BBC. Retrieved 23 November 2018.
  28. ↑ "Countryfile gives new home to One Man and His Dog". BBC News. 24 July 2013. Retrieved 12 March 2026.
  29. ↑ "BBC One - Watchdog, Series 42, Episode 6".
  30. ↑ "BBC One - Watchdog - Episode guide".
  31. ↑ "BBC One - the One Show - Watchdog on the One Show".
  32. ↑ "BBC One - the One Show, 22/06/2022".
  33. ↑ "BBC One - the One Show, 15/06/2022".
  34. ↑ "BBC One - the One Show, 29/06/2022".
  35. ↑ "HOW - Watch episodes".
  36. ↑ "Watch CITV live".
  37. ↑ "BBC One - the Generation Game, Series 1, Episode 1".
  38. ↑ "BBC One - the Generation Game, Series 1, Episode 2".
  39. ↑ "BBC One - the Generation Game - Episode guide".
  40. ↑ Darvill, Josh (2 October 2023). "Family Fortunes renewed for new series with Gino D'Acampo". TellyMix. Retrieved 2 October 2023.
  41. ↑ "ITV News uncovers multiple claims of sexually inappropriate behaviour by Gino D'Acampo". ITV News. 6 February 2025.
  42. ↑ Goldbart, Max (6 February 2025). "TV Personality Gino D'Acampo Accused Of Sexually Inappropriate Behavior By Multiple People". deadline.com. Retrieved 6 February 2025.
  43. ↑ McLaughlin, Charlotte (2 February 2025). "Gino D'Acampo re-runs shows pulled from ITV schedule after allegations". BreakingNews.ie. Retrieved 2 February 2025.
  44. ↑ Berry, Joanna (7 February 2025). "ITV's plans with Gino D'Acampo axed after 'inappropriate behaviour' allegations". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 7 February 2025.
  45. ↑ "Ultimate Guide to Thomas the Tank Engine". 6 November 2006. Archived from the original on 30 October 2013.
  46. ↑ Joseph, Michael (1980). 25 Years on ITV. London: Independent Television Books Ltd. p. 245. ISBN   0 900727 81 0 . Retrieved 19 July 2025.
  47. ↑ "Music: BBC Cardiff Singer of the World contest postponed to 2027". BBC News. 25 July 2024. Retrieved 27 November 2024.
  48. ↑ "BBC One - Parkinson at 50".
  49. ↑ Deans, Jason (7 May 2003). "ITV rejects Cilla documentary" . Retrieved 30 March 2025– via The Guardian.
  50. ↑ "Surprise Surprise - previously unaired show: Split from Cilla Black has died". TV Forum.
  51. ↑ Henry, Grace (9 March 2020). "Paul O'Grady's Blind Date "unlikely to return" to Channel 5". Radio Times.
  52. ↑ Ben Dowell (22 October 2007). "News: Media: Comedy Awards Firm Angry at ITV". guardian.co.uk . Retrieved 12 May 2008.
  53. ↑ OFCOM (8 May 2008). "Ofcom Fines ITV plc for Misconduct in Viewer Competitions and Voting". OFCOM press release. ofcom.org.uk. Archived from the original on 13 May 2008. Retrieved 13 May 2008.
  54. ↑ UTTON, DOMINIC (22 February 2018). "Witness the revival of The Old Grey Whistle Test" . Retrieved 26 March 2018.
  55. ↑ "Good Morning Britain".
  56. ↑ "Sky News wants to air more argument and opinion, like American news channels". The Drum. Retrieved 28 March 2026.
  57. ↑ "Autumnwatch returns to BBC after cancellation". Country Living. 24 October 2023.
  58. ↑ "One of us? Make Yourself at Home". BBC . Retrieved 6 October 2026.
  59. ↑ Webb, Beth (15 October 2021). "'Spitting Image' returns to live TV with Halloween special". NME .
  60. ↑ "Head to the ITV Hub for BGT: Unseen!". ITV.
  61. ↑ "Your Britain's Got Talent: Unseen acts are here".
  62. ↑ "Wogan, Now & Then - Spun Gold". www.spungoldtv.com. 12 May 2014.
  63. ↑ "BBC Two – Wogan: The Best Of". BBC. Retrieved 31 January 2016.