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, TNT Sports 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 Eurovision Song Contest Eurovision and Euroradio networks/BBC TV 1956–1964, BBC One (BBC) 1964–presentSong contest1956–2019, 2021-present [i]
1669–70 BAFTA Awards BBC One, ITV Awards ceremony1956-present
1768–69 The Sky at Night BBC One (1957–2013) and BBC Four (2014–present)Science programme1957–present
1867–68 RHS Chelsea Flower Show BBC Garden show outside broadcast 1958–present
1967–68 Final Score BBC Sports programme1958–present
2067–68 Blue Peter BBC Television Service (1958–1960), BBC TV (1960–1964), BBC1 (1964–2012), CBBC (1985–present), and CBBC HD (2013–present) Children's show 1958–present
2165–66 The Royal Variety Performance ITV (1960-present), and BBC (1962-2010) [j] Variety show 1960–present
2265–66 Coronation Street [7] ITV Soap opera 1960–present
2364–65 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]
2464–65 Dechrau Canu, Dechrau Canmol (Welsh) [9] BBC One Wales (1961–1982), and S4C (1982–present)Religious programme1961–present
2564–65 Songs of Praise BBC One Religious programme1961–present
2662–63 Royal Christmas Message BBC, ITV, Sky News Speech1957-1958, 1960-1962, 1964-1968, 1970–present
2761–62 Horizon BBC Two Science programme1964–present
2861–62 Match of the Day BBC Two (1964–1966), and BBC One (1966–present) Sports programme1964–present
2957–58 Gardeners' World BBC Two Gardening1968–present
3056–57 Points of View BBC One TV feedback show1961–1971, 1979–present
3156–57 University Challenge ITV (1962–87), and BBC Two (1994–present)Quiz1962–1987, 1994–present
3253–54 Newsround BBC One (1972–2012), CBBC (2002–present), BBC Two (2022–present)Children's news1972–present
3353–54 ITV Lunchtime News ITV News programme1972-present
3453–54 Emmerdale ITV Soap opera 1972–present
3552–53 ITV News at Ten ITV News programme1967–1999, 2001–2004, 2008–present
3652–53 Cân i Gymru (Welsh) BBC One (1969), BBC One Wales (1972, 1974-1978, 1982), HTV (1979, 1981), BBC Radio Cymru (1980), S4C (1983–present)Song contest1969–1972, 1974–1979, 1981–present
3751–52 Pobol y Cwm (Welsh) [10] BBC One Wales (1974–1982) and S4C (1982–present) Soap opera 1974–present
3850–51 Sportscene BBC One Scotland, BBC Two Scotland, and BBC Scotland Sport1975–present
3950–51 Arena BBC Two (1975–2011), and BBC Four (2003–present)Documentary1975–present
4050 A Question of Sport BBC One Quiz show1968, 1970-1972, 1974-1977, 1979–2023
4149–50 Mastermind BBC One (1972-1997), BBC Radio 4 (1998–2000), Discovery Channel (2001–2002), and BBC Two (2003–present)Quiz1972–1997, 2001-present
4249–50 Landward BBC One Scotland, BBC Scotland Rural and agricultural affairs1976–present
4348–49 It'll Be Alright on the Night ITV Bloopers programme1977–present
4447–48 Football Focus BBC One Sports programme1974-1988, 1992–present
4547–48 Ski Sunday BBC Two Sports programme1978–present
4647–48 Beechgrove BBC One Scotland, BBC Two Scotland, and BBC Scotland Gardening1978–present
4746–47 Antiques Roadshow BBC One Antiques programme1979–present
4846–47 Doctor Who BBC One Science fiction 1963–1989, 1996, 2005–present
4946–47 Question Time BBC One Political panel programme1979–present
5045–46 Newsnight BBC Two News programme1980–present
5145–46 BBC Children in Need BBC One and BBC Two Charity telethon1980–present
5244–45 See Hear BBC Two Deaf magazine programme1981–present
5343–44 Countdown Channel 4 Game show1982–present
5443–44 Channel 4 News Channel 4 News programme1982–present
5543–44 Cefn Gwlad (Welsh) S4C Rural magazine programme1982–present
5643–44 Noson Lawen (Welsh) S4C Variety Entertainment show1982–present
5743 The South Bank Show ITV (1978–2010), and Sky Arts (2012–2023)Art programme1978–2010, 2012–2023
5841–42 BBC News at Six BBC One and BBC News Channel News programme1984–present
5940–41 BRIT Awards BBC One (1985-1992), and ITV (1993-present)Awards ceremony1985–present
6040–41 EastEnders BBC One Soap opera 1985–present
6139–40 Casualty [11] BBC One Medical drama 1986–present
6239–40 BBC News at One BBC One and BBC News Channel News programme1986–present
6338–39 Dispatches Channel 4 Current affairs 1987–present
6437–38 Comic Relief BBC One and BBC Two Charity telethon1988-present
6537–38 Countryfile BBC One Rural and agricultural affairs news magazine 1988–present
6637–38 This Morning ITV Daytime magazine programme1988–present
6737–38 Sgorio (Welsh) S4C Sport1988–present
6836–37 Olivier Awards BBC One (1981-1992, 2026), BBC Two (1993-2003), BBC Red Button (2011-2012) and ITV (2013-2025) [k] Awards ceremony1981–2003, 2011-present
6936–37 Prime Minister's Questions BBC Parliament Politics1989-present [12]
7035–36 Have I Got News for You BBC Two (1990-2000), and BBC One (2000-present) Satirical panel show 1990–present
7133–34 Later... with Jools Holland BBC Two Music1992–present
7232–33 Eòrpa (Scottish Gaelic) BBC Alba Current affairs 1993-present
7331–32 MasterChef BBC One (1990-2000, 2009-present), and BBC Two (2001, 2005-2008)Cooking competition1990-2001, 2005–present
7431–32 The National Lottery Draws BBC One (1994–2016), BBC iPlayer (2017–2018), and ITV (2018–present) (during advert breaks)Game show1994–present
7530–31 Catchphrase ITV Game show1986–2002, 2013–present
7630–31 Rownd a Rownd (Welsh) S4C Soap opera 1995–present
7730–31 Hollyoaks Channel 4 (1995–present), E4 (2001–present), and All 4 (2022–present) Soap opera 1995–present
7829–30 Silent Witness BBC One Drama1996–present
7929 World Business Report BBC News, BBC One, BBC Two Business news programme1995-2024
8028–29 National Television Awards ITV Awards ceremony1995–2008, 2010-present
8128–29 Midsomer Murders ITV Detective series1997–present
8228–29 5 News Channel 5 News programme1997–present
8328 Ffeil (Welsh) S4C Children's news1995–2023
8428 HARDtalk BBC News Interview show1997–2025
8526–27 Grand Designs Channel 4 Documentary1999–present
8626–27 Loose Women ITV Talk show1999–present
8726–27 Sky News at 10 Sky News News programme1999–present
8826–27 DIY SOS BBC One DIY 1999–present
8925–26 Bargain Hunt BBC One Antiques programme2000–present
9025–26 Pride of Britain Awards ITV Awards ceremony2000–present
9125–26 Location, Location, Location Channel 4 Property show2000–present
9225–26 Unreported World Channel 4 Current affairs 2000–present
9325–26 A Place in the Sun Channel 4 Property show2000–present
9425–26 BBC Breakfast BBC One and BBC News Channel News programme2000–present
9525–26 BBC News at Ten BBC One and BBC News Channel News programme2000–present
9625 Click BBC Review show2000–2025
9724–25 ITV Racing ITV Horse racing programme1969-1985, 2017-present
9824–25 Saturday Kitchen BBC Two (2001-2005), and BBC One (2006-present)Cooking show2001–present
9924 Doctors BBC One Soap Opera / Medical Drama (Day Time)2000–2024
10024 BBC Sportsday BBC News, BBC One, BBC Two Sports news programme2001–2025
10123–24 Never Mind the Buzzcocks BBC Two (1996-2015), and Sky Max (2021–present) Panel show 1996-2015, 2021–present
10223–24 Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? ITV Quiz1998–2014, 2018–present
10323–24 I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out Out of Here! ITV Reality competition2002–present
10423–24 River City BBC One Scotland, BBC Two Scotland, and BBC Scotland Drama2002–present
10523–24 Escape to the Country BBC One Property show2002–present
10623–24 Celebrity Mastermind BBC Two (2002-2004, 2024-present), and BBC One (2004-2024)Quiz2002–present
10722–23 Homes Under the Hammer BBC One Property show2003–present
10822–23 QI BBC Four, BBC Two, and BBC One Panel show 2003–present
10922 Family Fortunes ITV Game show1980–1985, 1987-2000, 2002, 2020–2023
11021–22 British Soap Awards ITV Awards ceremony1999-2019, 2022-2023, 2025–present
11121–22 Strictly Come Dancing BBC One Talent show2004–present
11221–22 Who Do You Think You Are? BBC Two (2004-2006), and BBC One (2006-present)Documentary2004–present
11321–22 BBC Newswatch BBC Factual 2004–present
11421–22 Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two BBC Two Aftershow 2004–present
11521–22 The Big Fat Quiz of the Year Channel 4 Panel show 2004–present
11621 Match of the Day 2 BBC Two (2004-2012), and BBC One (2012-2025)Sports programme2004-2025
11720–21 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
11820–21 Big Brother Channel 4 (2000-2010), Channel 5 (2011-2018), and ITV2 (2023-present)Reality competition2000-2018, 2023–present
11920–21 Dragons' Den BBC Two (2005–2020), and BBC One (2021–present)Reality competition2005–present
12020–21 Come Dine with Me Channel 4 Reality2005–present
12120–21 The Apprentice BBC Two (2005–2006), and BBC One (2007-present)Reality competition2005–present
12220–21 Pocoyo CITV (series 1–2), Nick Jr. (series 3), and ITVX (series 4–present)Preschool series2005–2010, 2016–present
12320–21 Springwatch BBC Two Nature2005-present
12420–21 The Hotel Inspector Channel 5 Documentary2005-present
12520 Eggheads BBC One (2003–2004), BBC Two (2005–2020), and Channel 5 (2021–2023)Quiz2003–2023
12619–20 Great British Menu BBC Two Cooking competition2006–present
12719–20 The One Show BBC One Magazine and chat show2006–present
12819–20 Celebrity MasterChef BBC One (2006-2011, 2013-present), and BBC Two (2012)Cooking competition2006–present
12919 Glastonbury Channel 4 (1994-1995), and BBC (1997-2025) Performing arts festival outside broadcast 1994-1995, 1997-2000, 2002-2005, 2007-2011, 2013-2017, 2019, 2022-2025
13019 The Gadget Show Channel 5 Consumer technology review2004–2023
13119 The Apprentice: You're Fired BBC Three (2006), and BBC Two (2007-2025) [13] Aftershow 2006–2025
13218–19 Dickinson's Real Deal ITV Antiques programme2006–2024, 2026-present
13318–19 Animal Park BBC One Documentary2000–2009, 2016–present
13418–19 I'm a Celebrity: Unpacked ITV2 Aftershow 2002-2019, 2024–present
13518–19 The Graham Norton Show BBC Two (2007–09) and BBC One (2009–present) Talk show 2007–present
13618–19 The Adventure Show BBC Scotland (2007–present)Sport2007–present
13718–19 Britain's Got Talent ITV Variety talent show 2007-2020, 2022–present
13818–19 Would I Lie to You? BBC One Panel show 2007–present
13918 Celebrity Big Brother Channel 4 (2001-2010), Channel 5 (2011-2018), and ITV1 (2024-2025)Reality competition2001-2018, 2024–2025
14017–18 The Weakest Link BBC One and BBC Two Quiz2000–2012, 2017, 2021–present
14117–18 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
14217–18 Mock the Week BBC Two (2005-2022), and TLC (2026-present) Panel show 2005–2022, 2026-present
14317–18 Police Interceptors Channel 5 Documentary2008–present
14417–18 MasterChef: The Professionals BBC Two (2008-2019), and BBC One (2020-present)Cooking competition2008–present
14517–18 Only Connect BBC Four (2008–2014), and BBC Two (2014–present)Quiz2008–present
14617–18 Seachd Là (Scottish Gaelic) BBC Alba News programme2008-present
14716–17 Bullseye ITV (1981-1995, 2024-present), and Challenge (2006)Game show1981-1995, 2006, 2024–present
14816–17 CBeebies Bedtime Stories CBeebies Children's stories2009–present
14916–17 The Chase ITV Quiz2009–present
15016–17 Pointless BBC Two (2009–2011), and BBC One (2011–present)Quiz2009–present
15116–17 Rip Off Britain BBC One Factual2009–present
15216 Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway ITV Variety2002–2009, 2013-2018, 2020-2024
15315–16 Peppa Pig Channel 5 and Nick Jr. Preschool series2004, 2006-2007, 2009–2012, 2015–present
15415–16My Life CBBC, BBC Two Documentary2010–present
15515–16 Antiques Road Trip BBC Two (2010-2012), and BBC One (2013-present)Antiques programme2010–present
15615–16 Four in a Bed Channel 4 Reality competition2010–present
15715–16 Sunday Morning Live BBC One Religious and current affairs2010–present
15815–16 The Great British Bake Off BBC Two (2010–2013), BBC One (2014–2016), and Channel 4 (2017–present)Baking competition2010–present
15915–16 Lorraine ITV Morning magazine show2010–present
16015–16 The Only Way Is Essex ITV2 (2010–2014, 2025-present), and ITVBe (2014–2025)Reality2010–present
16115 Dancing on Ice ITV Talent show2006–2014, 2018–2025
16215 A League of Their Own Sky One (2010–2021), and Sky Max (2021–2025) Panel show 2010–2025
16314–15 Fireman Sam English: BBC One (1987-1988, 1990, 1994), CBeebies (2005), Cartoonito (2008-2009), Channel 5 (2012, 2014, 2016-2018, 2020–present)
Welsh: S4C 		Children's television series 1987–1988, 1990, 1994, 2005, 2008-2009, 2012, 2014, 2016-2018, 2020-present
16414–15 Mrs. Brown's Boys [l] BBC One Sitcom 2011–present
16514–15 Long Lost Family ITV Documentary2011–present
16614–15 Made In Chelsea E4 Reality2011–present
16714–15 24 Hours in A&E Channel 4 Medical documentary2011–present
16814–15 Newsday BBC News, BBC One News programme2011–present
16914–15 The Jonathan Ross Show ITV Talk show2011–present
17014–15 Black Mirror Channel 4 (2011–2014), and Netflix (2016-present)Science Fiction Anthology2011–present
17114–15 Christmas University Challenge BBC Two Quiz2011–present
17214 Vera ITV Crime drama2011–2025
17313–14 Deal or No Deal Channel 4 (2005-2016), and ITV1 (2023-present)Game show2005-2016, 2023–present
17413–14 Soccer Aid ITV Charity sports event2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018-present
17513–14 Kate Garraway's Life Stories ITV Talk show2009–2015, 2017-2023, 2025-present
17613–14 Great British Railway Journeys BBC Two Travel documentary2010–2021, 2023-present
17713–14 Death in Paradise BBC One Mystery2011, 2013–present
17813–14 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown Channel 4 Panel show 2012–present
17913–14 Call the Midwife BBC One Drama2012–present
18013–14 Winterwatch BBC Two Nature2012-present
18113–14 The Voice UK BBC One (2012–2016), and ITV (2017-present)Talent show2012–present
18213–14 Tipping Point ITV Quiz show 2012-present
18313–14 The Last Leg Channel 4 Topical panel2012–present
18413–14 The Martin Lewis Money Show ITV Financial current affairs2012–present
18513–14 Stand Up to Cancer Channel 4 Charity telethon2012–present
18613–14 George Clarke's Amazing Spaces Channel 4 Documentary2012–present
18712–13 Wheel of Fortune ITV Game show1988-1989, 1991-2001, 2024-present)
18812–13 Something Special CBeebies Preschool series2003, 2006-2008, 2010-2012, 2014, 2016-2018, 2020, 2022-present
18912–13 Not Going Out BBC One Sitcom 2006–2007, 2009, 2011-2015, 2017-2023, 2025-present
19012–13 Geordie Shore MTV Reality2011–2022, 2024-present
19112–13 The Dumping Ground CBBC Children's drama2013–present
19212–13 Talking Pictures BBC Two Documentary2013–present
19312–13 Father Brown BBC One Mystery2013–present
19412–13 Car S.O.S National Geographic, Channel 4/ More4 (repeats)Documentary2013–present
19512–13 The Travel Show BBC News, BBC Two Travel programme2013–present
19612–13 Gogglebox Channel 4 Reality2013–present
19712–13 The Great British Sewing Bee BBC Two (2013-2019), and BBC One (2020-present)Sewing competition2013–present
19812–13 First Dates Channel 4 Reality dating2013–present
19912–13 Artist of the Year Sky Arts Competition2013–present
20012 Love Your Garden ITV Gardening2011–2023
20111–12 Waterloo Road BBC One (2006-2014, 2023-present), and BBC Three (2015) School drama 2006-2015, 2023-present
20211–12 For the Love of Dogs ITV Documentary2012-2019, 2021–present
20311–12 The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice BBC Two (2014-2016), and Channel 4 (2017-present) Aftershow 2014–present
20411–12 24 Hours in Police Custody Channel 4 Crime documentary2014–present
20510–11 You Bet! ITV Game show1988-1997, 2024–present
20610–11 Shaun the Sheep CBBC (2007–present), BBC One (2015–present), and BBC Two (2022–present) Animation 2007, 2009-2010, 2012-2016, 2019-2022, 2025-present
20710–11 Fake or Fortune? BBC One Documentary2011–2012, 2014-2019, 2021-present
20810–11 The Real Housewives of Cheshire ITVBe (2015-2025), and ITV2 (2026-present)Reality2015–present
20910–11 Love Island ITV2 Reality dating2015–present
21010–11 Married at First Sight Channel 4 (2015–2020), and E4 (2016-present)Reality dating2015–present
21110–11 Taskmaster Dave (2015-2019), and Channel 4 (2020-present)Panel game show2015–present
21210–11 Inside the Factory BBC Two Documentary2015–present
21310–11 Money for Nothing BBC One DIY 2015–present
21410–11 The Yorkshire Vet Channel 5 Reality2015–present
2159–10 Digging for Britain BBC Two Documentary 2010-2011, 2015-2020, 2022–present
2169–10 Operation Ouch! CBBC Children's medical television series2012-2013, 2015-2017, 2019–present
2179–10 Bargain-Loving Brits in the Sun Channel 5 Reality documentary2016–present
2189–10A New Life in the Sun Channel 4 Property show2016–present
2199–10 Bake Off: The Professionals BBC Two (2016-2017), and Channel 4 (2018-present)Cooking competition2016–present
2209–10 Celebs Go Dating E4 Reality dating2016–present
2219–10 Ambulance BBC One Documentary 2016–present

Ended

No. of broadcast years after year of first broadcastTitleNetworkGenreAiring betweenNotes
55 Up (ITV series) Documentary1964–2019The 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]
52 What the Papers Say News programme1956–2008
52 Eurovision: You Decide [m] BBC One (1957, 1959-1976, 1978, 1980-2010), BBC Four (2016), and BBC Two (2017-2019)Song contest1957, 1959-1976, 1978, 1980-2010, 2016-2019The 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.
49 Come Dancing Talent show1949–1998 [n] The celebrity show Strictly Come Dancing [17] has been broadcast on the BBC since 2004.
49 Grandstand Sport1958–2007
46 The Film Show [18] Entertainment review1971–2018
44 The Money Programme Finance programme1966–2010
44 Top Gear Original: BBC One Midlands (1977–1978), BBC Two (1978–2001)
Revival: BBC Two (2002–2020), BBC One (2020–2022)		Automotive series1977–2022
43 This Is Your Life Documentary1955–1964, 1969–2003, 2007
42 Top of the Pops Chart programme1964–2006Two special best of the year editions (with one billed as the Christmas show [19] and the other as the New Year show) [20] 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. [21] [22]
38 Holiday Travel documentary 1969–2007The travelogue series ended in 2007 8 years after the murder of Jill Dando.
38 Tomorrow's World Science and technology1965–2003
37 Last of the Summer Wine Sitcom1973–2010
37 The Sooty Show Children's programme1955–1992
36 Thomas & Friends [23] ITV (Series 1–3 and 7)

Direct-to-video (Series 4–5)

Nick Jr. (Series 6 and 8–11)

Channel 5 (Series 12–24)

Children's programme1984–2021Rebooted into Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go by Mattel Television & Nelvana, which premiered in autumn 2021 after cancellation on 20 January 2021.
35 World in Action Current affairs1963–1998
35 Postman Pat Children's programme1981-2017
34 Mr and Mrs Game show1965–1999Phillip Schofield started to host a celebrity revival called All Star Mr & Mrs in 2008, with this new version lasting until 2016.
34 Watchdog Consumer advice programme1985–2019 [24] [25] After the regular series was cancelled, Watchdog became a feature segment on Wednesday night episodes of The One Show, [26] [27] with Matt Allwright [28] and Nikki Fox continuing from the old programme to present the reports. [29]
33 Crimewatch Crime programme1984–2017A spin-off programme, Crimewatch Live , continues to air on an ad-hoc basis as part of BBC One's daytime schedule.
32 Channel 4 Racing Horse racing programme1984–2016
32 You've Been Framed! ITV Comedy1990-2022
31 Call My Bluff Game show1965–1988, 1994, 1996–2004
31 Jackanory Children's programme1965–1996, 2006
30 The Good Old Days BBC Old time variety1953-1983
30 HOW [30] [31] ITV/CITV Children's programme1966–1981, 1990-1997, 1999-2004, 2006, 2020, 2022
30 BBC Nine O'Clock News BBC One (BBC)News programme1970–2000
30 Grange Hill Children's drama series1978–2008
30 Sunrise Sky News News1989–2019
29 Sportsnight BBC Sports programme1968-1997
28 Crackerjack BBC TV 1955-1964/ BBC One 1964-1984/ CBBC 2020–2021Children's television1955–1970, 1972-1984, 2020–2021
28 This Week ITV Current affairs1956–1978, 1986-1992
28 It's a Knockout Game show1966–1988, 1990–1994, 1999–2001
28 Timewatch History series1981–2009
27 Taggart Detective series1983–2010
27 The Bill Police drama 1983–2010Also 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 Soap opera1964–1988, 2001–2003
26 Dateline London BBC News News discussion programme1996-2022
25 The Generation Game BBC Game show1971-1982, 1990-2002, 2005, 2018The series ended in 2002, with two specials hosted by Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins being shown on BBC One in April 2018. [32] [33] Even though these episodes are listed as series 1 [34] on the BBC programme guide, no regular series have been made since Jim Davidson left the series in the early 2000s.
24 Play School Children's programme1964–1988
24 The Big Match Sport1968–1992Between 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 Poirot ITV Detective drama1989–2013
23 We Are the Champions BBC1 (1973-1995), and CBBC (2010)Children's game show 1973-1995, 2010
23 Play Your Cards Right Game show1980–2003Play Your Cards Right is 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 version from 30 May 2020) and series 2 (a celebrity special on 3 April 2021).
23 Take the High Road Soap opera1980–2003
23 Top of the Pops 2 Archive music programme1994–2017
23 Holby City BBC One Medical drama1999–2022
22 Only Fools and Horses Sitcom1981–2003Also includes the spin-offs The Green Green Grass (2005–2009) and Rock and Chips (2010–2011)
22 ChuckleVision Children's programme1987–2009
21 Andy Pandy BBC (1950-1970), and CBeebies (2002)Children's programme1950-1970, 2002
21 What's My Line? BBC Television Service (1951-1963), BBC2 (1973-1974), and ITV (1984-1990, 1994-1996)Panel game show1951-1963, 1973-1974, 1984-1990, 1994-1996
21 Dixon of Dock Green Police drama1955–1976
21 Animal Magic BBC Children's programme1962-1973
21 Brookside Soap opera1982–2003
21 Art Attack Children's programme1990–2007, 2011–2015
21 Parkinson Chat show1971–1982, 1987–1988, 1998–2007A retrospective show Parkinson at 50 was broadcast by BBC One on 28 August 2021. [35]
21 Fifteen to One Channel 4 Quiz Show 1988-2003, 2013-2019 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, 2014-2017
20 World of Sport ITV Sports programme1965-1985
20 Rainbow Children's education1972–1992
20 Surprise Surprise Game show1984–2001, 2012–2015
20 The Really Wild Show Children's programme1986–2006
20 Pingu CBeebies Children's programme1986–2006
20 Time Team Archaeology1994–2014In 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.
19 Jim'll Fix It Children's programme1975–1994, 2007
19 The Krypton Factor Game show1977–1995, 2009–2010
18 Armchair Theatre ITV Drama anthology series1956-1974
18 Blind Date Dating game show 1985–2003Channel 5 broadcast a version of this format with Paul O'Grady between 2017 and 2019, giving Blind Date a span of 34 years. [36]
18 Heartbeat Drama1992–2010Also includes the spin-off The Royal (2003–2011)
18 A Touch of Frost Detective drama1992–2010
18 Flog It! BBC Two Antiques programme2002-2020
17 Opportunity Knocks Talent show1956, 1964–1978, 1987–1990
17 The Old Grey Whistle Test BBC2 (1971-1988), and BBC Four (2018)Music1971-1988On 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. [37]
17 Byker Grove Teen drama1989–2006
17 GMTV ITV and ITV2 (GMTV2)Breakfast Show1993–2010ITV'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 38 years as of 2021. [38]
17 Ready Steady Cook BBC Cooking show1994-2010, 2020-2021
17 Autumnwatch BBC Two Nature2005-2022The 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. [39]
16 Weekend World ITV Current affairs 1972-1988
16 After Dark Channel 4 (1987–1989, 1991, 1993-1997), and BBC Four (2003)Discussion series1987–1989, 1991, 1993-1997, 2003
16 This Week BBC One Political current affairs 2003-2019
16 8 Out of 10 Cats Channel 4 More 4 E4 Panel show2005–2021
16 The Andrew Marr Show BBC One Talk show2005–2021
15 Z-Cars BBC Police procedural 1962–1965, 1967–1978
15 Minder Comedy drama 1979–1994
15 SMart Children's programme 1994–2009
15 Daily Politics BBC Two (Monday–Friday) and BBC One (Sunday)Political current affairs 2003-2018
14 The Two Ronnies BBC1 (1971-1972, 1976-1987), and BBC2 (1973, 1975-1976)Comedy sketch show 1971-1973, 1975-1987
14 Sportsview BBC Sports programme1954-1968
14 Nationwide BBC Current affairs1969-1983
14 Rumpole of the Bailey Legal drama 1978–1992
14 London's Burning Drama1988–2002
14 The X Factor Talent show2004–2018This total does not include the 2019 spin-offs The X Factor: Celebrity or The X Factor: The Band .
14 The Jeremy Kyle Show Tabloid talk show 2005–2019The 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 programme2006-2020
14 World News Today BBC News, BBC One, BBC Four Current-affairs news programme2006-2020
14 The Big Questions BBC One Religion and ethics2007-2021
13 Crosswits Quiz Show 1985-1998
13 Telly Addicts Quiz Show 1985-1998
13 Strike It Lucky Quiz Show 1986-1999Rebranded as Strike It Rich from 1996 to 1999.
13 Inspector Morse ITV Detective drama1987–2000Also includes the spin-offs Lewis (2006–2015) and Endeavour (2012–2023)
13 Westminster Live BBC Two Political current affairs 1989-2002
13 Get Your Own Back Children's game show1991–2004
13 The Vicar of Dibley Sitcom1994–2007, 2020
13 Foyle's War ITV, STV, and UTV Detective drama2002–2015
13 Banged Up Abroad Channel 5 Documentary2006–2015, 2018-2022
12 The Basil Brush Show Children's programme1968–1980A show with the same name ran from 2002 to 2007 but was a sitcom whereas the original show was a variety show.
12 The Goodies BBC (Series 1-8) and ITV (Series 9) onlyComedy1970-1982The trio consisted of Tim Brooke-Taylor, Graeme Garden and Bill Oddie
12 All Creatures Great and Small Comedy drama1978–1990In 2020, Channel 5 started to broadcast a new version of the show with Nicholas Ralph as James Herriot and Samuel West as Siegfried Farnon. [40]
12 Blockbusters Quiz1983–1993, 1994–1995, 1997, 2000–2001, 2012, 2019
12 Spitting Image Satire1984–1996In 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. [41]
12 The Price is Right Game show1984–1988, 1989–1990, 1995–2001, 2006–2007The Price is Right is 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 series 2 (17 April 2021).
12 Red Dwarf BBC Two 1988-1999, Dave 2009-2020 Sitcom 1988–1989, 1991–1993, 1997, 1999, 2009, 2012, 2016–2017, 2020 [42]
12 Breakfast with Frost BBC One Current affairs 1993-2005
12 Scrapheap Challenge Channel 4 Game show1998-2010
12 New Tricks BBC One Comedy drama2003–2015
12 The Xtra Factor Talent companion show2004–2016
12 Coach Trip Channel 4 (2005-2006, 2009-2012, 2014-2015), and E4 (2016-2022)Reality game show2005-2006, 2009-2012, 2014-2022
12 Britain's Got More Talent Variety talent companion show2007–2019This title was replaced by a new companion show, Britain's Got Talent: Unseen, on the ITV Hub from 2020. [43] [44]
11 Children's Ward Children's drama series1989–2000
11 Mike and Angelo Children's programme1989–2000
11 Breakfast News BBC One News programme1989–2000
11 Brum Children's programme1991–2002
11 My Family Sitcom2000–2011
11 Harry Hill's TV Burp Comedy2001–2012
11 The Culture Show BBC Two Magazine programme 2004–2015
11 Benidorm Sitcom2007–2018
11 Till Death Us Do Part Comedy1965–1975
10 The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes Detective drama1984–1994
10 One Foot in the Grave Sitcom1990–2000
10 Rosie and Jim CITV (ITV)Children's programme1990–2000
10 Jonathan Creek BBC One Crime drama1997–2004, 2009-2010, 2013-2014, 2016
10 Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps Sitcom2001–2011
10 Doc Martin ITV Medical comedy-drama 2004–2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2022
10 Match of the Day Kickabout CBBC Sports programme2011-2021

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ Discounting first years of further runs if broadcast non-continuously
  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. ↑ The 2020 edition was cancelled due to concerns about Covid-19
  10. ↑ Between 1961 and 2010 ITV televised the show during odd-numbered years and the BBC televised the show during even-numbered years
  11. ↑ Radio only from 2004-2010
  12. ↑ Made in partnership with Irish broadcaster RTÉ
  13. ↑ Previously Festival of British Popular Songs (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)
  14. ↑ Not a competition until 1953

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. ↑ "Strictly Come Dancing" – via www.bbc.co.uk.
  18. ↑ The Film Programme https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-46694568
  19. ↑ "BBC One - Top of the Pops, Christmas 2020".
  20. ↑ "BBC One - Top of the Pops, New Year Special 2020/2021".
  21. ↑ "BBC One - Top of the Pops, the Story of 1990".
  22. ↑ "BBC One - Top of the Pops, 1990 - Big Hits".
  23. ↑ "Ultimate Guide to Thomas the Tank Engine". 6 November 2006. Archived from the original on 30 October 2013.
  24. ↑ "BBC One - Watchdog, Series 42, Episode 6".
  25. ↑ "BBC One - Watchdog - Episode guide".
  26. ↑ "BBC One - the One Show - Watchdog on the One Show".
  27. ↑ "BBC One - the One Show, 22/06/2022".
  28. ↑ "BBC One - the One Show, 15/06/2022".
  29. ↑ "BBC One - the One Show, 29/06/2022".
  30. ↑ "HOW - Watch episodes".
  31. ↑ "Watch CITV live".
  32. ↑ "BBC One - the Generation Game, Series 1, Episode 1".
  33. ↑ "BBC One - the Generation Game, Series 1, Episode 2".
  34. ↑ "BBC One - the Generation Game - Episode guide".
  35. ↑ "BBC One - Parkinson at 50".
  36. ↑ Henry, Grace (9 March 2020). "Paul O'Grady's Blind Date "unlikely to return" to Channel 5". Radio Times.
  37. ↑ UTTON, DOMINIC (22 February 2018). "Witness the revival of The Old Grey Whistle Test" . Retrieved 26 March 2018.
  38. ↑ "Good Morning Britain".
  39. ↑ "Autumnwatch returns to BBC after cancellation". Country Living. 24 October 2023.
  40. ↑ "My5". www.channel5.com.
  41. ↑ Webb, Beth (15 October 2021). "'Spitting Image' returns to live TV with Halloween special". NME .
  42. ↑ Red Dwarf (TV Series 1988– ) - Episode list - IMDb . Retrieved 20 May 2025– via www.imdb.com.
  43. ↑ "Head to the ITV Hub for BGT: Unseen!". ITV.
  44. ↑ "Your Britain's Got Talent: Unseen acts are here".
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