List of longest-running British television programmes

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

Running

Rank No. of broadcast years
(after year of first broadcast)[a] 		Title Network Genre Airing between
1 80–81 The Wimbledon Championships BBC Television Service, BBC One, BBC Two, TNT Sports Sports outside broadcast 1937-1939, 1946-2019, 2021-present[b][1][2]
2 80–81 The Lord Mayor's Show BBC One Outside broadcast 1937–1938, 1946–present[c][3]
3 80–81 Remembrance Sunday: The Cenotaph BBC One Outside broadcast 1937–1938, 1946–present[d]
4 78–79 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]
5 76–77 Trooping the Colour BBC One Outside broadcast 1939, 1947, 1949-1954, 1956–present[f]
6 73–74 BBC Proms BBC Concert outside broadcast 1947-1948, 1953-present[g]
7 72–73 National Eisteddfod of Wales[4] BBC One Wales (1953–1982), and S4C (1982–present) Outside broadcast 1953–present
8 72–73 Panorama[5] BBC One and BBC World News Current affairs 1953–present
9 71–72 The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo BBC Outside broadcast 1951-2019, 2022–present[h]
10 70–71 BBC Weekend News BBC One News programme 1954-present
11 71–72 Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod[6] BBC One Wales (1954–1982), and S4C (1982–present) Outside broadcast 1954–present
12 71–72 BBC Sports Personality of the Year BBC Awards ceremony 1954–present
13 70–71 ITV Weekend News ITV News programme 1955-present
14 70–71 ITV Evening News ITV News programme 1955-present
15 69–70 Eurovision Song Contest Eurovision and Euroradio networks/BBC TV 1956–1964, BBC One (BBC) 1964–present Song contest 1956–2019, 2021-present[i]
16 69–70 BAFTA Awards BBC One, ITV Awards ceremony 1956-present
17 68–69 The Sky at Night BBC One (1957–2013) and BBC Four (2014–present) Science programme 1957–present
18 67–68 RHS Chelsea Flower Show BBC Garden show outside broadcast 1958–present
19 67–68 Final Score BBC Sports programme 1958–present
20 67–68 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
21 65–66 The Royal Variety Performance ITV (1960-present), and BBC (1962-2010)[j] Variety show 1960–present
22 65–66 Coronation Street[7] ITV Soap opera 1960–present
23 64–65 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 series 1936, 1949-1951, 1953, 1957, 1966-present[8]
24 64–65 Dechrau Canu, Dechrau Canmol (Welsh)[9] BBC One Wales (1961–1982), and S4C (1982–present) Religious programme 1961–present
25 64–65 Songs of Praise BBC One Religious programme 1961–present
26 62–63 Royal Christmas Message BBC, ITV, Sky News Speech 1957-1958, 1960-1962, 1964-1968, 1970–present
27 61–62 Horizon BBC Two Science programme 1964–present
28 61–62 Match of the Day BBC Two (1964–1966), and BBC One (1966–present) Sports programme 1964–present
29 57–58 Gardeners' World BBC Two Gardening 1968–present
30 56–57 Points of View BBC One TV feedback show 1961–1971, 1979–present
31 56–57 University Challenge ITV (1962–87), and BBC Two (1994–present) Quiz 1962–1987, 1994–present
32 53–54 Newsround BBC One (1972–2012), CBBC (2002–present), BBC Two (2022–present) Children's news 1972–present
33 53–54 ITV Lunchtime News ITV News programme 1972-present
34 53–54 Emmerdale ITV Soap opera 1972–present
35 52–53 ITV News at Ten ITV News programme 1967–1999, 2001–2004, 2008–present
36 52–53 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 contest 1969–1972, 1974–1979, 1981–present
37 51–52 Pobol y Cwm (Welsh)[10] BBC One Wales (1974–1982) and S4C (1982–present) Soap opera 1974–present
38 50–51 Sportscene BBC One Scotland, BBC Two Scotland, and BBC Scotland Sport 1975–present
39 50–51 Arena BBC Two (1975–2011), and BBC Four (2003–present) Documentary 1975–present
40 50 A Question of Sport BBC One Quiz show 1968, 1970-1972, 1974-1977, 1979–2023
41 49–50 Mastermind BBC One (1972-1997), BBC Radio 4 (1998–2000), Discovery Channel (2001–2002), and BBC Two (2003–present) Quiz 1972–1997, 2001-present
42 49–50 Landward BBC One Scotland, BBC Scotland Rural and agricultural affairs 1976–present
43 48–49 It'll Be Alright on the Night ITV Bloopers programme 1977–present
44 47–48 Football Focus BBC One Sports programme 1974-1988, 1992–present
45 47–48 Ski Sunday BBC Two Sports programme 1978–present
46 47–48 Beechgrove BBC One Scotland, BBC Two Scotland, and BBC Scotland Gardening 1978–present
47 46–47 Antiques Roadshow BBC One Antiques programme 1979–present
48 46–47 Doctor Who BBC One Science fiction 1963–1989, 1996, 2005–present
49 46–47 Question Time BBC One Political panel programme 1979–present
50 45–46 Newsnight BBC Two News programme 1980–present
51 45–46 BBC Children in Need BBC One and BBC Two Charity telethon 1980–present
52 44–45 See Hear BBC Two Deaf magazine programme 1981–present
53 43–44 Countdown Channel 4 Game show 1982–present
54 43–44 Channel 4 News Channel 4 News programme 1982–present
55 43–44 Cefn Gwlad (Welsh) S4C Rural magazine programme 1982–present
56 43–44 Noson Lawen (Welsh) S4C Variety Entertainment show 1982–present
57 43 The South Bank Show ITV (1978–2010), and Sky Arts (2012–2023) Art programme 1978–2010, 2012–2023
58 41–42 BBC News at Six BBC One and BBC News Channel News programme 1984–present
59 40–41 BRIT Awards BBC One (1985-1992), and ITV (1993-present) Awards ceremony 1985–present
60 40–41 EastEnders BBC One Soap opera 1985–present
61 39–40 Casualty[11] BBC One Medical drama 1986–present
62 39–40 BBC News at One BBC One and BBC News Channel News programme 1986–present
63 38–39 Dispatches Channel 4 Current affairs 1987–present
64 37–38 Comic Relief BBC One and BBC Two Charity telethon 1988-present
65 37–38 Countryfile BBC One Rural and agricultural affairs news magazine 1988–present
66 37–38 This Morning ITV Daytime magazine programme 1988–present
67 37–38 Sgorio (Welsh) S4C Sport 1988–present
68 36–37 Olivier Awards BBC One (1981-1992, 2026), BBC Two (1993-2003), BBC Red Button (2011-2012) and ITV (2013-2025)[k] Awards ceremony 1981–2003, 2011-present
69 36–37 Prime Minister's Questions BBC Parliament Politics 1989-present[12]
70 35–36 Have I Got News for You BBC Two (1990-2000), and BBC One (2000-present) Satirical panel show 1990–present
71 33–34 Later... with Jools Holland BBC Two Music 1992–present
72 32–33 Eòrpa (Scottish Gaelic) BBC Alba Current affairs 1993-present
73 31–32 MasterChef BBC One (1990-2000, 2009-present), and BBC Two (2001, 2005-2008) Cooking competition 1990-2001, 2005–present
74 31–32 The National Lottery Draws BBC One (1994–2016), BBC iPlayer (2017–2018), and ITV (2018–present) (during advert breaks) Game show 1994–present
75 30–31 Catchphrase ITV Game show 1986–2002, 2013–present
76 30–31 Rownd a Rownd (Welsh) S4C Soap opera 1995–present
77 30–31 Hollyoaks Channel 4 (1995–present), E4 (2001–present), and All 4 (2022–present) Soap opera 1995–present
78 29–30 Silent Witness BBC One Drama 1996–present
79 29 World Business Report BBC News, BBC One, BBC Two Business news programme 1995-2024
80 28–29 National Television Awards ITV Awards ceremony 1995–2008, 2010-present
81 28–29 Midsomer Murders ITV Detective series 1997–present
82 28–29 5 News Channel 5 News programme 1997–present
83 28 Ffeil (Welsh) S4C Children's news 1995–2023
84 28 HARDtalk BBC News Interview show 1997–2025
85 26–27 Grand Designs Channel 4 Documentary 1999–present
86 26–27 Loose Women ITV Talk show 1999–present
87 26–27 Sky News at 10 Sky News News programme 1999–present
88 26–27 DIY SOS BBC One DIY 1999–present
89 25–26 Bargain Hunt BBC One Antiques programme 2000–present
90 25–26 Pride of Britain Awards ITV Awards ceremony 2000–present
91 25–26 Location, Location, Location Channel 4 Property show 2000–present
92 25–26 Unreported World Channel 4 Current affairs 2000–present
93 25–26 A Place in the Sun Channel 4 Property show 2000–present
94 25–26 BBC Breakfast BBC One and BBC News Channel News programme 2000–present
95 25–26 BBC News at Ten BBC One and BBC News Channel News programme 2000–present
96 25 Click BBC Review show 2000–2025
97 24–25 ITV Racing ITV Horse racing programme 1969-1985, 2017-present
98 24–25 Saturday Kitchen BBC Two (2001-2005), and BBC One (2006-present) Cooking show 2001–present
99 24 Doctors BBC One Soap Opera / Medical Drama (Day Time) 2000–2024
100 24 BBC Sportsday BBC News, BBC One, BBC Two Sports news programme 2001–2025
101 23–24 Never Mind the Buzzcocks BBC Two (1996-2015), and Sky Max (2021–present) Panel show 1996-2015, 2021–present
102 23–24 Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? ITV Quiz 1998–2014, 2018–present
103 23–24 I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out Out of Here! ITV Reality competition 2002–present
104 23–24 River City BBC One Scotland, BBC Two Scotland, and BBC Scotland Drama 2002–present
105 23–24 Escape to the Country BBC One Property show 2002–present
106 23–24 Celebrity Mastermind BBC Two (2002-2004, 2024-present), and BBC One (2004-2024) Quiz 2002–present
107 22–23 Homes Under the Hammer BBC One Property show 2003–present
108 22–23 QI BBC Four, BBC Two, and BBC One Panel show 2003–present
109 22 Family Fortunes ITV Game show 1980–1985, 1987-2000, 2002, 2020–2023
110 21–22 British Soap Awards ITV Awards ceremony 1999-2019, 2022-2023, 2025–present
111 21–22 Strictly Come Dancing BBC One Talent show 2004–present
112 21–22 Who Do You Think You Are? BBC Two (2004-2006), and BBC One (2006-present) Documentary 2004–present
113 21–22 BBC Newswatch BBC Factual 2004–present
114 21–22 Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two BBC Two Aftershow 2004–present
115 21–22 The Big Fat Quiz of the Year Channel 4 Panel show 2004–present
116 21 Match of the Day 2 BBC Two (2004-2012), and BBC One (2012-2025) Sports programme 2004-2025
117 20–21 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
118 20–21 Big Brother Channel 4 (2000-2010), Channel 5 (2011-2018), and ITV2 (2023-present) Reality competition 2000-2018, 2023–present
119 20–21 Dragons' Den BBC Two (2005–2020), and BBC One (2021–present) Reality competition 2005–present
120 20–21 Come Dine with Me Channel 4 Reality 2005–present
121 20–21 The Apprentice BBC Two (2005–2006), and BBC One (2007-present) Reality competition 2005–present
122 20–21 Pocoyo CITV (series 1–2), Nick Jr. (series 3), and ITVX (series 4–present) Preschool series 2005–2010, 2016–present
123 20–21 Springwatch BBC Two Nature 2005-present
124 20–21 The Hotel Inspector Channel 5 Documentary 2005-present
125 20 Eggheads BBC One (2003–2004), BBC Two (2005–2020), and Channel 5 (2021–2023) Quiz 2003–2023
126 19–20 Great British Menu BBC Two Cooking competition 2006–present
127 19–20 The One Show BBC One Magazine and chat show 2006–present
128 19–20 Celebrity MasterChef BBC One (2006-2011, 2013-present), and BBC Two (2012) Cooking competition 2006–present
129 19 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
130 19 The Gadget Show Channel 5 Consumer technology review 2004–2023
131 19 The Apprentice: You're Fired BBC Three (2006), and BBC Two (2007-2025)[13] Aftershow 2006–2025
132 18–19 Dickinson's Real Deal ITV Antiques programme 2006–2024, 2026-present
133 18–19 Animal Park BBC One Documentary 2000–2009, 2016–present
134 18–19 I'm a Celebrity: Unpacked ITV2 Aftershow 2002-2019, 2024–present
135 18–19 The Graham Norton Show BBC Two (2007–09) and BBC One (2009–present) Talk show 2007–present
136 18–19 The Adventure Show BBC Scotland (2007–present) Sport 2007–present
137 18–19 Britain's Got Talent ITV Variety talent show 2007-2020, 2022–present
138 18–19 Would I Lie to You? BBC One Panel show 2007–present
139 18 Celebrity Big Brother Channel 4 (2001-2010), Channel 5 (2011-2018), and ITV1 (2024-2025) Reality competition 2001-2018, 2024–2025
140 17–18 The Weakest Link BBC One and BBC Two Quiz 2000–2012, 2017, 2021–present
141 17–18 Live at the Apollo BBC One (2004-2005, 2007-2015), and BBC Two (2015-2019, 2021-present) Stand-up comedy 2004–2005, 2007-2019, 2021-present
142 17–18 Mock the Week BBC Two (2005-2022), and TLC (2026-present) Panel show 2005–2022, 2026-present
143 17–18 Police Interceptors Channel 5 Documentary 2008–present
144 17–18 MasterChef: The Professionals BBC Two (2008-2019), and BBC One (2020-present) Cooking competition 2008–present
145 17–18 Only Connect BBC Four (2008–2014), and BBC Two (2014–present) Quiz 2008–present
146 17–18 Seachd Là (Scottish Gaelic) BBC Alba News programme 2008-present
147 16–17 Bullseye ITV (1981-1995, 2024-present), and Challenge (2006) Game show 1981-1995, 2006, 2024–present
148 16–17 CBeebies Bedtime Stories CBeebies Children's stories 2009–present
149 16–17 The Chase ITV Quiz 2009–present
150 16–17 Pointless BBC Two (2009–2011), and BBC One (2011–present) Quiz 2009–present
151 16–17 Rip Off Britain BBC One Factual 2009–present
152 16 Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway ITV Variety 2002–2009, 2013-2018, 2020-2024
153 15–16 Peppa Pig Channel 5 and Nick Jr. Preschool series 2004, 2006-2007, 2009–2012, 2015–present
154 15–16 My Life CBBC, BBC Two Documentary 2010–present
155 15–16 Antiques Road Trip BBC Two (2010-2012), and BBC One (2013-present) Antiques programme 2010–present
156 15–16 Four in a Bed Channel 4 Reality competition 2010–present
157 15–16 Sunday Morning Live BBC One Religious and current affairs 2010–present
158 15–16 The Great British Bake Off BBC Two (2010–2013), BBC One (2014–2016), and Channel 4 (2017–present) Baking competition 2010–present
159 15–16 Lorraine ITV Morning magazine show 2010–present
160 15–16 The Only Way Is Essex ITV2 (2010–2014, 2025-present), and ITVBe (2014–2025) Reality 2010–present
161 15 Dancing on Ice ITV Talent show 2006–2014, 2018–2025
162 15 A League of Their Own Sky One (2010–2021), and Sky Max (2021–2025) Panel show 2010–2025
163 14–15 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
164 14–15 Mrs. Brown's Boys[l] BBC One Sitcom 2011–present
165 14–15 Long Lost Family ITV Documentary 2011–present
166 14–15 Made In Chelsea E4 Reality 2011–present
167 14–15 24 Hours in A&E Channel 4 Medical documentary 2011–present
168 14–15 Newsday BBC News, BBC One News programme 2011–present
169 14–15 The Jonathan Ross Show ITV Talk show 2011–present
170 14–15 Black Mirror Channel 4 (2011–2014), and Netflix (2016-present) Science Fiction Anthology 2011–present
171 14–15 Christmas University Challenge BBC Two Quiz 2011–present
172 14 Vera ITV Crime drama 2011–2025
173 13–14 Deal or No Deal Channel 4 (2005-2016), and ITV1 (2023-present) Game show 2005-2016, 2023–present
174 13–14 Soccer Aid ITV Charity sports event 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018-present
175 13–14 Kate Garraway's Life Stories ITV Talk show 2009–2015, 2017-2023, 2025-present
176 13–14 Great British Railway Journeys BBC Two Travel documentary 2010–2021, 2023-present
177 13–14 Death in Paradise BBC One Mystery 2011, 2013–present
178 13–14 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown Channel 4 Panel show 2012–present
179 13–14 Call the Midwife BBC One Drama 2012–present
180 13–14 Winterwatch BBC Two Nature 2012-present
181 13–14 The Voice UK BBC One (2012–2016), and ITV (2017-present) Talent show 2012–present
182 13–14 Tipping Point ITV Quiz show 2012-present
183 13–14 The Last Leg Channel 4 Topical panel 2012–present
184 13–14 The Martin Lewis Money Show ITV Financial current affairs 2012–present
185 13–14 Stand Up to Cancer Channel 4 Charity telethon 2012–present
186 13–14 George Clarke's Amazing Spaces Channel 4 Documentary 2012–present
187 12–13 Wheel of Fortune ITV Game show 1988-1989, 1991-2001, 2024-present)
188 12–13 Something Special CBeebies Preschool series 2003, 2006-2008, 2010-2012, 2014, 2016-2018, 2020, 2022-present
189 12–13 Not Going Out BBC One Sitcom 2006–2007, 2009, 2011-2015, 2017-2023, 2025-present
190 12–13 Geordie Shore MTV Reality 2011–2022, 2024-present
191 12–13 The Dumping Ground CBBC Children's drama 2013–present
192 12–13 Talking Pictures BBC Two Documentary 2013–present
193 12–13 Father Brown BBC One Mystery 2013–present
194 12–13 Car S.O.S National Geographic, Channel 4/ More4 (repeats) Documentary 2013–present
195 12–13 The Travel Show BBC News, BBC Two Travel programme 2013–present
196 12–13 Gogglebox Channel 4 Reality 2013–present
197 12–13 The Great British Sewing Bee BBC Two (2013-2019), and BBC One (2020-present) Sewing competition 2013–present
198 12–13 First Dates Channel 4 Reality dating 2013–present
199 12–13 Artist of the Year Sky Arts Competition 2013–present
200 12 Love Your Garden ITV Gardening 2011–2023
201 11–12 Waterloo Road BBC One (2006-2014, 2023-present), and BBC Three (2015) School drama 2006-2015, 2023-present
202 11–12 For the Love of Dogs ITV Documentary 2012-2019, 2021–present
203 11–12 The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice BBC Two (2014-2016), and Channel 4 (2017-present) Aftershow 2014–present
204 11–12 24 Hours in Police Custody Channel 4 Crime documentary 2014–present
205 10–11 You Bet! ITV Game show 1988-1997, 2024–present
206 10–11 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
207 10–11 Fake or Fortune? BBC One Documentary 2011–2012, 2014-2019, 2021-present
208 10–11 The Real Housewives of Cheshire ITVBe (2015-2025), and ITV2 (2026-present) Reality 2015–present
209 10–11 Love Island ITV2 Reality dating 2015–present
210 10–11 Married at First Sight Channel 4 (2015–2020), and E4 (2016-present) Reality dating 2015–present
211 10–11 Taskmaster Dave (2015-2019), and Channel 4 (2020-present) Panel game show 2015–present
212 10–11 Inside the Factory BBC Two Documentary 2015–present
213 10–11 Money for Nothing BBC One DIY 2015–present
214 10–11 The Yorkshire Vet Channel 5 Reality 2015–present
215 9–10 Digging for Britain BBC Two Documentary 2010-2011, 2015-2020, 2022–present
216 9–10 Operation Ouch! CBBC Children's medical television series 2012-2013, 2015-2017, 2019–present
217 9–10 Bargain-Loving Brits in the Sun Channel 5 Reality documentary 2016–present
218 9–10 A New Life in the Sun Channel 4 Property show 2016–present
219 9–10 Bake Off: The Professionals BBC Two (2016-2017), and Channel 4 (2018-present) Cooking competition 2016–present
220 9–10 Celebs Go Dating E4 Reality dating 2016–present
221 9–10 Ambulance BBC One Documentary 2016–present

Ended

No. of broadcast years after year of first broadcast Title Network Genre Airing between Notes
55 Up (ITV series) Documentary 1964–2019 The 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 programme 1956–2008
52 Eurovision: You Decide[m] BBC One (1957, 1959-1976, 1978, 1980-2010), BBC Four (2016), and BBC Two (2017-2019) Song contest 1957, 1959-1976, 1978, 1980-2010, 2016-2019 The 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 show 1949–1998[n] The celebrity show Strictly Come Dancing[17] has been broadcast on the BBC since 2004.
49 Grandstand Sport 1958–2007
46 The Film Show[18] Entertainment review 1971–2018
44 The Money Programme Finance programme 1966–2010
44 Top Gear Original: BBC One Midlands (1977–1978), BBC Two (1978–2001)
Revival: BBC Two (2002–2020), BBC One (2020–2022) 		Automotive series 1977–2022
43 This Is Your Life Documentary 1955–1964, 1969–2003, 2007
42 Top of the Pops Chart programme 1964–2006 Two 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 1969–2007 The travelogue series ended in 2007 8 years after the murder of Jill Dando.
38 Tomorrow's World Science and technology 1965–2003
37 Last of the Summer Wine Sitcom 1973–2010
37 The Sooty Show Children's programme 1955–1992
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 programme 1984–2021 Rebooted 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 affairs 1963–1998
35 Postman Pat Children's programme 1981-2017
34 Mr and Mrs Game show 1965–1999 Phillip 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 programme 1985–2019[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 programme 1984–2017 A 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 programme 1984–2016
32 You've Been Framed! ITV Comedy 1990-2022
31 Call My Bluff Game show 1965–1988, 1994, 1996–2004
31 Jackanory Children's programme 1965–1996, 2006
30 The Good Old Days BBC Old time variety 1953-1983
30 HOW[30][31] ITV/CITV Children's programme 1966–1981, 1990-1997, 1999-2004, 2006, 2020, 2022
30 BBC Nine O'Clock News BBC One (BBC) News programme 1970–2000
30 Grange Hill Children's drama series 1978–2008
30 Sunrise Sky News News 1989–2019
29 Sportsnight BBC Sports programme 1968-1997
28 Crackerjack BBC TV 1955-1964/ BBC One 1964-1984/ CBBC 2020–2021 Children's television 1955–1970, 1972-1984, 2020–2021
28 This Week ITV Current affairs 1956–1978, 1986-1992
28 It's a Knockout Game show 1966–1988, 1990–1994, 1999–2001
28 Timewatch History series 1981–2009
27 Taggart Detective series 1983–2010
27 The Bill Police drama 1983–2010 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 Soap opera 1964–1988, 2001–2003
26 Dateline London BBC News News discussion programme 1996-2022
25 The Generation Game BBC Game show 1971-1982, 1990-2002, 2005, 2018 The 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 programme 1964–1988
24 The Big Match Sport 1968–1992 Between 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 drama 1989–2013
23 We Are the Champions BBC1 (1973-1995), and CBBC (2010) Children's game show 1973-1995, 2010
23 Play Your Cards Right Game show 1980–2003 Play 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 opera 1980–2003
23 Top of the Pops 2 Archive music programme 1994–2017
23 Holby City BBC One Medical drama 1999–2022
22 Only Fools and Horses Sitcom 1981–2003 Also includes the spin-offs The Green Green Grass (2005–2009) and Rock and Chips (2010–2011)
22 ChuckleVision Children's programme 1987–2009
21 Andy Pandy BBC (1950-1970), and CBeebies (2002) Children's programme 1950-1970, 2002
21 What's My Line? BBC Television Service (1951-1963), BBC2 (1973-1974), and ITV (1984-1990, 1994-1996) Panel game show 1951-1963, 1973-1974, 1984-1990, 1994-1996
21 Dixon of Dock Green Police drama 1955–1976
21 Animal Magic BBC Children's programme 1962-1973
21 Brookside Soap opera 1982–2003
21 Art Attack Children's programme 1990–2007, 2011–2015
21 Parkinson Chat show 1971–1982, 1987–1988, 1998–2007 A 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 programme 1965-1985
20 Rainbow Children's education 1972–1992
20 Surprise Surprise Game show 1984–2001, 2012–2015
20 The Really Wild Show Children's programme 1986–2006
20 Pingu CBeebies Children's programme 1986–2006
20 Time Team Archaeology 1994–2014 In 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 programme 1975–1994, 2007
19 The Krypton Factor Game show 1977–1995, 2009–2010
18 Armchair Theatre ITV Drama anthology series 1956-1974
18 Blind Date Dating game show 1985–2003 Channel 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 Drama 1992–2010 Also includes the spin-off The Royal (2003–2011)
18 A Touch of Frost Detective drama 1992–2010
18 Flog It! BBC Two Antiques programme 2002-2020
17 Opportunity Knocks Talent show 1956, 1964–1978, 1987–1990
17 The Old Grey Whistle Test BBC2 (1971-1988), and BBC Four (2018) Music 1971-1988 On 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 drama 1989–2006
17 GMTV ITV and ITV2 (GMTV2) Breakfast Show 1993–2010 ITV'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 show 1994-2010, 2020-2021
17 Autumnwatch BBC Two Nature 2005-2022 The 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 series 1987–1989, 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 show 2005–2021
16 The Andrew Marr Show BBC One Talk show 2005–2021
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 programme 1954-1968
14 Nationwide BBC Current affairs 1969-1983
14 Rumpole of the Bailey Legal drama 1978–1992
14 London's Burning Drama 1988–2002
14 The X Factor Talent show 2004–2018 This 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 2005–2019 The 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 programme 2006-2020
14 World News Today BBC News, BBC One, BBC Four Current-affairs news programme 2006-2020
14 The Big Questions BBC One Religion and ethics 2007-2021
13 Crosswits Quiz Show 1985-1998
13 Telly Addicts Quiz Show 1985-1998
13 Strike It Lucky Quiz Show 1986-1999 Rebranded as Strike It Rich from 1996 to 1999.
13 Inspector Morse ITV Detective drama 1987–2000 Also 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 show 1991–2004
13 The Vicar of Dibley Sitcom 1994–2007, 2020
13 Foyle's War ITV, STV, and UTV Detective drama 2002–2015
13 Banged Up Abroad Channel 5 Documentary 2006–2015, 2018-2022
12 The Basil Brush Show Children's programme 1968–1980 A 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) only Comedy 1970-1982 The trio consisted of Tim Brooke-Taylor, Graeme Garden and Bill Oddie
12 All Creatures Great and Small Comedy drama 1978–1990 In 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 Quiz 1983–1993, 1994–1995, 1997, 2000–2001, 2012, 2019
12 Spitting Image Satire 1984–1996 In 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 show 1984–1988, 1989–1990, 1995–2001, 2006–2007 The 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 show 1998-2010
12 New Tricks BBC One Comedy drama 2003–2015
12 The Xtra Factor Talent companion show 2004–2016
12 Coach Trip Channel 4 (2005-2006, 2009-2012, 2014-2015), and E4 (2016-2022) Reality game show 2005-2006, 2009-2012, 2014-2022
12 Britain's Got More Talent Variety talent companion show 2007–2019 This 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 series 1989–2000
11 Mike and Angelo Children's programme 1989–2000
11 Breakfast News BBC One News programme 1989–2000
11 Brum Children's programme 1991–2002
11 My Family Sitcom 2000–2011
11 Harry Hill's TV Burp Comedy 2001–2012
11 The Culture Show BBC Two Magazine programme 2004–2015
11 Benidorm Sitcom 2007–2018
11 Till Death Us Do Part Comedy 1965–1975
10 The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes Detective drama 1984–1994
10 One Foot in the Grave Sitcom 1990–2000
10 Rosie and Jim CITV (ITV) Children's programme 1990–2000
10 Jonathan Creek BBC One Crime drama 1997–2004, 2009-2010, 2013-2014, 2016
10 Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps Sitcom 2001–2011
10 Doc Martin ITV Medical comedy-drama 2004–2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2022
10 Match of the Day Kickabout CBBC Sports programme 2011-2021

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".
allikas: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_longest-running_UK_television_series