The UK's Long Runners
British television is very different to U.S. television and is sometimes thought to not have programmes that have run for many years - but there are in fact many.
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- CreatorDaniel FoggoCimran ShahStarsFred EmeryDavid DimblebyRichard LindleyLong-running factual programme reporting on all aspects of life in Britain.The World's longest-running current affairs programme (1953-present) clocking up 64 years, so far. Broadcast on BBC One usually commencing in late January and running right through to November or December.
- StarsPatrick MooreChris LintottPete LawrenceAstronomy programme.The science programme about astronomy has been on air from 1957-present. Usually broadcasts monthly all year round plus specials. Sir Patrick Moore hosted the show from 1957 until his death in December 2012 - a world record in itself.
- CreatorJohn Hunter BlairStarsJohn NoakesPeter PurvesValerie SingletonThe British children's magazine program, which has been running since the late 1950s, targets children between the ages of 6 and 14.The BBC's flagship children's programme is the world's longest-running children's tv show. It has been running from 1958-present.
- CreatorTony WarrenStarsWilliam RoacheHelen WorthBarbara KnoxBritain's first and longest-running television soap opera, Coronation Street focuses on the everyday lives of working-class people in the fictional Weatherfield area of Manchester in England.Britain's longest running soap opera and the flagship programme of commercial channel ITV. It has been running from 1960-present.
- StarsAled JonesKate BottleyKatherine JenkinsLong-running religious programme broadcasting church services and in particular the singing of Christian hymns from a different place of worship each week. Also featuring interviews and news segments of interest to the Christian community.One of the longest-running religious programmes in the world 1961-Present.
- CreatorDonald WilsonSydney NewmanStarsWilliam HartnellPatrick TroughtonJon PertweeThe adventures in time and space of the Doctor, a Time Lord who changes appearance and personality by regenerating when near death, and is joined by companions in battles against aliens and other megalomaniacs.
- CreatorNicola CookAdriana TimcoCatherine WylerStarsPaul VaughanJack FortuneDilly BarlowBritish documentary series that covers a variety of subjects in science and philosophy.
- StarsJohn MotsonGary LinekerSteve WilsonHighlights, interviews and analysis from expert pundits of Saturday's English Premier League football matches.
- StarsRussell DaviesPeter McKayMark LawsonWeekly look at the handling of the news by individual newspapers.
- StarsGeoff HamiltonPercy ThrowerPeter SeabrookGardening advice show.
- StarsDes LynamDavid ColemanPeter O'SullevanWeekend BBC sports show featuring live coverage of all the top British and international events.
- StarsSue BarkerMatt DawsonDavid ColemanSporting celebrities are quizzed on their own and others' sports.
- StarsRobert RobinsonAnne RobinsonBarry TookA long-running series giving viewers the chance to air their opinions on the BBC's programming. Originally hosted by Robert Robinson, the series now includes more interactive elements, including giving programme makers the right of reply.
- StarsRoger TillingJeremy PaxmanAmol RajanAmol Rajan hosts this trivia quiz show where colleges from around the UK compete against each other. Originally presented by Bamber Gascoigne from 1962 to 1987, and Jeremy Paxman from 1994 to 2023.
- StarsBarry NormanDanny LeighClaudia WinklemanThe BBC's flagship cinema review television programme featuring reviews of new releases, news items and interviews. The title of the programme changes each year to incorporate the year of broadcast.
- StarsRicky BoletoLeah GoodingJoe TidyJohn Craven (and latterly other presenters) introduce news stories and other articles of interest to its young audience.
- CreatorEric MorleyStarsPeter WestAngela RipponCharles NoveExhibition dancing series.
- CreatorBill WrightStarsMagnus MagnussonCharles KeyDaniel ApplebyA long-running series in which members of the public sit in a black chair to answer questions on a specialist subject and general knowledge.
- CreatorKevin LaffanStarsChristopher ChittellLucy PargeterMark CharnockBritish television soap opera set around a tight-knit community of villagers in the fictional village of Emmerdale in the Yorkshire Dales, a quiet area of North Yorkshire located in the English countryside.
- StarsBrian WidlakeValerie SingletonAlan WatsonBritain's most popular financial and business programme.
- CreatorRalph EdwardsStarsEamonn AndrewsMichael AspelElizabeth DawnThe UK version of the popular US show. Eamonn Andrews (later Michael Aspel) surprises celebrities by presenting them with the Big Red Book before taking them into the studio to tell viewers the story of their life, featuring guest appearances by members of their family, friends and colleagues.
- StarsSophie MensahGwenfair VaughanSiw HughesA Welsh-language TV soap (the longest running BBC television soap) set in the small Welsh town of Cwmderi, in the heart of the South Wales valleys.
- StarsThe LadybirdsPan's PeopleJimmy SavileA rundown of the latest chart hits, featuring in-studio performances from popular music artists.
- StarsMichael AspelFiona BruceHugh ScullyA team of experts from auction houses tours towns throughout the UK to value treasures brought in by members of the public.
- StarsDavid DimblebyRobin DayPeter SissonsPoliticians, public office-holders and celebrities face questions on topical issues from a studio audience.
