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.
List activity
221 views
• 0 this weekCreate a new list
List your movie, TV & celebrity picks.
110 titles
- 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 KnoxThe world's longest-running television soap, Coronation Street focuses on the everyday lives of working-class people in Manchester, 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 McKayTony LiveseyWeekly look at the handling of the news by individual newspapers.
- StarsGeoff HamiltonPercy ThrowerClay JonesGardening 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.
- StarsJeremy PaxmanRoger TillingBamber GascoigneAmol 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 KeyPaul PonderA 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 CharnockA soap opera set in a fictional village in the Yorkshire Dales.
- 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 VaughanLois Meleri JonesA 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.
- StarsTiff NeedellJeremy ClarksonQuentin WillsonQuentin, Tiff, Vicki and others look at all things car-related.
- StarsKirsty WarkJeremy PaxmanEmily MaitlisSerious news reports, analysis and no-holds-barred interviews with leading politicians and public figures.
- StarsJudith HannRaymond BaxterMichael RoddLong running BBC TV series looking at what's new in science and technology.
- StarsCliff MichelmoreJohn CarterJill DandoBritish travelogue series featuring location reports on holiday destinations from all over the world.
- CreatorHarry CorbettStarsMatthew CorbettMarjorie CorbettHarry CorbettChildren's slapstick show with the little bear glove puppet and his friends.
- CreatorRoy ClarkeStarsPeter SallisJane FreemanKathy StaffThree old men from Yorkshire who have never grown up face the trials of their fellow town citizens and everyday life and stay young by reminiscing about the days of their youth and attempting feats not common to the elderly.
- StarsMelvyn BraggIan McKellenDavid HockneyITV's long-running arts series presented by Melvyn Bragg.
- StarsMemnos CostiJean BreezeMartin ColvilleThe weekly magazine programme for deaf and hard of hearing people, produced in sign language with open subtitles.
- StarsBruce ForsythAnthea RedfernLarry GraysonMaking a fool of the contestants as they try to copy professionals who have strange jobs. To win some prizes the contestants play for points until there is a winner. They then watch prizes go by on a conveyor belt past where they are sat,and if they can remember any of them when asked they win those prizes.
- StarsSusie DentCarol VordermanRichard WhiteleyThe long-running words and numbers game.
- StarsBrian ArmstrongChris KellyDerek CooperA documentary series focusing on current affairs.
- StarsGeorge AlagiahFiona BruceSophie RaworthThe BBC's early evening news programme.
- CreatorBritt AllcroftPhilip D. FehrleRoss HastingsStarsMichael AngelisKeith WickhamMichael BrandonThis series follows the adventures of Thomas the Tank Engine and all of his engine friends on the Island of Sodor.
- CreatorTony HollandJulia SmithTony JordanStarsAdam WoodyattSteve McFaddenLetitia DeanThe everyday lives of working-class inhabitants of Albert Square, a traditional Victorian square of terrace houses surrounding a park in the East End of London's Walford borough. The square includes the Queen Vic pub and a street market.
- StarsLynn Faulds WoodJohn StapletonAnne RobinsonConsumer series investigating problems, dangers and ripoffs experienced by customers.
- StarsTim StokesDan CampbellArt JamesContestants compete to guess rebus-type and punny puzzles for cash and merchandise prizes in this short-lived game show.
- StarsSophie RaworthKate SilvertonLouise MinchinThe BBC's lunchtime news bulletin.
- CreatorJeremy BrockPaul UnwinStarsDerek ThompsonTony MarshallSuzanne PackerThe everyday lives of the people frequenting the frenetic Accident and Emergency department of Holby City Hospital.
- StarsMorland SandersAntony BarnettDeborah DaviesChannel 4's long-running, award-winning investigative current affairs documentary series. Particularly noted for its undercover reporting.
- StarsJohn CravenAdam HensonIan BreachSeries looking at people and stories with a rural theme.
- CreatorDiane NelmesStarsPhillip SchofieldHolly WilloughbyRuth LangsfordMagazine show featuring lifestyle, cookery, fashion and news segments, along with celebrity interviews and gossip.
- StarsHarry HillJonathan WilkesJeremy BeadleViewers' clips show, where those watching can earn money if their various video accidents are shown. Originally presented by Jeremy Beadle, later presenters included Lisa Riley and Harry Hill.
- StarsIan HislopPaul MertonAngus DeaytonLong-running satirical news quiz featuring regular team captains Ian Hislop and Paul Merton. Originally chaired by Angus Deayton, the series has adopted "guest hosts" since 2002.
- StarsLee WestwickSteve WrightJohnnie WalkerSteve Wright presents a look back at the Top of the Pops archives, and gives asome information on the acts that have appeared over the years. Occasional 'specials' are also produced.
- StarsNeil BuchananFrancis WrightJim SweeneyAn educational series presenting various art project suggestions and creations.
- CreatorPhil RedmondStarsNick PickardAshley Taylor DawsonKieron RichardsonHollyoaks takes a look at the lives, loves, and careers of a group of teenage friends and their families as they graduate through GCSEs, A-Levels, and College into the world of work.
- StarsEmilia FoxDavid CavesWilliam GaminaraA team of exceptional forensic pathologists and scientists investigate heinous crimes and use their skills to catch the people responsible.
- StarsHugh QuarshieRosie MarcelJaye JacobsThe everyday lives, professional and personal, of the doctors, nurses and patients who find themselves, for various reasons, in the wards of the frenetic cardiac unit of Holby City General Hospital.
- CreatorRob GrantDoug NaylorStarsChris BarrieCraig CharlesDanny John-JulesThe adventures of the last human alive and his friends, stranded three million years into deep space on the mining ship Red Dwarf.
- StarsDavid DickinsonCharlie RossNatasha Raskin SharpTwo teams go head to head in a bid to sell their recently acquired items for a profit at auction
- StarsMarcus BentleyDavina McCallAisleyne Horgan-WallaceA group of contestants move into the Big Brother house, where they nominate each other to be evicted by public vote. The last person remaining will take home a large cash prize, while the others take home nothing.
- StarsHuw EdwardsFiona BruceGeorge AlagiahThe BBC's late evening news programme.
- StarsAndrew NeilJenny ScottGiles DilnotThe BBC's in-depth, daily, weekday political show reviewing events in Westminster, around the UK and further afield with interviews, discussion and debate.
- CreatorNeville AstleyMark BakerStarsJohn SparkesMorwenna BanksOliver MayA little pig named Peppa and her little brother George have journeys everyday with their family and friends.
- StarsDavid DickinsonDavid FordMike MelodyA trio of antique dealers decide whether to make offers for people's possessions or allow the owners to take a risk at auction.
- CreatorDerren LittenStarsJake CanusoJanine DuvitskiTony MaudsleyBritish comedy series following holidaymakers at the Solana Resort in Benidorm. Hilarity ensues as guests try to get value for their Euros.
- CreatorJohn CunliffeStarsKen BarrieCarole BoydMelissa SindenThis classic children's series follows the adventures of everyone's favourite postman as he carries out his mail rounds in the village of Greendale.
- CreatorMark GoodsonBill TodmanStarsRobert RobinsonFrank MuirPatrick CampbellTwo teams of three alternate between giving and guessing the meanings of obscure English words.
- CreatorMary TourtelAlfred BestallJoy WhitbyStarsBernard CribbinsKenneth WilliamsMartin JarvisA celebrity reads a story, enhancing it in ways that will entice the most restless of children.
- StarsStuart OrganGwyneth PowellLee CornesThe long running television series of the Grange Hill Comprehensive School, and the children's everyday lives.
- StarsMichael PraedPeter FranceChristopher AndrewBBC investigative documentary series noted for its new perspectives on historical events.
- StarsStuart HallEddie WaringArthur EllisIt featured teams representing a town or city competing tasks in absurd games, generally dressed in large foam rubber suits.
- CreatorGeoff McQueenStarsGraham ColeJeff StewartTrudie GoodwinPolice drama series following officers and detectives from Sun Hill Police Station in East London.
- CreatorHazel AdairPeter LingStarsNoele GordonRoger TongeSusan HansonThe four-or-five-times-a-week adventures of a motel owner and her son, daughter and staff. Drama was never far away from the ringing of the reception bell.
- StarsDavid SuchetHugh FraserPhilip JacksonHercule Poirot, a famous Belgian detective, who has an impeccable knack for getting embroiled in a mystery, solves crimes along with Captain Hastings and Scotland Yard Chief Inspector James Japp.
- CreatorJoy WhitbyStarsCarol ChellBrian CantJulie StevensStories, fun, and things to make and do for pre-school children.
- StarsBruce ForsythDebbie FlettNatalie van de BraamA British television game show based on and played similarly to the American show Card Sharks (1978).
- CreatorJohn SullivanStarsDavid JasonNicholas LyndhurstRoger Lloyd PackComedy that follows two brothers from London's rough Peckham estate as they wheel and deal through a number of dodgy deals and search for the big score that'll make them millionaires.
- StarsPaul ChuckleBarry ChuckleJimmy PattonCrazy antics ensue when Barry and Paul Chuckle get into various exaggerated situations.
- CreatorGlenn ChandlerStarsBlythe DuffJames MacPhersonRobert RobertsonThe Maryhill CID investigates gruesome murders against the bleak backdrop of the city of Glasgow.
- CreatorCaroline GrahamStarsJohn NettlesJane WymarkBarry JacksonA veteran Detective Chief Inspector and his young Sergeant investigate murders around the regional community of Midsomer County.
- CreatorErika BrueggemannOtmar GutmannStarsCarlo BonomiDavid SantMarcello Magni"Pingu finds himself in tricky and comical situations, but he always learns a lesson. Pingu spends his days with his parents and baby sister, Pinga. Everyone in his town speaks ""Penguinese."" Laugh along and find out what happens.
- CreatorTim TaylorStarsTony RobinsonPhil HardingJohn GaterA group of archaeologists have 3 days to discover historical artifacts in different sites around Britain.
- StarsWilliam SimonsDerek FowldsTricia PenroseThe 1960s lives and adventures of the police constabulary, medical staff, and residents of Ashfordly and Aidensfield.
- StarsDavid JasonBruce AlexanderJohn LyonsDI Jack Frost is an unconventional policeman with sympathy for the underdog and an instinct for moral justice. Sloppy, disorganized, and disrespectful, he attracts trouble like a magnet.
- StarsGordon BurnsDennis HewittPenny SmithQuiz show testing contestants' intelligence, general knowledge and fitness.
- StarsCilla BlackGraham SkidmorePaul O'GradyBritish dating show in which a member of the public chooses who to date from a selection of three suitors, based solely on their answers to questions.
- CreatorAdele RoseAndrea WonforStarsDaymon BrittonBrett AdamsKerry Ann ChristiansenByker Grove follows the lives and relationships of a group of young people who are members of a youth club.
- StarsFred DinenageGareth JonesCarol VordermanInformative educational programme.
- CreatorLeon GriffithsStarsGeorge ColeGlynn EdwardsDennis WatermanRoguish comedy drama following the misadventures of small-time crook Arthur Daley. Can his ex-boxer bodyguard Terry stay level-headed whilst working for the King of Dodgy Deals?
- StarsGlen MurphyRichard WalshBen OnwukweThe lives of firefighters at Blackwall Fire Station.
- StarsLeo McKernJonathan CoyJulian CurryThe cases of a portly and eccentric criminal law barrister.
- StarsDave Benson PhillipsPeter SimonLisa BrockwellFast-paced slapstick game show between children and their parents or teachers.
- StarsDawn FrenchJames FleetTrevor PeacockA boisterous female minister comes to serve in an eccentricly conservative small town's church.
- StarsJohn ThawKevin WhatelyJames GroutChief Inspector Morse has an ear for Western classical music, a taste for beer, and a nose for crime. He and Detective Sergeant Robert Lewis solve intriguing cases in and around the Oxford area.
- CreatorAnthony HorowitzStarsMichael KitchenHoneysuckle WeeksAnthony HowellAs WWII rages, DCS Foyle fights his own war on the home-front; investigating crime on the south coast of England. Later series, see the retired detective working as an MI5 agent in the aftermath of the war.
- StarsChristopher TimothyRobert HardyPeter DavisonThe trials and misadventures of the staff of a country veterinary office in Yorkshire from the 1930s to the 1950s.
- CreatorNigel McCreryRoy MitchellStarsDennis WatermanAmanda RedmanAlun ArmstrongThree retired police officers are drafted in to solve cold cases, with a touch of comedy and drama
- StarsIan KennedyTony WilsonJohn UnderwoodA groundbreaking British late-night discussion show broadcast live with no scheduled end time.
- CreatorPaul AbbottKay MellorStarsJanette BeverleyRita MayCarol HarveyThis British children's drama series, set in the children's ward of the fictitious South Park Hospital, tells the stories of the young patients and the staff present there.
- StarsHarry HillSteve BenhamRonne CoylesHarry Hill stars in this surreal comedy show, revolving around the previous week's shows on British television.
- CreatorJohnny SpeightStarsWarren MitchellAnthony BoothUna StubbsA working-class Cockney bigot with a biased and experienced opinion of everything shares them bluntly and carelessly.
- StarsHowie MandelPatricia KaraMegan AbrigoContestants face 26 sums of money, 26 suitcases, and one question: Deal or no deal?