12 Longest-Running British TV Shows That Have Been on Air for Decades

12 Longest-Running British TV Shows That Have Been on Air for Decades

British television has given the world some truly remarkable shows that have stood the test of time.

From gripping soap operas to thrilling dramas, these programmes have entertained audiences for generations, becoming part of the nation’s cultural fabric.

Many have aired for decades, adapting to changing times while maintaining their loyal viewership.

Here are 12 British TV shows that have proven their staying power through years of compelling storytelling.

1. Coronation Street (1960–Present)

Since December 1960, this Manchester-based drama has captivated viewers with its authentic portrayal of everyday life.

The show follows families living on a fictional cobbled street, dealing with real-world issues that resonate with audiences across Britain.

Coronation Street holds the record as the world’s longest-running television soap opera still in production.

Its characters have become household names, with storylines spanning births, deaths, marriages, and everything in between.

The show has witnessed massive cultural shifts over six decades.

What makes this programme special is its ability to reflect British society while maintaining its working-class roots.

Generations have grown up watching the same street evolve alongside their own lives.

2. Doctor Who (1963–1989, 1996, 2005–Present)

A Time Lord from the planet Gallifrey travels through space and time in a blue police box, saving civilizations and righting wrongs.

This ingenious premise has allowed Doctor Who to reinvent itself countless times through regeneration, where the main character transforms into a new person.

The show originally ran from 1963 to 1989 before returning triumphantly in 2005.

Each new Doctor brings fresh energy while honoring the programme’s rich history.

The TARDIS (Time and Relative Dimension in Space) remains one of television’s most recognizable symbols.

With monsters like Daleks and Cybermen terrifying viewers for decades, Doctor Who has become a global phenomenon while staying distinctly British in its storytelling approach.

3. Emmerdale (1972–Present)

Originally titled Emmerdale Farm, this soap opera transported viewers to the Yorkshire Dales where rural life meets dramatic storytelling.

The show started as a daytime programme focusing on farming families but evolved into a prime-time sensation with increasingly complex narratives.

Emmerdale has never shied away from ambitious storylines, including plane crashes, serial killers, and natural disasters.

These big events often coincide with special anniversaries, drawing millions of viewers.

The village setting provides a tight-knit community where everyone knows everyone’s business.

Over fifty years, the show has balanced traditional countryside charm with modern social issues, making it relevant to both older and younger audiences.

4. Last of the Summer Wine (1973–2010)

Picture three retired friends wandering the Yorkshire hills, getting into gentle mischief and philosophical conversations about life.

Last of the Summer Wine celebrated the humor and wisdom that comes with age, offering a refreshing contrast to youth-focused programming.

Running for an incredible 37 years, it holds the Guinness World Record as the longest-running sitcom in the world.

The show’s peaceful pace and beautiful countryside cinematography created a comforting viewing experience.

Characters came and went as actors aged or passed away, but the show’s warm spirit remained constant.

Its success proved that comedy doesn’t need to be fast-paced or edgy to captivate audiences across multiple generations.

5. Pobol y Cwm (1974–Present)

Broadcasting entirely in Welsh, Pobol y Cwm (People of the Valley) has served as a cornerstone of Welsh-language television for five decades.

The fictional village of Cwmderi comes alive through storylines that reflect Welsh culture, traditions, and contemporary issues facing the community.

Many viewers have learned Welsh by watching this beloved soap opera regularly.

It tackles everything from family disputes to business struggles, all while showcasing the beauty of the Welsh language.

The show receives support from S4C, Wales’ Welsh-language broadcaster.

Pobol y Cwm proves that regional programming can thrive when it authentically represents its audience’s identity and experiences.

It remains essential viewing for Welsh speakers worldwide.

6. EastEnders (1985–Present)

The drums of the theme tune signal drama ahead in Albert Square, Walford.

EastEnders brought gritty realism to British television, unafraid to explore difficult topics like domestic violence, mental health, and social inequality with unflinching honesty.

Set in London’s East End, the show centers around The Queen Vic pub and the families living nearby.

Christmas episodes have become legendary for their shocking revelations and dramatic confrontations.

Millions tune in to see what secrets will be exposed next.

The show’s distinctive drumbeat and aerial shot of the Thames have become instantly recognizable.

EastEnders continues pushing boundaries while maintaining its position as essential British viewing.

7. Casualty (1986–Present)

Every Saturday night, viewers enter the chaotic world of Holby City Hospital’s emergency department where medical staff face life-and-death decisions.

Casualty pioneered the medical drama format in Britain, combining medical emergencies with compelling personal storylines about doctors, nurses, and paramedics.

The show holds the distinction of being the world’s longest-running medical drama series.

It has educated audiences about NHS challenges while delivering gripping entertainment.

Storylines range from everyday accidents to major disasters like explosions and train crashes.

Characters we’ve watched for years suddenly face career-ending mistakes or personal tragedies, making every episode emotionally invested viewing.

The show remains a Saturday night tradition for countless families.

8. Rownd a Rownd (1995–Present)

On the beautiful island of Anglesey, another Welsh-language gem has been telling stories for nearly three decades.

Rownd a Rownd (Round and Round) focuses on younger characters compared to its predecessor Pobol y Cwm, appealing to families and teens with contemporary storylines.

The show films on location in Menai Bridge, giving it authentic Welsh coastal atmosphere.

Storylines blend traditional family values with modern challenges like social media, relationships, and career pressures.

It provides valuable Welsh-language content for younger generations.

Rownd a Rownd demonstrates how regional programming can remain relevant by evolving with its audience while staying true to cultural roots.

The island setting adds unique visual appeal to every episode.

9. Hollyoaks (1995–Present)

When Channel 4 wanted to capture younger viewers, they created Hollyoaks, a soap focusing on characters in their teens and twenties.

The Chester-based show tackles issues directly affecting young people, from mental health and sexuality to drug abuse and eating disorders.

Fast-paced editing and cliffhanger endings keep audiences hooked episode after episode.

Hollyoaks has won praise for handling sensitive topics with care while maintaining entertainment value.

The show isn’t afraid to shock viewers with unexpected plot twists.

Many British actors got their start in Hollyoaks before moving to bigger productions.

Its willingness to address taboo subjects has made it essential viewing for understanding youth culture in modern Britain.

10. Silent Witness (1996–Present)

Bodies tell stories that the living cannot, and forensic pathologists are the ones who listen.

Silent Witness follows experts who examine the deceased to uncover how they died and who might be responsible.

Each case combines scientific investigation with detective work.

Professor Sam Ryan originally led the team before other pathologists took over through the years.

The show balances procedural crime-solving with ongoing character development and personal relationships.

Cases often involve complex moral questions without easy answers.

Running for over 25 years, Silent Witness has maintained quality storytelling while educating viewers about forensic science.

The show proves that intelligent crime dramas can sustain audiences for decades.

11. Brookside (1982–2003)

Channel 4 launched with Brookside, a soap that dared to go where others wouldn’t.

Filmed on an actual residential close in Liverpool, the show brought unprecedented realism to British television.

Real houses meant real geography, making the setting feel genuinely lived-in.

Brookside tackled controversial subjects like domestic abuse, rape, and homosexuality when other soaps avoided them.

The infamous body-under-the-patio storyline kept the nation gripped for months.

Its willingness to push boundaries changed what audiences expected from soap operas.

Though it ended in 2003, Brookside’s influence on British television remains significant.

It proved that soaps could be both socially responsible and commercially successful.

12. Doctors (2000–2024)

For nearly a quarter-century, daytime viewers followed the staff of a Midlands medical practice through professional challenges and personal dramas.

Doctors provided a more intimate alternative to hospital-based shows, focusing on general practitioners and their relationships with regular patients in the community.

The show filmed five episodes weekly, an impressive production schedule that provided training ground for countless actors, writers, and directors.

Storylines balanced medical cases with ongoing character arcs about the doctors themselves.

Patient stories often highlighted important health issues.

When Doctors concluded in 2024, it left behind a legacy as one of Britain’s most consistent daytime dramas, proving appointment television still matters in the streaming age.