The longest-running British TV shows that are still on today - Forget ‘Merlin’ and ‘Car Share’, some British shows have stood the test of time. Here’s a rundown of the longest-running British shows that are still on TV.

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‘EastEnders’ (1985–) - Set in the fictional borough of Walford in East London, ‘EastEnders’ follows families and friends trying to get by in the big city. The longstanding soap is known for its intense cliffhangers and strong characters.

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‘Thomas & Friends’ (1984–) - ‘Thomas & Friends’ is a staple for children around the world. The show follows Thomas the Tank Engine, a friendly train who has adventures and learns lessons on the Island of Sodor.

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‘BBC News at Six’ (1984–) - Okay, the news has been around forever. But ‘BBC News at Six’ is the trusted staple news provider for many.

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‘Countdown’ (1982–) - This iconic game show asks guests to solve word and number puzzles. Contestants pick random letters to form the longest word possible. The hosts have changed over the years, but the format remains the same.

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‘See Hear’ (1981–) - This monthly magazine show is aimed at deaf and hearing impaired viewers. Since its start in 1981, ‘See Hear’ has lasted over 36 series.

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‘The South Bank Show’ (1978–2010, 2012–) - ‘The South Bank Show’ is hosted by Melvyn Bragg, who critiques highbrow art and pop culture for a wide audience. It took a few years off from 2010 to 2012 but is still going strong.

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‘Children In Need’ (1980–) - Since 1980, ‘Children in Need’ has raised nearly £1 billion for, well, children in need. The annual telethon is held in November each year.

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‘Newsnight’ (1980–) - ‘Newsnight’ airs weekdays on BBC Two. It analyses politics and current affairs with a no-nonsense style. Jeremy Paxman presented for 25 years, until 2014.

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‘Top Gear’ (1977–2001, 2002–) - ‘Top Gear’ kicked off in 1977. It lasted until 2001, when it was cancelled, only to be rebooted just one year later. It brought the world Jeremy Clarkson and has also been hosted by James May and Richard Hamilton.

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‘Question Time’ (1979–) - ‘Question Time’ invites politicians and public figures to debate and discuss issues in front of a live audience. David Dimbleby has taken on hosting duties since 1994.

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‘Antiques Roadshow’ (1977, 1979–) - ‘Antiques Roadshow’ invites audiences to bring their old belongings out and find out more. It is a strangely compelling TV staple. Sometimes, the items are worth nothing, other times, there are finds worth millions.

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‘Pobol y Cwm’ (1974–) - ‘Pobol y Cwm’ is a Welsh-language soap opera that takes place in Gwendraeth Valley. It is one of the most popular TV shows in Wales.

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‘Emmerdale’ (1972–) - Set in the Yorkshire Dales, ‘Emmerdale’ is a soap for viewers longing for the country but with more drama than any village could realistically handle. It was titled ‘Emmerdale Farm’ until 1989.

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‘Mastermind’ (1972–) - This intense game show puts contestants in an ominous black chair, where they must answer questions on a specialised subject, as well as a round on general knowledge. The fascination is in what esoteric topic they will choose.

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‘Newsround’ (1972–) - ‘Newsround’ dishes out news coverage suitable for kids without talking down. It has been hosted by many presenters through the years, including Ellie Crisell.

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‘Film...’ (1971–) - Currently titled ‘Film 2018’, this programme reviews the box office offerings that everybody’s talking about. The show has had a long list of presenters, including Claudia Winkleman and Jonathan Ross.

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‘University Challenge’ (1962–1987; 1994–) - Since 1962, ‘University Challenge’ has aired some of the most intense competition on television. The show pits two university teams against each other to answer the toughest questions. Jeremy Paxman joins for sarcastic presenting and cutthroat banter.

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‘Points of View’ (1961–) - ‘Points of View’ is a weirdly meta show on BBC One. Presenter Jeremy Vine reads letters of praise and criticism addressed to the BBC.

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‘A Question of Sport’ (1968–) - For a quiz show with a healthy sense of humour, check out ‘A Question of Sport’. Presenter Sue Barker asks tough questions on sports, with team captains Matt Tufnell and Matt Dawson battling it out for the most points.

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‘Gardeners' World’ (1968–) - The title’s not deceiving. ‘Gardeners' World’ is a simple programme about gardening that provides a soothing respite from the world. Peter Seabrook was one of the many presenters.

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‘Match of the Day’ (1964–) - In 2015, Guinness World Records acknowledged it as the longest-running football television programme in the world. It has been hosted by Gary Lineker since 1999.

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‘Horizon’ (1964–) - ‘Horizon’ is a documentary series that has been educating us on science and philosophy for generations. Paul Vaughan was the principal presenter, hosting the show from 1968 to 1995.

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‘Eurovision: You Decide’ (1957, 1959–2010, 2016–) - ‘You Decide’ pits singers against each other to decide the UK's entry for the Eurovision Song Contest. It has previously been titled ‘Festival of British Popular Songs’ and ‘A Song for Europe’.

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‘Doctor Who’ (1963-1989, 1996, 2005–) - This shape-shifting sci-fi show has captured audiences since the ‘60s. It follows the Doctor, an alien who travels time and space, with a trusty companion to assist on the adventure. David Tennant, Tom Baker, and Colin Baker have all played the lead role. The latest incarnation of the Doctor is played by Jodie Whittaker.

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‘Songs of Praise’ (1961–) - ‘Songs of Praise’ showcases church choirs singing Christian hymns. It’s one of the longest-running shows of its kind around the world.

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‘Dechrau Canu, Dechrau Canmo’ (1961–) - English viewers may not be too familiar with this one. ‘Dechrau Canu...’ is basically the Welsh version of ‘Songs of Praise’, but this one came first!

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‘Coronation Street’ (1960–) - ‘Corrie’ shouldn’t need much of an introduction. The soap opera is centred on a street in the fictional Salford town of Weatherfield. Down-to-earth characters cross paths and create drama. Actors as revered as Ian McKellan and Joanna Lumley have appeared over the years.

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‘Blue Peter’ (1958–) - ‘Blue Peter’ is a legendary children’s programme that has made a big mark on British culture. The entertainment show has recorded over 5,000 episodes in its 60-year history.

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‘The Sky at Night’ (1957–) - This recurring programme takes a monthly look at space and astronomical issues. From 1957 to 2013, ‘The Sky at Night’ was presented by Patrick Moore. This makes it the longest-running show with the same presenter.

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‘Panorama’ (1953–) - This current affairs show investigates controversial cases around the world. Since its launch in 1953, the programme has been presented by a number of respected journalists. Max Robertson, Richard Dimbleby, and Jeremy Vine are among those who have hosted the show.

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