To celebrate 75 years on the air, BBC Radio 4 will broadcast special programming dedicated to The Archers on New Year’s Day 2026.
I’ve been listening to this incredible radio drama for years, and it still amazes me that it began all the way back on January 1st, 1951! It’s truly something special – it’s officially recognized as the longest-running daily radio serial ever, having broadcast over 20,000 episodes. It’s a real piece of history, and I’m a huge fan.
Listeners can look forward to a special lineup of programs on New Year’s Day 2026. At 7:15pm, a 45-minute drama featuring Claire Skinner will explore the events of the New Year’s Eve attack in more detail. Then, at 8pm, Radio 4 will broadcast the very first episode of The Archers Podcast, with Emma Freud and guests offering fans an inside look at the show’s storylines.
BBC Radio 4 is planning special broadcasts, including new episodes of Woman’s Hour and This Week in History. They’ll also recreate the very first scene from the show’s 1951 debut. The reimagined scene will feature Timothy Bentinck, Felicity Finch, Daisy Badger, Ben Norris, and Wilf Scolding as Dan, Doris, Grace, Philip, and Jack Archer – the latest actors to play these iconic roles.
The Archers, created by Godfry Baseley, takes place in the make-believe village of Ambridge, where the Archer family runs a farm.
From the very beginning, the show has documented important shifts in British society and culture. More recently, it has addressed challenging issues like climate change, domestic violence, addiction, and modern slavery.
To celebrate its 75th year, the BBC is making episodes of The Archers available on BBC Sounds for five years after they air, a change from the previous availability of just 30 days.
Mohit Bakaya, who leads Radio 4 and its speech programming, explained that The Archers is a vital part of British broadcasting. He highlighted its distinctive ability to depict country life while also mirroring how society has changed over the past 75 years.
A lot has changed since the program first aired in 1951, and it’s wonderful that it’s still so popular with listeners of all ages. The dedication of The Archers’ fans is remarkable, and I’m excited to celebrate this beloved British institution with them over the next year.
Jeremy Howe, the editor of The Archers, pointed out that the show’s first baby, Tony Archer, has been a character for as long as many of its listeners have been tuning in. It’s wonderful that the program continues to gain new fans and connect with younger generations.
He explained that what makes The Archers so beloved is its ability to connect with audiences, offering both a sense of tradition and relevance to modern life. He expressed excitement about the show’s future, looking ahead to the next 75 years.
You can catch The Archers on BBC Radio 4 or BBC Sounds. Plus, tickets for the live show are now on sale!
Read our guide to the best Christmas TV for 2025.
Authors
Molly Moss writes about the newest happenings in TV, movies, and other entertainment for TopMob. She has a master’s degree in journalism and has also contributed to major publications like The Guardian, The Times, and The Sun Online.
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2026-01-01 03:34