Art & Hue2026 Classic TV anniversaries
As well as film milestones, 2026 marks many classic TV anniversaries, from stylish spy shows to enduring soap operas. Art & Hue rounds-up the beloved & cult television to commemorate this year.
100 years of Television
100 years ago on the 26th of January 1926, John Logie Baird made his first demonstration of television images to Royal Institute members in Frith Street, Soho.
90 years of BBC
90 years ago on the 2nd of November 1936, the BBC started broadcasting when it opened the world’s first regular high-definition television service, from Alexandra Palace.
65 years of The Avengers
2026 marks 65 years of the cult TV show “The Avengers”. On the 7th of January 1961, audiences were introduced to Ian Hendry as Dr David Keel and Patrick Macnee as John Steed in the first ever episode of the new series of “The Avengers” called “Hot Snow”.
60 years of Mrs Peel USA
2026 marks 60 years since the Mrs Peel episodes of “The Avengers” debuted in the USA on ABC on the 28th of March 1966.
The New Avengers 50th
As well as 2026 marking 65 years of “The Avengers“, this year also marks 50 years of “The New Avengers” which introduced Purdey, played by Joanna Lumley, and Gambit, portrayed by Gareth Hunt. The stylish spy show has been restored in UHD 4k, available as a Collector’s Edition box-set as well as on Blu-ray & DVD.
Elstree 100
The first film started production at the newly-opened Elstree Studios on the 28th of December 1926. Called “Madame Pompadour”, Elstree was officially opened a day later on the 29th and went on to produce many cult TV shows over the years, including “The Avengers“.
Pinewood 90
Primarily known for film, Pinewood has also produced many TV productions over the years, including “The New Avengers“. On the 30th of September 1936, Pinewood Studios officially opened. Originally planned to be opened in October 1936 by Prince George, the official opening was brought forward to September when the studios were opened by Leslie Burgin, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade.
Eurovision 70th
2026 marks 70 years of the Eurovision Song Contest, originally created to bring the nations of Europe together after the Second World War. The contest has produced singers and groups who endure to this day, as well as creating its own brand of Euro-Speak song titles which transcend language barriers. Switzerland’s Lys Assia was the first ever winner at the inaugural 1956 edition of the song contest.
70 Years of Granada
70 years ago, on the 3rd of May 1956, Granada studios went on air for the first time with its launch programme at 7.30pm called “Meet the People”.
75 years of Goons
75 years ago, on the 28th of May 1951, the first episode of “Crazy People”, which was subsequently renamed “The Goon Show”, with Peter Sellers debuted on Radio.
70 Years of Hancock
70 years ago, on the 6th of July 1956, the first television episode of “Hancock’s Half Hour” with Tony Hancock aired with the episode called, appropriately enough, “The First TV Show”.
60 years World Cup 1966
On the 30th of July 1966, Alf Ramsey‘s England squad, captained by Bobby Moore, won the World Cup. 60 years on, the football victory still resonates in the British psyche.
Mission: Impossible 60
60 years ago, on the 17th of September 1966, the first ever episode of the classic TV series “Mission: Impossible”, starring Martin Landau & Barbara Bain, aired on American TV.
45 Years Joan Dynasty
As well as marking 75 years in show business, this year marks 45 years since Joan Collins appeared in “Dynasty” for the first time on the 11th of November 1981.
The Frost Report 60
60 years ago, on the 10th of March 1966, the first episode of “The Frost Report” was broadcast & introduced comedy icons John Cleese, and the two Ronnies, Barker & Corbett, to TV.
Dusty Springfield
60 years ago, on the 18th of August 1966, Dusty Springfield‘s first eponymous TV show aired on the BBC.
Jason King 55
55 years ago, on the 15th of September 1971, the “Department S” spin-off show “Jason King” starring Peter Wyngarde premiered on British television.
The Two Ronnies 55
55 years ago, on the 10th of April 1971, the first ever episode of “The Two Ronnies” aired on TV.
Bless This House 55
55 years ago, on the 2nd of February 1971, the first ever episode of “Bless This House” with Sid James, called “The Generation Gap”, aired on TV. A film was to follow, with Sid, June Whitfield, Carol Hawkins, Frank Thornton, & Wendy Richard, in 1972.
Dixon of Dock Green
50 years ago, on the 1st of May 1976, the final ever episode of “Dixon of Dock Green” starring Jack Warner aired on television.
Man About the House 50
2021 marks 50 years since the final episode of “Man About the House“.
George & Mildred 50
50 years ago, on the 5th of September 1976, the first ever episode of “George & Mildred”, the spin-off with Yootha Joyce & Brian Murphy from sitcom “Man About the House“, aired on the Border TV channel at 8.20pm.
Pebble Mill 55
55 years ago, on the 15th of June 1971, the first show from Birmingham’s Pebble Mill studios was broadcast, & 50 years ago, on the 21st of June 1976, the first episode of “Saturday Night at the Mill” aired – Jenny Hanley joined the show as co-presenter in 1980.
50 years of Perrin
50 years ago, on the 8th of September 1976, the first ever episode of “The Fall & Rise of Reginald Perrin”, starring Leonard Rossiter, aired on British television.
45 years of Sorry!
45 years ago, on the 12th of March 1981, Ronnie Corbett debuted as Timothy Lumsden in the first episode of sit-com “Sorry!” called “For Love or Mummy”. Language Timothy!
40 years of Pat
40 Years ago, on the 12th of June 1986, Pat hit the square when Pam St Clement debuted on Eastenders.
Austria Eurovision
60 years ago, on the 5th of March 1966, Udo Jürgens won the Eurovision Song Contest for Austria with his song “Merci, Chérie”.
UK Eurovision
50 years ago, on the 3rd of April 1976, Brotherhood of Man won the Eurovision Song Contest for the United Kingdom with their song “Save Your Kisses For Me”.
UK Eurovision
45 years ago, on the 4th of April 1981, Buck’s Fizz received multiple douze points to win the Eurovision Song Contest for the United Kingdom (Le Royaume Uni) with their song “Making Your Mind Up”.
Girls on Top 40
40 years ago, on the 11th of December 1986, sitcom “Girls On Top” premiered on British TV, starring Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French, Ruby Wax & Joan Greenwood.
Gimme Gimme Gimme
25 years ago, on the 14th of December 2001, the final episode of sitcom “Gimme Gimme Gimme”, starring Kathy Burke, premiered on British TV.
1981 Royal Wedding
Not a TV show, but watched by an estimated 750 million people, 45 years ago, on the 29th of July 1981, the Royal wedding of Prince Charles & Lady Diana Spencer was broadcast globally.
These are just some of the anniversaries taking place in 2026 – there are more milestones, including film events, to celebrate this year.
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