ITV’s long-running documentary reaches its final chapter
A landmark ITV documentary series is coming to an emotional close this month after more than six decades on screen.
ITV’s Up series, which began in 1964 as 7 Up, has followed the lives of 14 British children from the age of seven, checking in with them every seven years.
The series is produced by Granada Television for ITV, with the only exception in its broadcast history being 42 Up, which aired on BBC One.
Final episode set to air
Now, the final instalment, 70 Up, is set to air soon, with two 90-minute episodes.
The final episodes will reunite viewers with the original participants, including Tony, the former hopeful jockey who became a London cab driver, and Neil, who once dreamed of becoming an astronaut.
The series will also feature Sue, who spent decades working at Queen Mary University of London, and Peter, who has continued to pursue his passion for music.
Other returning faces include KC John, who aspired to a powerful career, and Andrew, the prep school pupil who famously read the Financial Times as a child.
The final film will also remember those who are no longer with us, including Lynn, one of the original trio of friends, and Nick, the farmer’s son who became a nuclear physicist.
The final episodes will offer viewers a last opportunity to reflect on the dreams, challenges, and changes experienced by the original 14 children, now 70-year-olds.
ITV says the series became part of the cultural fabric
Jo Clinton-Davis, controller of factual at ITV and commissioner of 70 Up, said: “The 7 Up story is much more than a TV documentary, it’s a document of our times.
“A truly distinctive landmark piece of film-making that has become part of our cultural fabric.
“In the evolving stories of our cast we see the universal themes of life play out.
“It is the series that made me want to get into television.”
The late Michael Apted directed every film from 7 Plus Seven onwards until he died in 2021.
Asif Kapadia will now direct the final chapter. He said: “In 2014 I named the Up Series as my favourite documentary of all time.
“Who knew that two decades later I would have the incredible honour and privilege to be asked to direct 70 Up, the legendary documentary series.
“I love the show.
“I have watched it all my life, first as a child with my parents and siblings, growing up in East London and then as an adult.”
Two companion programmes will mark the end
ITV has also announced two companion programmes to mark the end of the series.
The first, 7 Up: The Story, will revisit the origins of the documentary, exploring its creation in the 1960s and the social context of the time.
The second, 70 Up: The Victorians, will feature remastered interviews with people born during the Victorian era who reached the age of 70 around the time the original series began.
These interviews, uncovered by MultiStory Media’s archive team, will be set alongside the reflections of current participants such as Andrew, Jackie, and Bruce.
The special will explore the hopes, fears, and daily lives of two generations who reached the same age in dramatically different eras.
Both companion programmes are intended to provide context and closure to a series that has deeply resonated with audiences for more than 60 years.
When to watch
70 Up will air on ITV and ITVX at 9 pm on Tuesday, September 15.
Teasing the finale, ITV said: “For over six decades, one groundbreaking documentary has followed their lives since they were just 7 years old…
“From childhood to adulthood, 70 Up reunites us for one final reflection on life, love, family and the passing of time.”
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