Iconic ITV Series Concludes After 62 Memorable Years with Final Episodes
The long-running documentary that began with 7 Up in 1964 reaches its closing chapter this year. The iconic ITV series has spanned 62 memorable years and now moves to its final episodes.
Origins and format
The project started by following 14 seven-year-olds in England. Ten boys and four girls were filmed and revisited every seven years.
Paul Almond directed the inaugural film. Michael Apted took over direction soon after and continued for decades.
Production and broadcasting
Granada Television produced the films for ITV. Every instalment aired on ITV, except 42 Up, which screened on BBC One.
Michael Apted died in 2021 at the age of 79. For the final film, Asif Kapadia was appointed director.
The final film: 70 Up
The closing instalment is titled 70 Up. It reunites the original group for concluding reflections.
The film looks back on hopes, achievements and setbacks. Editors Andrew Hulme and Patrick Saxer worked on decades of archive material.
Who appears
- Tony, once keen to be a jockey, later worked as a London cab driver.
- Neil, who once dreamed of becoming an astronaut, features again.
- Sue discusses marrying Glenn and a long career at Queen Mary University of London.
- Peter offers updates linked to his music.
- KC John, who aspired to a powerful career, returns to the series.
- Andrew, the prep-school boy known for reading the Financial Times, appears as a lawyer.
- Suzy, the former young ballerina who disliked private school, is included.
- Charles, who left the project at 21, records his perspective.
- The film also remembers Lynn and the late Nick, the farmer’s son who became a nuclear physicist.
Voices from the makers
Jo Clinton-Davies, ITV’s controller of factual commissioning 70 Up, described the series as a document of our times. She praised Michael Apted and long-serving production staff, including Claire Lewis.
Asif Kapadia said he grew up watching the series. He called directing the final film an honour and a longstanding dream.
When to watch
ITV has confirmed that 70 Up will air later this year. No specific broadcast date has been announced yet.
Filmogaz.com will monitor further scheduling updates and coverage as the final episodes reach viewers.
