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EastEnders 1985

Status
Returning Series
First Aired
February 19, 1985
Last Aired
June 29, 2026
Format
42 seasons · 7,275 eps
Total Runtime
~3637.5 hours (30 min/ep)
Essential Runtime
~3636 hours (skips filler)
Highest Rated Episode
S1E2 "2" (★ 10/10)
Created By
Julia Smith, Tony Holland
Network
BBC One
Where to Stream
Britbox Apple TV Channel, BritBox, BritBox Amazon Channel
Streaming data from JustWatch
★ TMDB users: 4.2/10 from 229 votes TV-PG SoapDramaCrime 42 seasons · 7275 eps Returning Series
Community & Your Rating
★ 4.2/10
Where to watch: Channel 4UKTV PlayBBC iPlayerBritbox Apple TV ChannelBritBoxBritBox Amazon ChannelSky GoAmazon Video
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Quick answer

What is EastEnders?

EastEnders is a British television soap opera that premiered in nineteen eighty-five on BBC One. The series depicts the everyday lives of working-class residents living in Albert Square, a traditional Victorian terrace setting located in the fictional London Borough of Walford.

Type
TV series
Year
1985
Status
Returning Series
Episodes
7,275
Runtime
30 minutes
First aired
Feb 19, 1985
Last aired
Jun 29, 2026
Original language
EN
Origin
GB
Networks
BBC One
Genres
Soap, Drama, Crime
Updated
Series guide

At a glance

Rating
★ TMDB users: 4.2/10 from 229 votes
Format
42 seasons · 7,275 episodes
Episode runtime
~30 minutes
Status
Returning Series
Network
BBC One
Availability by region

Where to watch in United States

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Overview

EastEnders is a British television soap opera that premiered in nineteen eighty-five on BBC One. The series depicts the everyday lives of working-class residents living in Albert Square, a traditional Victorian terrace setting located in the fictional London Borough of Walford. Created by Tony Holland, Julia Smith and Tony Jordan, the show has become a significant part of British television history. The programme features an ensemble cast including actors such as Adam Woodyatt, Steve McFadden, Letitia Dean and Gillian Taylforth. Known for addressing contemporary social issues, EastEnders has explored numerous important topics throughout its long-running history. The show continues to produce new episodes and remains a popular fixture on British television, maintaining a dedicated viewership and generating regular media coverage through news outlets and entertainment platforms.

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Should you watch it?

“A gritty British soap exploring life in a tight-knit East London community.”

Reasons to watch
  • Strong ensemble cast
  • Realistic portrayal of working-class life
  • Long-running storylines with emotional depth
Keep in mind
  • Can be emotionally heavy
  • Slow pacing at times

Watch it if you enjoy character-driven dramas set in close-knit communities.

Suitable for mature audiences due to occasional intense themes and dramatic storylines.

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Your verdict

Is EastEnders worth watching?

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Comprehensive Directory

Episode guide

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Time Saved 1.5h Skipping 3 filler episodes
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Mytharc (191): Crucial lore & season climaxes
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Season 1 · 91 episodes Open the complete Season 1 guide & lore primer →
Season 2 · 105 episodes Open the complete Season 2 guide & lore primer →
Season 3 · 107 episodes Open the complete Season 3 guide & lore primer →
Season 4 · 104 episodes Open the complete Season 4 guide & lore primer →
Season 5 · 104 episodes Open the complete Season 5 guide & lore primer →
Season 6 · 104 episodes Open the complete Season 6 guide & lore primer →
Season 7 · 105 episodes Open the complete Season 7 guide & lore primer →
Season 8 · 106 episodes Open the complete Season 8 guide & lore primer →
Season 9 · 105 episodes Open the complete Season 9 guide & lore primer →
Season 10 · 142 episodes Open the complete Season 10 guide & lore primer →
Season 11 · 157 episodes Open the complete Season 11 guide & lore primer →
Season 12 · 161 episodes Open the complete Season 12 guide & lore primer →
Season 13 · 162 episodes Open the complete Season 13 guide & lore primer →
Season 14 · 164 episodes Open the complete Season 14 guide & lore primer →
Season 15 · 169 episodes Open the complete Season 15 guide & lore primer →
Season 16 · 160 episodes Open the complete Season 16 guide & lore primer →
Season 17 · 179 episodes Open the complete Season 17 guide & lore primer →
Season 18 · 211 episodes Open the complete Season 18 guide & lore primer →
Season 19 · 210 episodes Open the complete Season 19 guide & lore primer →
Season 20 · 209 episodes Open the complete Season 20 guide & lore primer →
Season 21 · 209 episodes Open the complete Season 21 guide & lore primer →
Season 22 · 207 episodes Open the complete Season 22 guide & lore primer →
Season 23 · 208 episodes Open the complete Season 23 guide & lore primer →
Season 24 · 208 episodes Open the complete Season 24 guide & lore primer →
Season 25 · 209 episodes Open the complete Season 25 guide & lore primer →
Season 26 · 204 episodes Open the complete Season 26 guide & lore primer →
Season 27 · 210 episodes Open the complete Season 27 guide & lore primer →
Season 28 · 206 episodes Open the complete Season 28 guide & lore primer →
Season 29 · 213 episodes Open the complete Season 29 guide & lore primer →
Season 30 · 206 episodes Open the complete Season 30 guide & lore primer →
Verified insights

Frequently asked questions

Where is EastEnders set?

It is set in the fictional borough of Walford in the East End of London.

When did EastEnders first air?

The series premiered on 19 February 1985.

Who created EastEnders?

It was created by Julia Smith and Tony Holland.

What is the show about?

It follows the everyday lives of working-class residents living around Albert Square.

Is it still running?

Yes, it continues to air new episodes on BBC One.

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