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Emmerdale 1972

Status
Returning Series
First Aired
October 16, 1972
Last Aired
July 17, 2026
Format
55 seasons · 10,053 eps
Highest Rated Episode
S1E3 "Episode 3 (Mon 23rd Oct 1972)" (★ 2.5/10)
Created By
Kevin Laffan
Networks
ITV1, ITV Yorkshire
Where to Stream
Britbox Apple TV Channel, BritBox, BritBox Amazon Channel
Streaming data from JustWatch
★ TMDB users: 4.3/10 from 100 votes TV-PG SoapDrama 55 seasons · 10053 eps Returning Series
Community & Your Rating
★ 4.3/10
Where to watch: ITVXSTV PlayerBritbox Apple TV ChannelBritBoxBritBox Amazon ChannelITVX PremiumApple TV StoreAmazon Video
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Quick answer

What is Emmerdale?

Emmerdale is a British television soap opera that first aired in 1972. Originally titled Emmerdale Farm until 1989, the series was created by Kevin Laffan and is set in the fictional village of Emmerdale, located in the Yorkshire Dales.

Type
TV series
Year
1972
Status
Returning Series
Episodes
10,053
First aired
Oct 16, 1972
Last aired
Jul 17, 2026
Original language
EN
Origin
GB
Networks
ITV1, ITV Yorkshire
Genres
Soap, Drama
Updated
Series guide

At a glance

Rating
★ TMDB users: 4.3/10 from 100 votes
Format
55 seasons · 10,053 episodes
Status
Returning Series
Networks
ITV1, ITV Yorkshire
Availability by region

Where to watch in United States

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Britbox Apple TV ChannelBritBoxBritBox Amazon Channel
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Overview

Emmerdale is a British television soap opera that first aired in 1972. Originally titled Emmerdale Farm until 1989, the series was created by Kevin Laffan and is set in the fictional village of Emmerdale, located in the Yorkshire Dales. The show depicts the lives of a close-knit rural community, focusing on the interconnected stories of several families. Interior scenes are filmed at ITV studios, while the village setting provides a backdrop for dramatic storylines involving murder, affairs, lies, deceit, laughter, and tears. The series has been broadcast on ITV since its inception and continues to air new episodes. Known for its long-running narratives and evolving characters, Emmerdale remains one of the UK's longest-running soap operas. The show was initially titled Emmerdale Farm and was set in a quiet area of North Yorkshire. It premiered with its first episode broadcast in October 1972.

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Should you watch it?

“A long-running British soap set in a Yorkshire village full of drama and intrigue.”

Reasons to watch
  • Strong sense of community and family dynamics
  • Mix of emotional and dramatic storylines
  • Historic British television staple
Keep in mind
  • Slow pacing in early years
  • Rural setting may not appeal to all

You enjoy classic British soaps with strong character development.

Suitable for general audiences, though storylines can be emotionally intense.

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Cast

Comprehensive Directory

Episode guide

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Season 1 · 20 episodes Open the complete Season 1 guide & lore primer →
Season 2 · 103 episodes Open the complete Season 2 guide & lore primer →
Season 3 · 99 episodes Open the complete Season 3 guide & lore primer →
Season 4 · 62 episodes Open the complete Season 4 guide & lore primer →
Season 5 · 38 episodes Open the complete Season 5 guide & lore primer →
Season 6 · 92 episodes Open the complete Season 6 guide & lore primer →
Season 7 · 75 episodes Open the complete Season 7 guide & lore primer →
Season 8 · 53 episodes Open the complete Season 8 guide & lore primer →
Season 9 · 86 episodes Open the complete Season 9 guide & lore primer →
Season 10 · 68 episodes Open the complete Season 10 guide & lore primer →
Season 11 · 68 episodes Open the complete Season 11 guide & lore primer →
Season 12 · 72 episodes Open the complete Season 12 guide & lore primer →
Season 13 · 76 episodes Open the complete Season 13 guide & lore primer →
Season 14 · 93 episodes Open the complete Season 14 guide & lore primer →
Season 15 · 100 episodes Open the complete Season 15 guide & lore primer →
Season 16 · 100 episodes Open the complete Season 16 guide & lore primer →
Season 17 · 102 episodes Open the complete Season 17 guide & lore primer →
Season 18 · 103 episodes Open the complete Season 18 guide & lore primer →
Season 19 · 102 episodes Open the complete Season 19 guide & lore primer →
Season 20 · 104 episodes Open the complete Season 20 guide & lore primer →
Season 21 · 105 episodes Open the complete Season 21 guide & lore primer →
Season 22 · 104 episodes Open the complete Season 22 guide & lore primer →
Season 23 · 105 episodes Open the complete Season 23 guide & lore primer →
Season 24 · 104 episodes Open the complete Season 24 guide & lore primer →
Season 25 · 105 episodes Open the complete Season 25 guide & lore primer →
Season 26 · 157 episodes Open the complete Season 26 guide & lore primer →
Season 27 · 162 episodes Open the complete Season 27 guide & lore primer →
Season 28 · 164 episodes Open the complete Season 28 guide & lore primer →
Season 29 · 187 episodes Open the complete Season 29 guide & lore primer →
Season 30 · 257 episodes Open the complete Season 30 guide & lore primer →
Verified insights

Frequently asked questions

When did Emmerdale first air?

The show first aired in 1972.

What was the original name of Emmerdale?

It was originally called Emmerdale Farm until 1989.

Where is Emmerdale set?

It is set in a fictional village in the Yorkshire Dales.

Who created Emmerdale?

The show was created by Kevin Laffan.

How many episodes were broadcast in the first year?

Twenty episodes were broadcast in 1972.

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