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This Is Your Life 1955

★ 6.7/10 · 9 votes Documentary 43 seasons · 1094 eps Canceled
Quick answer

What is This Is Your Life?

This Is Your Life is a British biographical television documentary series that originated in 1955. The program is based on an American show of the same name that premiered in 1952.

Type
TV series
Year
1955
Status
Canceled
Episodes
1,094
Runtime
30 minutes
First aired
Jul 29, 1955
Last aired
Dec 28, 2001
Original language
EN
Origin
GB
Networks
BBC One, ITV1
Genres
Documentary
Updated
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Overview

This Is Your Life is a British biographical television documentary series that originated in 1955. The program is based on an American show of the same name that premiered in 1952. The format of the series involves the host surprising a special guest, who may be a celebrity or a non-celebrity. The guest is then taken through a retrospective of their life with the assistance of an iconic big red book. Family members, friends, and colleagues often make guest appearances in the studio to help recount the life story of the subject. Eamonn Andrews served as the host from 1955 until 1964 and again from 1969 until his death in 1987 at the age of 64. Following his tenure, Michael Aspel took over the role of host until the show concluded in 2003. The series returned to television in 2007 as a one-off special presented by Trevor McDonald, which remains the most recent airing of the program to date.

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Should you watch it?

“A beloved British TV institution where stars and ordinary people are surprised and celebrated.”

Reasons to watch
  • Historic television milestone
  • Genuine emotional moments
  • Diverse range of subjects
Keep in mind
  • Dated production values
  • Predictable format

You enjoy heartfelt biographical storytelling and television history.

Suitable for all ages with gentle, celebratory content.

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Episode guide

Season 1 · 15 episodes Open the complete Season 1 guide →
Season 2 · 19 episodes
Season 3 · 26 episodes
Season 4 · 31 episodes
Season 5 · 37 episodes

Frequently asked questions

Who hosted the show?

Eamonn Andrews hosted from 1955-1964 and 1969-1987, followed by Michael Aspel until 2003.

What happened to the show after 2003?

It returned briefly in 2007 with Trevor McDonald as a one-off special.

Were only famous people featured?

No, both celebrities and non-celebrities were surprised and profiled.

How long did the show run?

The show ran from 1955 to 2003 with a brief return in 2007.

What was the 'big red book'?

It was used by the host to guide guests through their life stories during the show.