Panorama (1953)
The BBC's defining investigative current affairs programme, broadcasting hard-hitting documentary journalism since November 1953.
Panorama - Series Information
- Original Title: Panorama
- First Air Year: 1953
- Last Air Year: 2025
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Documentary, News
- Content Rating (US): NR
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (45 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 74
- Number of Episodes: 1376
- Status: Returning Series
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: November 11, 1953 (United States - TV-PG), November 11, 1953 (Canada - G), November 11, 1953 (India - U), November 11, 1953 (Brazil - 12)
- Networks: BBC One
- Production Companies: BBC, BBC Productions
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
Panorama - Plot
Current affairs programme, featuring interviews and investigative reports on a wide variety of subjects.
Panorama - Trailer
Watch the official Panorama trailer and see the programme's investigative journalism in action.
Where to Watch Panorama
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Panorama - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Richard Dimbleby
- Max Robertson
- Richard Bilton
- Jane Corbin
- Neil Kinnock
- Darragh MacIntyre
- Malcolm Muggeridge
- Marianna Spring
- Paddy Ashdown
- John Major
Writers
- Marianna Spring
Executive Producers
- Leo Telling
- Andrew Head
- Lucie Kon
- Shelley Jofre
- Sandy Smith
Panorama - FAQs
Where can you watch Panorama online?
Panorama is available to stream on BBC iPlayer in the United Kingdom, where recent and archive episodes can be accessed for free. International viewers may find select episodes available through other platforms. Check JustWatch for a full list of streaming options in your region.
Is Panorama the longest-running TV documentary series?
Panorama is widely recognised as one of the longest-running current affairs programmes in television history. It first aired on the BBC on 11 November 1953, making it over seven decades old. It holds a Guinness World Record as the world's longest-running news and current affairs television programme.
What is Panorama about?
Panorama is the BBC's flagship investigative current affairs programme. Each episode focuses on a single in-depth topic, ranging from political scandals and social injustice to international conflicts and corporate wrongdoing. The show combines undercover reporting, exclusive interviews, and documentary filmmaking to expose stories of significant public interest.
Who are the main presenters and reporters on Panorama?
Panorama has featured many notable journalists over its history. Key contributors include Richard Dimbleby, the programme's first prominent presenter, alongside Jane Corbin, Darragh MacIntyre, Marianna Spring, Richard Bilton, and Malcolm Muggeridge. David Dimbleby and Clive Myrie have also appeared in significant roles.
When did Panorama first air on the BBC?
Panorama first aired on 11 November 1953 on the BBC. It began as a magazine-style programme covering arts and culture before evolving into the hard-hitting investigative current affairs format it is known for today. It has been broadcast continuously for over 70 years.
How many seasons and episodes does Panorama have?
Panorama has aired across 74 seasons, accumulating 1,376 episodes as of the latest available data. Each season broadly corresponds to a broadcast year, with episode counts varying considerably. The series continues to produce new content, with Season 73 in 2025 containing 39 episodes.
Has Panorama won any major awards?
Panorama has received numerous accolades throughout its history, including BAFTA awards and Royal Television Society honours for investigative journalism. Individual episodes have been recognised for exposés on topics ranging from political corruption to human rights abuses, cementing the programme's reputation as a gold standard in broadcast journalism.
Is Panorama still being made and renewed?
Yes, Panorama is currently a returning series and is still in active production. The BBC continues to commission new episodes, with Season 74 underway in 2026. The programme remains a cornerstone of BBC One's factual output and shows no signs of being cancelled.
More About Panorama
Explore further details about Panorama on these authoritative external resources.