The South Bank Show (1978)
Melvyn Bragg's landmark British arts series, celebrating high culture and popular creativity across four remarkable decades on ITV and Sky Arts.
The South Bank Show - Series Information
- Original Title: The South Bank Show
- First Air Year: 1978
- Last Air Year: 2023
- Created by: Melvyn Bragg
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Documentary, Talk
- Content Rating (US): NR
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (60 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 45
- Number of Episodes: 776
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: January 14, 1978 (United States - NR)
- Networks: ITV1, Sky Arts
- Production Companies: LWT
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
The South Bank Show - Plot
The South Bank Show is a television arts magazine show produced by ITV between 1978 and 2010. A new series began on Sky Arts from 27 May 2012. Presented by Melvyn Bragg, the show aims to bring both high art and popular culture to a mass audience.
Where to Watch The South Bank Show
Looking for where to watch The South Bank Show?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
The South Bank Show - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Melvyn Bragg
Main Cast
- Melvyn Bragg
- Peter Hall
- Alec Guinness
- Nick Park
- Paul McCartney
- Harold Pinter
- Alan Bennett
- Fernando Meirelles
- Robert Altman
- Gene Hackman
Writers
- Melvyn Bragg
Executive Producers
- Melvyn Bragg
The South Bank Show - FAQs
Who created and presented The South Bank Show?
Melvyn Bragg created and presented The South Bank Show throughout its entire run. A celebrated author, broadcaster, and life peer, Bragg guided the programme from its debut in 1978 through to its final episodes in 2023, making him one of British television's most enduring arts presenters.
When did The South Bank Show first air?
The South Bank Show first aired on January 14, 1978, on ITV. It ran on ITV until 2010, then returned on Sky Arts from May 27, 2012, continuing until 2023 — a remarkable span of over four decades on British television.
How many seasons and episodes does The South Bank Show have?
The South Bank Show ran for 45 seasons and accumulated 776 episodes in total. Season lengths varied considerably over the decades, from full runs of 25-plus episodes in its ITV heyday to shorter series of 4-6 episodes during its Sky Arts era.
What is The South Bank Show about?
The South Bank Show is a British arts magazine series dedicated to exploring both high culture and popular entertainment. Hosted by Melvyn Bragg, each episode profiles a major artist, filmmaker, musician, or writer, offering in-depth interviews and documentary coverage that made the arts accessible to a broad audience.
Where can you watch The South Bank Show?
Viewing options for The South Bank Show vary by region. You can check JustWatch for the most up-to-date streaming and on-demand availability in your country, including any platforms currently carrying episodes from its long ITV and Sky Arts run.
Did The South Bank Show win any major awards?
Over its long run, The South Bank Show earned considerable recognition in the UK broadcasting landscape, receiving BAFTA nominations and wins for arts programming. Its consistent championing of culture across four decades earned it a reputation as one of British television's most prestigious arts series.
Why did The South Bank Show move from ITV to Sky Arts?
ITV cancelled The South Bank Show in 2010 as part of budget cuts and a shift away from arts programming on mainstream commercial television. Melvyn Bragg and the production team revived it on Sky Arts in 2012, where its dedicated arts audience found a more natural home for the format.
What are some notable guests featured on The South Bank Show?
The series hosted an extraordinary range of cultural figures, including Paul McCartney, Harold Pinter, Alan Bennett, Alec Guinness, Steven Spielberg, Robert Altman, Gene Hackman, Nick Park, and Annie Lennox — a guest list that reads like a who's who of 20th and 21st century arts and entertainment.
More About The South Bank Show
Explore further details and official listings for The South Bank Show on these trusted resources.