This Is Your Life (1955)
The beloved British biographical documentary that surprised celebrities and everyday heroes with the iconic big red book for nearly five decades.
This Is Your Life - Series Information
- Original Title: This Is Your Life
- First Air Year: 1955
- Last Air Year: 2001
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Documentary
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (30 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 43
- Number of Episodes: 1,094
- Status: Canceled
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Networks: BBC One, ITV1
- Production Companies: Thames Television
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
This Is Your Life - Plot
This is Your Life is a British biographical television documentary, based on the 1952 American show of the same name. It was hosted by Eamonn Andrews from 1955 until 1964, and then from 1969 until his death in 1987 aged 64. Michael Aspel then took up the role of host until the show ended in 2003. It returned in 2007 as a one-off special presented by Trevor McDonald, which to date was its most recent airing. In the show the host surprises a special guest, before taking them through their life with the assistance of the 'big red book'. Both celebrities and non-celebrities have been 'victims' of the show. The show was originally broadcast live, and over its run it has alternated between being broadcast on the BBC and on ITV.
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This Is Your Life - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Eamonn Andrews
- Michael Aspel
- Peter Sallis
- Bebe Daniels
- Boris Karloff
- Catherine Cookson
- Kitty O'Neil
- Ralph Edwards
- Yvonne Bailey
- Ted Ray
This Is Your Life - FAQs
Where can I watch This Is Your Life online?
Streaming availability for This Is Your Life varies by region and platform. Check JustWatch for the most up-to-date viewing options in your area, including any subscription services, rental, or purchase options currently offering episodes of this long-running British documentary series.
Who hosted This Is Your Life over the years?
This Is Your Life had three notable hosts. Eamonn Andrews presented the show from 1955 to 1964 and again from 1969 until his death in 1987. Michael Aspel then took over until the show ended in 2003. Trevor McDonald hosted a one-off special revival in 2007.
Is This Is Your Life based on an American show?
Yes. This Is Your Life is directly based on the 1952 American television programme of the same name. The British adaptation retained the core format — surprising a guest and guiding them through their life story using the iconic big red book — while featuring British celebrities and personalities.
How many seasons and episodes does This Is Your Life have?
This Is Your Life ran for 43 seasons and accumulated 1,094 episodes across its lengthy broadcast history. The series aired from 1955 through to 2003, with an additional one-off special in 2007, making it one of the longest-running biographical documentary programmes in British television history.
What is This Is Your Life about?
This Is Your Life is a British biographical documentary in which a host surprises a celebrity or ordinary person, then guides them through their life story with the help of the famous big red book. Friends, family, and colleagues appear to share memories, creating an emotional and celebratory tribute.
What networks aired This Is Your Life in the UK?
This Is Your Life alternated between the BBC and ITV throughout its run. It broadcast on BBC One during its earlier years and later moved to ITV1, reflecting the shifting landscape of British television. This dual-network history made it one of the few British series to achieve major success on both broadcasters.
When did This Is Your Life first air on British television?
This Is Your Life first aired in the United Kingdom in 1955, with Eamonn Andrews as host. The show was originally broadcast live and quickly became a beloved fixture of British television, running for nearly five decades before its final regular broadcast in 2003.
Is This Is Your Life cancelled or still running?
This Is Your Life is cancelled. The series ended its regular run in 2003 following Michael Aspel's final episodes. A one-off special presented by Trevor McDonald aired in 2007 but no further episodes have been produced since, leaving the 2007 special as the most recent instalment of the franchise.
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