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Soaps have been a staple of British television for decades, offering audiences the chance to escape into the drama and intrigue of reality based fictional worlds that are not too disimilar to our own. From gripping storylines to beloved characters, these shows have captured the hearts of millions of viewers over the years. Let’s take a look at the best British soaps of all time. And the best part is you can watch them all on TVMucho!
Although it ended its run in 2003, Brookside remains a beloved classic among soap opera fans. Set in the fictional Liverpool suburb of Brookside, it was the first British soap opera to feature a lesbian kiss and tackled many taboo subjects during its 21-year run. Its hard-hitting storylines and complex characters, such as the infamous Jimmy Corkhill, have earned it a place in the hearts of viewers. Brookside won several awards along the years, including Best Soap at the British Soap Awards, Best Soap at the Royal Television Society Awards, Best British Soap at the TV Quick Awards, Best Soap at the British Soap Awards, and Best British Soap at the TV Quick Awards.
Watch Brookside on Channel 4 with TVMucho.
Set in the 1960s, Heartbeat is a period drama that centres on the lives of the police officers and residents of the fictional village of Aidensfield in North Yorkshire. The show has become known for its charming characters and idyllic setting, as well as its nostalgic depiction of a bygone era. It ran for 18 seasons, from 1992 to 2010, and remains a beloved classic among British soap operas. Heartbeat won several awards along the years, including Most Popular Drama at the National Television Awards in 1994, 1997, 1998, 1999, and 2000.
Watch Heartbeat on ITV with TVMucho.
First aired in 1960, Coronation Street is the World’s longest-running soap opera and remains a firm favourite with viewers. Set in the fictional town of Weatherfield, it follows the lives of the residents of Coronation Street and their daily struggles and triumphs. The show has tackled a wide range of issues over the years, from domestic violence to mental health, and has been praised for its realistic and sensitive portrayal of these topics. Coronation Street won several awards along the years, including Best Soap at the TV Choice Awards, Best Continuing Drama at the National Television Awards, Best Soap at the Inside Soap Awards, Best Soap at the British Soap Awards, Best Continuing Drama at the National Television Awards, and Best Soap and Best Actor (Jack P. Shepherd) at the TV Choice Awards.
Watch Coronation Street on ITV with TVMucho.
Another long-running soap opera, EastEnders first aired in 1985 and is set in the fictional London borough of Walford. The show has become known for its gritty, hard-hitting storylines, which have tackled issues such as HIV/AIDS, homelessness and teenage pregnancy. Its characters, including iconic figures such as Dot Cotton and Peggy Mitchell, have become household names and are beloved by audiences. EastEnders won several awards along the years, including Best Soap at the Inside Soap Awards, Best Soap and Best Actress (Gillian Wright) at the TV Choice Awards, Best Soap at the Inside Soap Awards, and Best Continuing Drama at the National Television Awards.
Watch EastEnders on BBC One and BBC Two withTVMucho.
Originally known as Emmerdale Farm, this soap opera has been on air since 1972 and is set in the Yorkshire Dales. It follows the lives of the residents of the fictional village of Emmerdale and has become known for its dramatic and emotional storylines. The show has tackled everything from murder to adultery, and its characters, like the legendary Zak Dingle, have become fan favourites. Emmerdale won several awards along the years, including Best Soap and Best Actor (Jeff Hordley) at the TV Choice Awards, Best Soap at the Inside Soap Awards, Best Soap at the British Soap Awards, Best Soap at the Inside Soap Awards, and Best Soap and Best Actor (Ryan Hawley) at the TV Choice Awards.
Watch Emmerdale on on ITV with TVMucho.
First broadcast in 2000, Doctors is set in the fictional town of Letherbridge and focuses on the lives of the staff at The Mill Health Centre. The show has been praised for its strong performances and for tackling complex medical issues such as organ donation, dementia and mental health. It also features a diverse cast, with characters from a range of backgrounds and cultures. Doctors won several awards along the years, including Best Daytime Soap at the Inside Soap Awards, Best Daytime Soap at the National Television Awards, and Best Daytime Soap at the British Soap Awards.
Watch Doctors on BBC One with TVMucho.
Hollyoaks first hit our screens in 1995 and is set in the fictional village of Hollyoaks, near Chester. The show has a reputation for tackling controversial issues such as eating disorders, drug addiction and sexual assault, and has won critical acclaim for its portrayal of these topics. Its young and attractive cast has also made it a hit with younger viewers. Hollyoaks won several awards along the years, including Best British Soap at the British Soap Awards, Best Soap at the Inside Soap Awards, Best British Soap and Best Actress (Stephanie Davis) at the British Soap Awards, Best Soap at the Inside Soap Awards, and Best British Soap and Best Actor (Gregory Finnegan) at the British Soap Awards.
Watch Hollyoaks on Channel 4 and E4 with TVMucho.
So that’s the longest running British soaps! With iconic moments and storylines that have become part of the national conversation, it’s no wonder that soap operas have continued to be a staple of British TV for so long. From the long-running Coronation Street to the gritty EastEnders, you’re bound to have your favourite. Whether you’re a fan of the classics or prefer the more modern shows like Hollyoaks, these shows continue to capture the hearts of viewers and remain an important part of British television culture.
Keep an eye on our TV guide, for exact time schedules and more information on where and how to watch the best British soaps of all time. See what’s on UK TV right now. Check out one of our other tv-riffiic articles below.
Did you know you can schedule recordings of your favourite TV shows with TVMucho and catch up later? Perfect for when you’ve seen something you like, but don’t have the time to watch it. Here’s how:
#1 Open the TV Guide
#2 Find a show you want to record.
#3 Click it and hit “RECORD”
Your recordings will be stored safely in the cloud, so they’re ready for you to watch whenever you are. Give it a try now.
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