Beloved '70s Sitcom, TV's Longest-Running, Returns After 16 Years With New Special
A fan-favorite TV show is returning to television after 16 years off the air.
Beloved Britishsitcom Last of the Summer Wine originally ran for over 37 years on the BBC, airing 295 episodes across 31 seasons. Written by comedy writer Sir Roy Clarke, the show starred Peter Sallis, Bill Owen, and Michael Aldridge as three eccentric elderly men who like to stay young by exploring their surroundings and getting up to mischief in the Yorkshire Dales.
Often called a "national institution," the series continues to hold the record for the longest-running sitcom in history, and Clarke wrote all of the episodes, which according to reports, is a rarity in TV. The sitcom holds a rating of 7.1 out of ten on IMDb and frequently receives favorable reviews from viewers and critics.
Fans of the show can head to Holmfirth, located just under 400 miles of London, to immerse themselves in guided tours and exhibitions throughout the quaint town where it was set. In honor of Last of the Summer Wine's final episode, which aired on Aug. 29, 2010, dedicated fans ventured to Holmfirth to bid farewell the much-loved series.
"It's sad to see it go," a fan, who traveled from Dorset, told theBBC at the time. "It was funny without being crude."
Her husband agreed: "There was no bad language, so the whole family could watch. It's the end of an era."
Now, after a 16-year hiatus, Last of the Summer Wine is set to make a triumphant return as part of a new special.
Airing on premium British TV station U&Gold, a spin-off titled The Last Drop of Summer Wine will pay tribute to Clarke's creation.
Actor and comedian Brian Conley, who appeared as a guest star on Last of the Summer Wine, will revisit the filming locations from the show, speaking with families of cast members, residents, and friends of the original show.
The Last Drop of Summer Wine will also get an exclusive look at unseen photos, scripts, and scrapbooks from Clarke's personal archive.
Production has begun and the show is set to air in 2027.
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This story was originally published June 20, 2026 at 1:04 PM.