Archers, the

Longest-running drama serial in the world. It began on BBC radio in 1951 and continues to be broadcast in six episodes per week, with an omnibus edition on Sundays. Originally designed as a means of disseminating farming news and information, it still retains a farming advisor and refers to contemporary farming issues. The serial is set in the fictional village of Ambridge.

The programme prompted acute controversy when, in 1955, on the opening night of commercial television, it killed off a leading character in a fire. Programme-makers later admitted that this was deliberate sabotage. At its peak, also in 1955, the serial attracted 20 million listeners.