Casualty's future 'revealed' 38 years after first episode aired on BBC

Casualty: Official Christmas special trailer

The world's longest-running primetime medical drama series, Casualty, might be set for a significant revamp ahead of its 40th anniversary in 2026.

The BBC show may undergo a major format overhaul after nearly four decades on air in a bid to "secure longevity and attract younger viewers", following the cancellation of Doctors and Holby City.

In 2021, it was confirmed that Holby City, which first aired in 1999, would be axed after 23 years, with the final episode airing in March 2022. Last month, Doctors aired its final episode after a 27-year run.

Meanwhile, Casualty has remained a staple of the BBC's Saturday primetime schedule since its debut in 1986 and recently aired a Christmas Day special on December 21, despite typically taking a festive break.

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As its 40th anniversary looms, is it time Casualty had a format change? (Image: PA)

Brand and culture expert Rochelle White from Rochelle White Agency has shared her thoughts on the future of Casualty as it approaches its 40th anniversary in 2026. She said: "In regards to Casualty coming back for a Christmas Special, I feel that this could be a way for the BBC to see if it is a show worth keeping and investing in. I'm aware that they have taken breaks in the past due to increasing costs. However, this could be a test to see how popular it is.

"It currently airs every Saturday, but it could be turned into more like Midsummer Murders on ITV, be hour and a half long specials. Where it airs once or twice a month and focuses on a theme and story.

"As they currently break it up into a mini series, they could get really creative with the storytelling and create episodes for what is now known as the 'Binge watcher'. It could help with the costs of production, secure longevity and attract younger viewers."

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Daytime TV staple Doctors was recently axed after 27 years on air (Image: BBC) SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

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Casualty fans can look forward to the continuation of the show next Saturday (December 28) with the first episode of an 11-part series called 'Off Duty'. This will see Jodie Whyte's (Anna Lucy Chell) actions cause a disastrous ripple effect while Stevie Nash (Elinor Lawless) faces hostility.

Casualty is available to watch on BBC iPlayer

Casualty's future 'revealed' 38 years after first episode aired on BBC

Casualty's future 'revealed' 38 years after first episode aired on BBC

Casualty's future 'revealed' 38 years after first episode aired on BBC

Casualty's future 'revealed' 38 years after first episode aired on BBC

Casualty's future 'revealed' 38 years after first episode aired on BBC