The year 2007 was a defining one for British television, showcasing a blend of innovative new programming, the continuation of established favourites, and some significant cultural moments that still resonate today. While Netflix and BBC iPlayer both launched this year, marking the beginning of the streaming era, we will focus on pre-streaming years, when appointment viewing remained an essential part of British life. Millions still gathered to watch their favourite soaps, dramas, comedies, and reality shows in real time. From the return of Doctor Who to the rise of The X Factor and the farewell of iconic television figures, 2007 was packed with notable TV moments.
Dramas and Continuing Series
One of the most enduring dramas of modern British television, Doctor Who, returned for its third series under the stewardship of Russell T Davies. This series saw the departure of Billie Piper as Rose Tyler and the introduction of Freema Agyeman as Martha Jones, the new companion to David Tennant’s Doctor. Notable episodes included Blink, which introduced the terrifying Weeping Angels, and Human Nature/The Family of Blood, an adaptation of Paul Cornell’s novel that saw the Doctor live as a human for a period. The show continued to dominate Saturday nights and cemented its place in British pop culture.
Elsewhere in the realm of crime and mystery, Silent Witness entered its 11th series, continuing its gripping forensic investigations. Similarly, Waking the Dead persisted with its dark and psychological approach to cold cases, proving the sustained appeal of procedural dramas. Another highlight was Spooks, which remained a flagship show for BBC One, thrilling audiences with its intense espionage storylines.
New Debuts
2007 saw the debut of several new series that would go on to become staples of British television. Skins, which premiered on E4, redefined the teen drama genre, offering a gritty, realistic, and often controversial look at youth culture. Featuring breakout performances from Nicholas Hoult, Dev Patel, and Kaya Scodelario, Skins set itself apart with its rotating cast and daring storytelling.
Another noteworthy debut was The Tudors, an international co-production starring Jonathan Rhys Meyers as a young Henry VIII. Although its historical accuracy was debated, the series was praised for its lavish production values and compelling performances. Additionally, ITV launched Kingdom, a comedy-drama starring Stephen Fry as a small-town solicitor, which found a dedicated audience.
Comedy and Entertainment
British comedy thrived in 2007 with the continuation of The IT Crowd, which solidified its cult status. Starring Chris O’Dowd, Richard Ayoade, and Katherine Parkinson, the series delivered iconic moments such as “Have you tried turning it off and on again?”
BBC’s long-running panel shows remained firm favourites, with Mock the Week, Have I Got News for You, and QI consistently drawing strong audiences. Meanwhile, Gavin & Stacey, written by James Corden and Ruth Jones, debuted and quickly became a national favourite, offering a heartwarming and humorous look at the relationship between an Essex boy and a Welsh girl.
Reality TV was as dominant as ever, with The X Factor continuing to be a ratings juggernaut. 2007’s series saw the rise of future pop star Leon Jackson, while the controversy surrounding judge Sharon Osbourne’s temporary departure kept audiences talking. Big Brother was also in the spotlight, particularly due to the racism scandal involving Jade Goody and Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty, a moment that prompted national conversations about race and media responsibility.
Soaps and Daytime TV
Soaps remained at the heart of British television. EastEnders saw dramatic storylines involving the Mitchell family and the departure of Sonia Fowler, while Coronation Street had its share of memorable moments, including the shocking death of Charlie Stubbs at the hands of Tracy Barlow. Emmerdale continued to thrive, as did Hollyoaks, which appealed to a younger demographic with its focus on edgy and sometimes controversial narratives.
Daytime television also had its mainstays, with This Morning still a favourite for daytime audiences. Hosted by Phillip Schofield and Fern Britton, the show blended light-hearted features with hard-hitting interviews.
Top 10 Most Watched Programmes of 2007
- EastEnders – 14.34 million viewers
- Doctor Who – 13.31 million viewers
- Rugby World Cup 2007 – 13.10 million viewers
- Coronation Street – 13.08 million viewers
- The Vicar of Dibley – 13.08 million viewers
- X Factor Results Show – 12.23 million viewers
- Concert for Diana – 12.22 million viewers
- Strictly Come Dancing – 12.09 million viewers
- The X Factor – 11.78 million viewers
- Britain's Got Talent – 11.58 million viewers
These figures reaffirmed the public’s love for big reality TV moments, Christmas specials, and flagship BBC dramas. With shows like Doctor Who, The X Factor, and Strictly Come Dancing commanding millions of viewers, 2007 was a year when television still ruled as the prime form of entertainment for the nation.
2007 was a landmark year for British television, marking the beginning of several new series that would leave a lasting cultural footprint, while still relying on the powerhouse shows that had been gripping audiences for years. It was a time when families still gathered around the TV to watch live, a time before the advent of binge-watching and streaming services changed the landscape forever.
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