The long-running British documentary series that has followed a group of individuals since childhood will conclude with an installment titled 70 Up, according to The Guardian. The report, published on Monday, indicates the series is bowing out after six decades of periodic filming.
The Guardian describes the project as a monumental piece of television, comparing its scope to a historical tapestry. The series began in the 1960s by checking in on a group of seven-year-olds from different backgrounds across Britain, with the intention of exploring how social class shaped their lives. It has since returned to the same participants every seven years, documenting their adult lives, careers, and families.
The final episode will focus on the participants now that they have reached the age of 70. Several outlets covering the announcement note that the subjects have reflected on the changes they have witnessed in Britain over the decades, as well as what they have learned about life. Some of the participants have stated they are enjoying their later years, with one telling Saga that they are having a good time.
The series has been widely praised for its unique format, which offers a rare, long-term view of ordinary lives unfolding in real time. The decision to end the program after this installment marks the conclusion of a project that has become a significant piece of social history. The final episode is expected to air soon, closing the chapter on a format that has been replicated in other countries but never matched in its original scope.