EastEnders (1985): episodes, history and where to watch

AT A GLANCE

EastEnders first went out in February 1985 on BBC One. It is still being made, with 7,324 episodes over 42 years on air so far. In the UK you can usually find it on BBC iPlayer.

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Why it is worth your time

Albert Square, the Queen Vic and the drums at the end of every episode. Launched in February 1985 and still one of the most watched programmes in Britain.

The details

First broadcast: 19 February 1985
Originally on: BBC One
On air: 1985–now
Years on screen: 42
Episodes: 7,324
Typical length: 30 minutes
Genres: Drama
Usually found on: BBC iPlayer
First episode: “Murder In Albert Square”

Watching it the official way

Older programmes move between broadcasters, streaming services and DVD releases as rights are sold and resold. Paying the rights holder keeps archives alive and pays the people who made them.

The BritCast TV library changes with sources and rights, so we never promise a title before checking. Ask us and we will look, or try a day free and search for yourself.

EastEnders: quick answers

When did EastEnders start?

On 19 February 1985, on BBC One.

How many episodes of EastEnders are there?

7,324 had been broadcast by 14 October 2026, across 42 years.

Where can I watch EastEnders now?

Officially it is usually on BBC iPlayer, though rights change.

Dates and episode counts from TVmaze (2026-10-14), CC BY-SA 4.0. Artwork © its owners, shown only to identify the programme.