EastEnders

EastEnders is a British soap opera created by Julia Smith and Tony Holland that premiered on BBC One on 19 February 1985. Set in Albert Square in the fictional borough of Walford in the East End of London, the series centres on the domestic and professional lives of its residents. The show has a long-running history of tackling controversial and socially relevant storylines.

The original cast included the families of the Beales and the Fowlers, and the soap opera quickly became a national institution, known for its gritty realism and its portrayal of working-class life. Over the years, numerous families and characters have come and gone, but the core of the show has remained rooted in the community of Albert Square. Key locations within the square include the Queen Victoria public house, the local market, and the cafe.

EastEnders is produced by the BBC and airs four episodes a week, with omnibus editions often shown at the weekend. Its storylines frequently explore themes such as unemployment, poverty, racism, domestic violence, teenage pregnancy, and addiction. The show has been praised for its diverse representation and for bringing important social issues to the attention of a wide audience. It has won numerous awards throughout its broadcast history, including multiple BAFTA awards. The show's iconic theme tune and opening credits are instantly recognizable to British television viewers.