The One Show

The One Show
Show name	The One Show
Genre	Magazine, Chat
Country	United Kingdom
Language	English
Runtime	30–60 minutes
Company	BBC Studios
Network	BBC One
First aired	2006

The One Show is a British television magazine programme broadcast on BBC One featuring topical interviews, regional reports, popular culture segments, and human-interest stories. The programme combines elements of current affairs, entertainment, and lifestyle, positioning itself within a schedule alongside flagship broadcasts and national events. It has featured a wide range of presenters, contributors, and guests drawn from film, music, politics, sport, and the arts.

Overview

The programme presents live and pre-recorded segments on subjects including film and television premieres like Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2, music releases by Adele, Coldplay, and Beyoncé, sporting events such as the Wimbledon Championships, the UEFA Champions League, and the Olympic Games, as well as arts coverage involving institutions like the National Theatre, the Royal Opera House, and the British Museum. It frequently interviews political figures who have appeared in public life like Tony Blair, Boris Johnson, Nicola Sturgeon, and Keir Starmer, and cultural figures such as David Attenborough, Ian McKellen, Dame Judi Dench, and Florence Welch. The One Show also highlights charity campaigns associated with organisations like BBC Children in Need, Oxfam, and UNICEF.

History

Launched in 2006 during a period of scheduling changes at BBC One, the programme succeeded earlier daytime and early evening strands and was part of broader reforms influenced by executives at BBC Television Centre and policy decisions from BBC Trust. Early presenters came from backgrounds including broadcast journalism at ITV News and entertainment on GMTV. Over time the show adapted to cover events such as the 2012 Summer Olympics, the 2014 FIFA World Cup, and the Brexit referendum, reflecting shifts in British media coverage. Production moved across BBC facilities with ties to locations like Dock10 and occasional location broadcasts from sites such as Trafalgar Square and St Paul's Cathedral.

Format

Each edition typically runs 30–60 minutes and combines studio links with filmed reports, live music sessions, and guest interviews. The structure mirrors magazine formats seen in other programmes connected to broadcasters like ITV and Channel 4 and shares production techniques used in programmes produced by BBC Studios. Regular segments have focused on consumer affairs linked to cases heard in institutions like Competition and Markets Authority and health stories referencing work by the National Health Service and research published in journals such as The Lancet. Entertainment previews often coincide with festivals and awards including the Cannes Film Festival, the BAFTA Awards, and the Grammy Awards.

Presenters and Contributors

Presenters and stand-ins have included journalists and entertainers with profiles in outlets like Sky News, The Guardian, and The Daily Telegraph, as well as performers from EastEnders, Holby City, and Coronation Street. Notable contributors have included documentary-makers associated with BBC Panorama, critics from publications like The Times and NME, and specialists from cultural organisations such as the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Victoria and Albert Museum. Musical guests have featured artists linked to labels and managers involved with Universal Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment.

Production and Broadcast

Produced by units within BBC Studios, the programme follows editorial guidelines overseen by BBC management and regulatory frameworks set by Ofcom. Broadcast slots on BBC One place the show in early evening schedules adjacent to programmes covering national news bulletins like BBC News at Six and entertainment shows such as Strictly Come Dancing. International guests have sometimes participated via connections to distributors and festivals including Netflix and the Berlin International Film Festival. Technical production draws on crews experienced with live television at studios formerly at BBC Television Centre and modern facilities at MediaCityUK.

Reception and Impact

The programme has been discussed in media outlets like The Guardian, The Daily Telegraph, and The Independent and commented on in broadcasts by CNN and Al Jazeera English when segments reached international audiences. Ratings have fluctuated in line with competition from programmes on ITV and Channel 4, and the show has received nominations and awards in UK television circles, participating in ceremonies such as the Royal Television Society Awards and coverage of events like the National Television Awards. Its cultural impact includes promoting campaigns for charities such as Macmillan Cancer Support and amplifying public discussions connected to inquiries and reports from bodies like the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

Notable Episodes and Specials

Special broadcasts have coincided with national and royal events including coverage around the 2012 Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II, commemorations of anniversaries like the D-Day 70th Anniversary, and live editions during crises such as the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic when health experts from institutions like World Health Organization and Public Health England were featured. The programme has hosted film premieres for franchises like Star Wars and James Bond (film series), musical performances timed with releases by artists including Adele and Ed Sheeran, and documentary-style specials profiling figures such as Sir David Attenborough and Dame Maggie Smith.

Category:BBC television shows Category:British television series