More than fifty years after it first charmed audiences, the iconic American family drama The Waltons is set for a major British television comeback. The entire series, all 219 heartwarming episodes, will begin airing on Freeview channel Great TV from 6th January, offering a nostalgic trip back to Walton's Mountain.
A Nostalgic Schedule for UK Fans
From the start date, viewers can settle in for a daily dose of nostalgia. The channel will broadcast two episodes every weekday, complemented by a Sunday omnibus edition. This schedule will continue until every single episode has been shown, allowing a new generation to discover the series and longtime fans to revisit cherished memories.
Created by Earl Hamner Jr. and based on his own childhood detailed in the book Spencer's Mountain, the series became a cultural phenomenon. It followed the lives of the close-knit Walton family living in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains during the Great Depression and World War II. The show originally aired on CBS in America from 1972 to 1981, finding its UK home on the BBC from 1974 until 1983.
The series was famed for its wholesome storylines, strong family values, and the iconic nightly ritual where family members called out 'Goodnight, John-Boy' and other goodnights, a phrase that entered the global lexicon.
Where Are The Walton Family Now?
With the series returning, many will wonder what became of the actors who brought the family to life. The cast was led by Richard Thomas as the aspiring writer and eldest son, John-Boy Walton. Now 74, Thomas remains a respected figure in theatre and television, having won an Emmy and recently earning a place in the Theatre Hall of Fame. He continues to perform on stage and is set to return to Broadway in 2026.
The beloved parents, John and Olivia Walton, were played by Ralph Waite and Michael Learned. Waite, who passed away in 2014 aged 85, enjoyed a long career post-Waltons in shows like NCIS and Bones. Learned, now 86, most recently appeared in Netflix's Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story in 2022.
The grandparental heart of the show was provided by Will Geer as Grandpa Zeb and Ellen Corby as Grandma Esther. Geer passed away in 1978, while Corby, a three-time Emmy winner for her role, died in 1999.
The Walton children have pursued diverse paths:
- Jon Walmsley (Jason), 69, is a musician living in Cornwall and released a blues album in 2017.
- Judy Norton (Mary Ellen), 67, runs a dinner theatre chain in Canada and maintains a popular YouTube channel.
- Mary Elizabeth McDonough (Erin), 64, became an author and life coach after acting.
- Eric Scott (Ben), 67, is a vice-president at a parcel delivery service in Los Angeles.
- David W. Harper (Jim-Bob), 64, is believed to work as an art dealer.
- Kami Cotler (Elizabeth), 60, left acting for education and runs a consulting business.
A Timeless Legacy Returns
The return of The Waltons to UK screens via Great TV underscores the enduring appeal of its gentle storytelling and timeless themes. In an era of complex, fast-paced television, the series offers a comforting reminder of a simpler, family-centric world. For many, it will be a chance to relive childhood memories, and for others, a delightful new discovery of one of television's most cherished families.
