A cherished piece of television history is set to make a triumphant return to British screens after a ten-year absence. Fans of the heartwarming series The Waltons can finally rejoice as the complete collection of episodes prepares for a major broadcast revival.
A Nostalgic Comeback for a Television Classic
Mark your calendars: from Tuesday, 6 January 2026, viewers across the UK will once again be able to follow the lives of the Walton family. The exclusive rights to air the series have been secured by Freeview channel Great TV, which plans to broadcast the entire saga of 219 episodes.
The scheduling will see two consecutive episodes air every weekday, with a special Sunday omnibus edition allowing audiences to catch up on the week's most poignant moments. This structured approach offers both dedicated fans and new viewers a perfect way to immerse themselves in the show's enduring appeal.
More Than Just a Show: A Legacy of Family and Resilience
Originally airing on CBS between 1972 and 1981 for nine successful seasons, The Waltons is far from a typical drama. The series is a poignant reflection of creator Earl Hamner Jr.'s own childhood, adapted from his bestselling novel Spencer's Mountain. It paints a rich, emotional portrait of a tight-knit family navigating the hardships of the Great Depression and the Second World War.
British audiences first discovered the Walton clan on BBC One and BBC Two in 1974, with broadcasts continuing until 1983. Its decade-long hiatus from UK television has only heightened anticipation for its return.
Kate Gartland, Marketing Director at Great TV, expressed her delight: "We are absolutely thrilled to bring this wonderful, iconic piece of TV magic back to viewers. It stands as one of the historic milestones in television history." She added that the revival presents a golden opportunity for a new generation to discover the show's timeless messages about family, community, and simpler times.
Enduring Praise from Fans and Critics Alike
The announcement has been met with widespread enthusiasm, echoing the enduring praise the series has garnered over the decades. On platforms like IMDb, fans continue to celebrate its legacy.
One admirer called it the "best show ever," praising its foundational lessons in kindness and mutual respect. Another viewer described it as their "all-time favourite" programme, while a third likened the series to a fine wine, suggesting its quality has matured and become even more valued with time.
Further accolades highlight the show's substantive and genuine nature. "Not glamorous, not beautiful, but very real. If you're interested in seeing something of substance, try the Waltons," one comment reads. Another fan hailed it as "one of, if not the best, family-friendly TV series ever written, produced, and aired."
Of course, no mention of The Waltons is complete without its legendary signature: the iconic "Good night" call that concluded nearly every episode, a simple yet powerful symbol of family bonds.
This comprehensive broadcast event on Great TV promises to be more than just a rerun; it's a celebration of storytelling that champions resilience, love, and the unbreakable spirit of family—themes that resonate as strongly today as they did over fifty years ago.
