Granada Television is now known as ITV Granada and is the area of the British independent television company most associated with the production of drama, comedy and documentary production. The company is now one of only four regional ITV stations broadcasting in the UK, with the channel broadcasting shows and providing local news broadcasting for the northwest of England. Founded in 1958, Granada has been described as the best independent television statement in the World and has a host of shows listed in the British Film Institute's TV 100 list. Throughout its history the shows produced by Granada have been a reflection of the times and fashions of the northwest of England, with many shows set in locations like Manchester and Liverpool.
Perhaps the best known program created by ITV is Coronation Street, the longest running TV soap opera in the World, which is set in the fictitious Manchester area of Wetherfield. Working on the many famous shows produced by Granada in then past have been some of the most famous writers and directors in the World, including Paul Greengrass and Paul Abbott. Alongside the creation of Coronation Street, Granada has been responsible for award winning documentary series Seven Up! and drama's including The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. Comedy productions created by Granada have included The Royle Family and Watching. A number of iconic figures made their names working at Granada, including Sir Michael Parkinson and Tony Wilson.
