Watch 42 Up

42 Up is a documentary series from ITV that examines the lives of 14 British individuals from various socioeconomic backgrounds every seven years, starting from when they were seven years old. The program originally aired in 1964 and has since become a cultural phenomenon, with each addition to the series providing insights into how the subjects' lives have progressed over time.

The subjects of the series are Bruce Balden, Jacqueline Bassett, Symon Basterfield, Andrew Brackfield, Suzanne Dewey, Nicholas Hitchon, Neil Hughes, Lynn Johnson, Paul Kligerman, Tony Walker, and Susan Sullivan. The program follows them as they navigate the various milestones of life, including education, careers, relationships, and family.

The series is divided into individual episodes that focus on each of the subjects, with interviews conducted by the show's creator, Michael Apted. Apted has been involved with the series since its inception and has served as the director for every subsequent installment. This level of continuity has allowed viewers to form deep connections with the subjects, who have become icons in British popular culture.

The show's 1998 installment, 42 Up, marks an important milestone in the series as it shows, for the first time, how the subjects have approached middle age. At this point, the individuals are now in their forties, and their lives have taken a range of different paths. Some have become successful professionals, while others have struggled with issues like unemployment, illness, or divorce.

Despite the challenges faced by some of the subjects, the series remains hopeful and uplifting, portraying a range of different experiences and perspectives that help to create a broader understanding of life in Britain. The subjects are shown as being complicated and multifaceted, with a range of different opinions and beliefs. This approach has helped to keep the series fresh and relevant over the years, with new generations of viewers discovering the series and relating to the experiences shared by the subjects.

Overall, 42 Up is a fascinating and thought-provoking addition to the long-running series. It provides a unique and intimate look at what it means to be human, and how our experiences shape our lives. The show's long-running nature has allowed viewers to form deep connections with the subjects, and its commitment to diversity has helped to broaden our understanding of life in Britain.