BBC is axing one of its longest-running programmes after an incredible 23-year run in what is a devastating blow to fans. 

River City has been airing on BBC Scotland since 2002, but will be leaving screens in Autumn 2026.

The legendary soap, based in a fictional district of Glasgow called Shieldinch, follows locals’ everyday lives and uses a set built specifically for the show.

It has won a string of awards over its long history including, most recently, the Best Drama gong at the RTS Scotland Awards in 2023 and previously the Scotland Variety Award for Best New Scottish Actor or Actress (Lorna Craig) and the Great Scot Award for Entertainment.

Diehard fans of the show have taken to social media to express their sadness at River City’s departure from screens.

One wrote on X: ‘River City fans repost this @AmazonUK @PrimeVideo. Please if you can do it for Neighbours then please #SaveRiverCity’

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BBC is axing one of its longest-running programmes after an incredible 23-year run in what is a devastating blow to fans

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River City has been airing on BBC Scotland since 2002 but will be leaving screens in Autumn 2026

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The legendary soap, based in a fictional district of Glasgow called Shieldinch, follows locals’ everyday lives and uses a set built specifically for the show

Another added: ‘Money saving advice for the BBC in Scotland: Keep River City. Scrap BBC Reporting Scotland.’

A third posted: ‘I knew this day was coming. River City was a great way for aspiring actors and creative folk alike to get their foot in the door. This is sad news for those involved in the show and for audiences across Scotland.’

Another wrote: ‘Absolutely heartbreaking news. Shame for all the actors and people behind the scenes on this show that’ll loose their jobs now. I love River City and wish everyone on the show the best.’

And one frustrated fan said: ‘As soon as River City comes off air my TV licence will be cancelled, I don’t watch anything BBC apart from river city. F*** u BBC.’

River City’s canning is, according to the broadcaster, a reflection of ‘a significant change in audience behaviour away from long-running series and towards shorter runs’.

In response, the BBC revealed it would greatly increase the number of ‘major drama productions set across Scotland’, starting with three new series – Counsels, Grams and The Young Team.

As well as these new titles, popular drama Granite Harbour will return for a third series, with filming set to start in Aberdeen and Glasgow in the coming months.

Also making a return is Shetland for its tenth series and Vigil for a third series, while the previously announced eight-part drama, Mint, is already filming in Scotland.

Die-hard fans of the show have taken to social media to express their sadness at River City’s departure from screens

Total investment in BBC drama from Scotland over the next three years is expected to rise to above £95million cumulatively.

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The BBC has also announced plans to work with industry partners on a new talent training plan in the country.

Hayley Valentine, Director of BBC Scotland, said: ‘River City has been a wonderful adventure and of course we’ll all be sad to see it go. The team have done a brilliant job and I know they have some big plans for the finale next year.

‘But as viewing patterns change and competition intensifies, this is the right time to invest in the next generation of high-impact drama series from across Scotland showcasing storytelling across the UK.

‘Our goal is to grow Scotland further on the global drama map – with a slate of world-class productions that set the standard not just here but internationally too.’