BBC cancels River City after 23 years amid viewer backlash
- The BBC cancelled its long-running soap River City after 23 years due to changing audience behavior.
- Industry leaders and former cast members have expressed concerns about the impact on Scottish actors and the local industry.
- The decision marks a shift towards shorter dramatic productions and aims to invest in new high-impact stories from Scotland.
In March 2025, the BBC announced the cancellation of River City, a soap opera set in the fictional district of Shieldinch, Glasgow, which had been running since 2002. The decision also comes as part of a broader shift in audience behavior, with viewers increasingly moving away from long-running series towards shorter dramatic productions. This decision affects not only the soap's large local fanbase but also undermines job opportunities for many Scottish actors, writers, and production staff who relied on the show for consistent work. The cancellation will lead to significant changes in the local entertainment industry, as River City was regarded as a crucial platform for emerging talent in Scottish drama. The BBC's director for Scotland, Hayley Valentine, expressed sadness over the show's end but justified it by emphasizing the Corporation's need to adapt to the changing media landscape. With the aim of investing over £95 million in new drama productions from Scotland over the next three years, the BBC is attempting to focus on high-impact stories that resonate with audiences beyond the local level. However, current and former cast members, along with industry advocates, have expressed their disappointment, indicating that the loss of River City would be detrimental to the local industry and the diversity of talent supported by the network. Equity General Secretary Paul Fleming criticized the decision as short-sighted, asserting that it would be devastating for aspiring actors who depend on soaps as entry points into the notoriously competitive television industry. Others in the community, including broadcasters and writers, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the important role that River City played in nurturing talent and its cultural significance as a Scottish drama. In light of the cancellation, the BBC plans to bring back other popular dramas and continue creating new projects that tell stories reflective of contemporary society, thereby ensuring that the gaps left by River City can be filled. Nonetheless, the transition may take time, and industry stakeholders are calling for assurance that measures will be taken to support and maintain the employment of freelancers and creative professionals amid these significant changes.