Viewers will be able to watch episodes from 2008 up to the present day by Christmas.
Since 2020, four classic episodes have been made available on BBC iPlayer every week, starting from April 2008. Currently, the platform offers a selection of episodes from 2008 to 2011, but this will soon be expanded to include the entire collection from 2012.
On Tuesday, March 26th viewers will be able to stream the 2012 episodes, with further monthly uploads planned throughout the year. By Christmas Day 2024, there will be over 2,000 episodes available, covering the period from 2008 to the present day.
Dan McGolpin, Director of BBC iPlayer and Channels, said:
“It’s fantastic to see EastEnders in such great form for 2024 and this is generating strong demand from viewers to enjoy earlier episodes on BBC iPlayer. I’m delighted that we’re able to add all of 2012 by the end of the month and we will have more than 2,000 episodes available by Christmas.”
The past 16 years have had their share of ups and downs for the BBC soap. It’s doubtful that audiences will be interested in revisiting Sean O’Connor’s (executive producer 2016-2017) strange focus on bins, but they might be keen to revisit the introduction of the Carters and the gripping 30th anniversary episodes that unveiled Lucy Beale’s killer.
The Beeb note that the archive is ‘packed full of beloved characters, huge storylines and unmissable moments’, meaning there is plenty to enjoy for both new and regular viewers.
Chris Clenshaw, Executive Producer, said: “
“We are thrilled that BBC iPlayer are expanding their collection of EastEnders episodes so that our viewers can enjoy a look back at some of the show’s most iconic storylines as we honour its rich history and its gripping characters. Viewers will be able to rewatch their favourite characters and relive their favourite moments, such as Who Killed Lucy Beale?, Peggy’s heart-breaking death, Stacey’s post-partum psychosis and Kathy’s jaw-dropping return from the dead.”
A year’s worth of episodes will drop in four week intervals, starting with 2012 next week.
