Why you should listen to The Archers in 2026

On 1 January 2026, The Archers celebrates 75 years of broadcasting. For three-quarters of a century, the world’s longest running drama has entertained millions, with stories of farming, family and fun.

But why should this be the year you start listening to The Archers?

We asked some of those real-life fans why they listen.

September 2016. In the kitchen of their picturesque country cottage, a couple are fighting. After years of abuse, Helen has screwed up all her courage. Tonight, she will flee, taking her little boy Henry with her. Husband Rob tauntingly thrusts a knife into Helen’s hand. In the subsequent struggle, witnessed by her child Henry – only five years old. Helen plunges the knife into her husband.

This was the climax of one of the most celebrated stories in the history of The Archers. Over the previous three years, up to five million listeners every week had been enthralled and appalled as the story played out.

The main location is the fictional village of Ambridge in England’s heartland. It’s a beautiful place, enjoying annual events like the village fete and the flower and produce show.

But the villagers also face authentic challenges. Helen and Rob’s story from 2016 mirrored the real-life outlawing in Britain of ‘coercive control’ in relationships. Over the years, The Archers has tackled difficult topics such as addiction, infidelity, dementia and bereavement.

The daily episodes of The Archers are less than 13 minutes long, so they fit into busy lifestyles.

As listener Derek explains: “It becomes part of our routine, whether we are on our way home from work, cooking the dinner, or washing the dishes.”

Or, if you prefer the a longer listen you might prefer the in-depth indulgence of the weekly 75-minute omnibus edition.

Plus, every week there's a weekly catch up with Emma Freud in The Archers Podcast with 'scene of the week', chats with the cast and classic archive clips of classic moments to enjoy.

Although The Archers started in 1951, it’s moved with the times. Each episode is set on the current date, so storylines have realistic timescales. Jules says: “Many of the stories play out over years, and we listeners become invested in the outcomes.”

Whatever else is going on in the world, or in our lives, The Archers has a calendar of events around the cricket, the annual harvest and the flower and produce show in Ambridge. And somebody somewhere will be putting the kettle on.

But it treats you like an adult

Debbie says: “The Archers has not fallen prey to the desire of TV soaps to attempt to outdo one another with ever bigger and more outrageous storylines.”

Sue thinks the programme “Offers something unique in terms of continuity, emotional engagement and exercise for the mind. While it's true that the pictures are better on the radio, you have to use your imagination to see them properly.”

It’s fun

Not all the stories are big and dramatic. You can enjoy the antics of the boisterous Horrobin family, or the gentle social comedy of self-appointed village organiser Lynda Snell.

Jaqui says: “There is always something to make us laugh, cry, and shout at the radio in frustration.”

Alan sees The Archers as a little like a pub: “Somewhere to go to listen to gossip and people doing the ordinary but not ordinarily.”

As you get to know the denizens of Ambridge and the extended Archers clan, they start to seem like real people. Jane feels like the Aldridges, The Grundys and the Horrobins clan are part of her own family and community.

Jules adds: “The characters are all well rounded and have different facets, making them engaging and interesting.”

You learn stuff

Several of the characters are farmers, so you get a fascinating insight into country life. As Mark says: “The show connects us with what is on our daily plate and how it got there.”

Miranda feels that the chances of hearing something different from your ordinary life is high. But Brenda adds: “Even though I live in a village, most of my knowledge of agriculture is gleaned from The Archers!”

There’s something for everyone

You’ll soon latch on to characters and story threads that appeal to you: from stroppy (and sometimes wise) teenagers, to wise (and sometimes stroppy) octogenarians.

Nigel says: “Just as I ran away to the big city and became an urban gay man, so the Archers has evolved too... continuing the tradition of non-traditional families that Jenny began”. That’s Jennifer Aldridge. In 1968, her son Adam was scandalously born ‘out of wedlock’. Now he has a husband and a son, and runs the biggest farm in Ambridge.

Debbie adds: “It's great to have [Asian characters] Usha and the Maliks included, and the East European characters that have popped in and out.”

So jump in!

We’ll leave the last word to Miranda: “I’d encourage people to listen out of curiosity. Just do it! Give it a go!”