Match of the Day Turns 60: Football's Iconic Show Endures
As the Premier League kicks off for another season, a legendary institution is celebrating a landmark anniversary. This weekend, Match of the Day, the flagship football programme, reaches its 60th birthday, cementing its place as a cornerstone of British sport.
The show's longevity is a testament to its enduring appeal. Host Gary Lineker, himself a legend of the game, has been at the helm for a quarter-century, guiding viewers through the highlights since 1999. With an average of 33 million viewers tuning in last season across Premier League and FA Cup broadcasts, Match of the Day remains a fixture in the Saturday night routines of millions of football fans, the iconic theme tune instantly recognisable and beloved.
The show has continually evolved to adapt to changing viewing habits, expanding its reach beyond traditional television. While the live broadcast remains a central element, its unique and unrivalled analysis and commentary are now available across all platforms, including the BBC iPlayer. With over 150 million views of Match of the Day clips across social media and the BBC Sport website last season, coupled with spin-off shows like MOTD Top-10, the show has effectively become a multimedia experience.
The BBC will be celebrating this milestone across its channels. A specially curated documentary, 'MOTD@60', delves into the show's rich archive, showcasing historic moments and exploring the evolution of Match of the Day, revealing how the show has become the iconic programme it is today. This documentary will air on BBC One on Monday 26th August at 10:30pm and will also be available on iPlayer.
Further celebrating this anniversary, BBC History has created an interactive timeline, offering a detailed glimpse into the show's pivotal moments throughout its six decades. The One Show will also be going behind the scenes next week, uncovering the intricate workings of this live production, from how the running order is decided to the process of editing match highlights.
Match of the Day has stood the test of time, a testament to the enduring love of the beautiful game and the power of compelling storytelling. As the show enters its seventh decade, it continues to capture the imagination of generations, promising to remain a central part of the footballing landscape for years to come.
