70 Up viewers brand finale show 'very disappointing' after waiting months for it to air
Not everyone enjoyed it as much as they'd hoped70 Up viewers have shared their ‘disappointment’ after tuning in to the hugely anticipated final.
Fans have been following the Up series for more than 60 years and have been desperate to watch the last instalment.
But after tuning in to the first episode of the two-part mini-series, not everyone was happy.
Viewers have admitted feeling let down by the show, complaining that it too many “rehashed” moments from over the years.
70 Up viewers ‘disappointed’ at finale show
The first of the 70 Up episodes aired on Tuesday evening (September 15, 2026). Fans had been counting down the months following ITV’s official announcement about the show in April.
The second part to the finale will air next Tuesday. But some viewers don’t seem too excited for what is to come next.
Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, one wrote: “Slightly disappointed by the first #70Up programme last night. Too much emphasis on historic footage many have seen? Recap their journey but I wanted more about them now and their past seven years.”
Another added: “I also watched all the original series over the years and then binge-rewatched recently. So far #70Up is very disappointing in comparison, clunky, awkward, lacking the insight and warmth of Apted’s work.”
A third simply said: “There isn’t much of the ’70’ to be honest.”
A fourth described it as a “Greatest Hits package”, while someone else wrote: “So far, most of the programme consists of rehashing previous episodes with only brief, one-minute updates on each of the participants. Can’t help feeling a bit disappointed.”
Others, however, thought quite the opposite.
‘A brilliant programme’
“#70Up is a brilliant programme, as has been the entire series from 7Up,” one happy viewer wrote. “It’s also a poignant reminder that whoever we are, regardless of background, maturity takes time and, for nearly all of us, it takes time to work out who we are and to grow into our own skin.”
Another agreed: “That 70 up was great TV viewing. Filming the lives of people every seven years and watching them go through life.”
Chiming in, one fan also gushed: “I loved it. Looking forward to next week. It’s notable how many of them value family so much – whatever their background & start.”
70 Up’s second and final episode will air at 9pm next Tuesday. ITV is also celebrating the finale of the Up series with two special documentaries. All the details of how to watch are here.
Read more: 70 Up stars Jackie and Sue reveal why iconic series ‘would never be made today‘
