This is Your Life

This is Your Life (1955-2007)

EndedReality showFamily

This is Your Life was created by Ralph Edwards, an American radio and television host. The show originated on radio, debuting in 1948, successfully transferring to NBC television in October 1952.

The British version of the show was launched in 1955 by BBC television, and was initially broadcast monthly, then fortnightly, before becoming a regular weekly fixture in the TV schedules by its third series.

The BBC produced the show's first nine series before axing the programme in 1964.

The London based Thames Television revived the show in 1969 and broadcast weekly editions over the ITV network, producing an average of 26 shows a year. ITV continued broadcasting the show right through to 1994 despite a change of presenter when Michael Aspel took over after the death of original host Eamonn Andrews in 1987.

This is Your Life returned to the BBC in 1994, but was still produced independently by Thames Television, and was axed again in 2003.

In the show the host surprises a special guest, before taking them through their life with the assistance of the 'big red book'.

Networks

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
S44E01Simon CowellJun 22, 2007
S43E25Aled JonesAug 8, 2003
S43E24Gyles BrandrethAug 1, 2003
S43E23Bob HarrisJul 24, 2003
S43E22John MiddletonJul 17, 2003
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Frequently Asked Questions  Warning: Spoilers

When did 'This is Your Life' premiere?

'This is Your Life' premiered on October 1, 1955.

Who created 'This is Your Life'?

'This is Your Life' was created by Ralph Edwards.

What was the concept of 'This is Your Life'?

The concept of 'This is Your Life' was to surprise a special guest and celebrate their life by featuring their friends and family members.

Who was the first person to be featured on 'This is Your Life'?

The first person to be featured on 'This is Your Life' was Ralph Edwards' friend and executive assistant, Jolly Bill Baker.

What was the format of 'This is Your Life'?

The format of 'This is Your Life' involved surprising a guest and bringing them onto the show, where they would be presented with a scrapbook of their life and introduced to various friends and family members.

Did 'This is Your Life' have a host?

Yes, 'This is Your Life' had a host, who was originally Ralph Edwards himself.

Who took over as host of 'This is Your Life' in 1956?

In 1956, Bob Warren took over as host of 'This is Your Life'.

Who took over as host of 'This is Your Life' in 1957?

In 1957, this show's original host, Ralph Edwards, returned to hosting duties.

How long was the average episode of 'This is Your Life'?

The average episode of 'This is Your Life' was typically 30 minutes long.

Did 'This is Your Life' feature any notable guests?

Yes, 'This is Your Life' featured many notable guests over the years, including Bob Hope, Elizabeth Taylor, and Frank Sinatra.

Was 'This is Your Life' a live show?

Yes, 'This is Your Life' was originally a live show, although later episodes were pre-recorded.

Cast

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Characters

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