A beloved classic is making its long-awaited return to British screens, with fans hailing it as the “best show ever”.

The cherished family saga The Waltons, absent from UK television for a decade, is preparing to captivate audiences once more with its unforgettable 1930s setting.

Drawing from creator Earl Hamner Jr’s personal childhood memories, detailed in his bestselling novel Spencer’s Mountain, The Waltons chronicles the trials and triumphs of a tight-knit family navigating the Great Depression and Second World War.

The heartwarming and poignant series spanned nine seasons before drawing to a close in 1981, and now the complete collection will grace UK screens for the first time in a decade.

Viewers can tune in from Tuesday, January 6, 2026, on Freeview channel Great TV, which has obtained exclusive rights to broadcast all 219 episodes.

Starting January 6, two consecutive episodes will air every weekday, complemented by a Sunday omnibus recapping the week’s emotional moments.

Great TV marketing director Kate Gartland commented: “We are absolutely delighted that we can bring back this wonderful, iconic piece of TV magic to viewers. It really is one of the historic milestones in the history of television.

“This return also offers a new generation of British viewers the chance to discover why The Waltons remains one of television’s most enduring family dramas – a testament to simpler times and the enduring power of family.”

Fans have rushed to IMDb to shower The Waltons with praise, with one declaring: “Best show ever, we should still live like this, love one another, treat others as we want to be treated. Amazing still.”

Another gushed: “I truly believe that this program is my all-time favourite”, whilst a third reflected: “The Waltons is a gem of TV production that – like good wine – had to stand for a few years before it matured into the product that many value.”

They continued: “It deserves to be remembered, re-watched and applauded in the annals of good TV for the sake of generations yet to come. Buy it while you can and cherish it.”

Hailing it as the “best TV series ever”, one devoted viewer shared: “I have watched The Waltons series many times and absolutely love it.”

Another enthusiast concurred: “This wonderful series, created by the wonderful writer, Earl Hamner Jr has to be one-of, if not the-best, family-friendly TV series ever written, produced, and, aired!”.

Whilst someone else observed: “Not glamorous, not beautiful, but very real. If you’re interested in seeing something of substance, try the Waltons.”

Beloved for its iconic “Good night” sign-off featured in nearly every episode, the programme originally ran on CBS between September 1972 and June 1981.

British audiences were first introduced to the series on BBC One and BBC Two in 1974, with broadcasts continuing until 1983.

The Waltons returns to screens on Tuesday, January 6, on Freeview channel Great TV.