Fears for Casualty after 39 years following Holby City and River City axings as BBC makes big move

Concerns Grow for Casualty After 39 Years, Following the Cancellations of Holby City and River City

The future of the BBC’s long-running medical drama Casualty, which has been on air since 1986, is now uncertain. This follows the recent cancellations of its sister show Holby City in 2022 and the Scottish soap River City. The BBC has announced plans to open Casualty to competitive tender, meaning that after 39 years under BBC Cymru Wales production, the series will seek bids from other production companies to take over production from late 2026 onward. Despite this shift, the BBC assures fans that Casualty remains a valuable and ongoing part of its Welsh programming.

This decision aligns with the BBC’s broader strategy to reshape its drama slate, aiming to better reflect, represent, and serve all parts of the UK. The move also comes amid rising production costs and budget cuts, which have led to the cancellation of other BBC shows like Doctors and Holby City. Insiders suggest that only two more seasons of Casualty are currently green-lit under existing agreements, with the future of the show depending on the competitive bid process.

While the BBC maintains that Casualty is not being cancelled, the shift to a competitive tender process introduces uncertainty. If no viable bids come in, the show could face termination or significant reduction. On the other hand, a new production company might steer Casualty in a fresh direction or even revitalize it for future seasons.

Fans remain emotionally attached—and worried. A user on Reddit noted:

“I think it’s good that they do try experimental episodes…but it just feels like a box-tick filler of the schedule. … It’s probs got 2 years left unless it can revamp in a big way.”

Another user commented:

“Casualty stayed because it’s more popular… it’s an institution!”

The next few months will be critical: proposals are due by late 2026. If a new producer steps in, we could witness a refreshed Casualty—but if not, its long run may be nearing an end.

Concerns Grow for Casualty After 39 Years, Following the Cancellations of Holby City and River City The future of the BBC’s long-running medical drama Casualty, which has been on air since 1986, is now uncertain. This follows the recent cancellations of its sister show Holby City in 2022 and the Scottish soap River City. The…