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Today in History: The Bill airs final episode, ending era

8/31/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On 31 August 2010 ITV aired the final episode of *The Bill*, ending a 26-year run that began with the 1983 one-off drama *Woodentop*. Created by Geoff McQueen, the series—named after the police slang “Old Bill”—became Britain’s longest-running police drama, concluding after 1,178 episodes.

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Story summary

On 31 August 2010 ITV aired the final episode of *The Bill*, ending a 26-year run that began with the 1983 one-off drama *Woodentop*. Created by Geoff McQueen, the series—named after the police slang “Old Bill”—became Britain’s longest-running police drama, concluding after 1,178 episodes.