Last of the Summer Wine is the longest-running comedy series in TV history, and one which has touched the hearts of many millions of people around the world. The first ever episode was broadcast in early January 1973. It was in itself just a one-off program, but it turned out to be the first of a series of 295 episodes produced over an incredible 38-year span. In the 1980s and 1990s the show regularly attracted 12 million viewers in the UK, and Christmas specials drew even bigger audiences. Sir Terry Wogan was a fan, and it was reportedly the Queen's favorite program. Last of the Summer Wine has also proved immensely and enduringly popular in many English-speaking countries around the world, with repeats being shown regularly to this day in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the US.