ITV Reduces Coronation Street and Emmerdale Episodes to 30 Minutes in Scheduling Overhaul

The change, effective January 2026, aims to adapt to shifting viewer habits with a streamlined 'soap power hour' while reducing weekly airtime by one hour.

• Coronation Street and Emmerdale will transition to exclusively 30-minute episodes starting January 2026, cutting total weekly airtime from six hours to five.
• The new schedule creates a 'soap power hour,' airing Emmerdale at 8pm and Coronation Street at 8:30pm on weekdays, making the shows easier to find in the lineup.
• ITV executives state the shift is driven by audience research showing a preference for shorter, faster-paced episodes that are more suitable for streaming platforms like ITVX.
• The adjustment will impact behind-the-scenes staff, with ITV pledging support for affected employees during the transition.
• The changes are part of ITV's strategy to balance viewer preferences with budgetary considerations and ensure the long-term success of its flagship soaps.

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