The BBC sparked upset earlier this week when it announced that long-running soap opera River City, which is filmed and set in Scotland, will be coming to an end next year

There are already thousands of signatures on a petition to save a long-running BBC show from being axed following the news of its cancellation. The decision has been criticised as an “attack” on fans and people within the TV industry.

The petition has been launched in response to the news yesterday that soap opera River City, which is filmed and set in Scotland, will come to an end next year. It has been announced that the show, which debuted more than two decades ago in 2002, will air its final series in autumn 2026.

The BBC has said that the decision has been influenced by a change in viewing patterns. The broadcaster has announced that it will be moving its investment from River City to other productions set across Scotland, including three new shows.

The news has however prompted a backlash and a petition has been launched through Megaphone UK. The platform states that it supports unions with the running of campaigns “to make our workplaces and communities fairer”.

The petition, which has been set up in partnership with the performing arts and entertainment trade union Equity, is addressed to BBC Scotland director Hayley Valentine. At the time of writing, the petition has more than 6,000 signatures.

It states that River City has “iconic status” in Scottish TV culture. The petition adds the decision to end the long-running show is an “attack” on Scottish-made TV drama, Scottish TV workers and the soap opera’s “loyal viewers”.

The petition continues by explaining that union Equity has raised concerns about the impact of the cancellation on Glasgow’s local economy, as well as on acting and TV production opportunities in Scotland. Paul W Fleming, Equity General Secretary, called the move “short-sighted” and the union suggests that it would have a disproportionately negative impact on Scottish performers.

Elsewhere in the petition, it states that the show – which has starred the likes of Outlander actor Sam Heughan, who had one of his first TV roles on it – is “well-loved” and acclaimed. The petition concludes: “There is no way that the BBC can replace the level of investment and job creation that River City provides to the Scottish economy and Scottish culture sector. Any alternative proposals the BBC offers will inevitably hurt Scottish culture workers and TV production.”

The BBC spoke about its decision earlier this week. The broadcaster stated that it will make a “considerable boost” in major drama productions set across Scotland, “moving the River City investment” – reflecting a “significant change” in audience behaviour away from long-running series and towards shorter runs. The BBC said this will start with the new shows Counsels, Grams and The Young Team.

Additionally, Granite Harbour, Shetland and Vigil – all of which are filmed in Scotland – will return, and previously-announced drama Mint is filming there too. The BBC stated: “Combined, these dramas will bring a greater range of stories written by Scots, about Scotland and made in Scotland for a UK-wide audience.”

It stated that “forming part of the single biggest investment in drama from Scotland in the past decade,” the new dramas – along with existing commissions – will create “new opportunities” across the independent sector. It added that total investment in BBC drama from Scotland over the next three years is expected to rise to over £95m cumulatively between 2026 and 2028.

The BBC also shared that it will work with industry partners on a new talent training plan in Scotland. It said that the “new framework” will build on River City’s “successful” training academy and ongoing work on other shows.

BBC Scotland director Hayley said in the announcement: “River City has been a wonderful adventure and of course we’ll all be sad to see it go. The team have done a brilliant job and I know they have some big plans for the finale next year.

“But as viewing patterns change and competition intensifies, this is the right time to invest in the next generation of high-impact drama series from across Scotland showcasing storytelling across the UK. Our goal is to grow Scotland further on the global drama map – with a slate of world-class productions that set the standard not just here but internationally too.”

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