Compact (1962)
- Drama, Soap
- Status : Ended
- Total Seasons : 4
- Total Episodes : 372
Overview
Compact was a British television soap opera shown by the BBC between 1962 and 1965. The series was created by Hazel Adair and Peter Ling, who together went on to devise Crossroads. In contrast to the kitchen sink realism of Coronation Street, Compact was a distinctly middle-class serial, set in the more "sophisticated" arena of magazine publishing. An early "avarice" soap, it took the viewer into the business workplace, and aligned the professional lives of the characters with more personal storylines. The show was scheduled for broadcast on Tuesdays and Thursdays, thus avoiding a clash with ITV's Coronation Street on Mondays and Wednesdays. When Compact began, the editor was a woman, Joanne Minster, yet it was not long before she was replaced by Ian Harmon, the son of the magazine's owner. Despite being largely criticised by reviewers, Compact was popular with the general public, and in 1964 a regular omnibus edition was introduced, broadcast on Sundays. Morris Barry, a some-time actor and BBC director – he directed several Doctor Who stories in the 1960s – took over as producer and was given a brief to spice the series up in view of the criticism it had received from the national press. But the BBC, never comfortable with the concept of soap opera, quietly dropped the series in 1965.- Status : Ended
- Total Seasons : 4
- Total Episodes : 372
Overview
Compact was a British television soap opera shown by the BBC between 1962 and 1965. The series was created by Hazel Adair and Peter Ling, who together went on to devise Crossroads. In contrast to the kitchen sink realism of Coronation Street, Compact was a distinctly middle-class serial, set in the more "sophisticated" arena of magazine publishing. An early "avarice" soap, it took the viewer into the business workplace, and aligned the professional lives of the characters with more personal storylines. The show was scheduled for broadcast on Tuesdays and Thursdays, thus avoiding a clash with ITV's Coronation Street on Mondays and Wednesdays. When Compact began, the editor was a woman, Joanne Minster, yet it was not long before she was replaced by Ian Harmon, the son of the magazine's owner. Despite being largely criticised by reviewers, Compact was popular with the general public, and in 1964 a regular omnibus edition was introduced, broadcast on Sundays. Morris Barry, a some-time actor and BBC director – he directed several Doctor Who stories in the 1960s – took over as producer and was given a brief to spice the series up in view of the criticism it had received from the national press. But the BBC, never comfortable with the concept of soap opera, quietly dropped the series in 1965.
Compact (1962) – Full TV Series Summary, Episodes & Review
| Title | Compact |
|---|---|
| First Air Date | Tue Jan 02 1962 |
| Last Air Date | Fri Jul 30 1965 |
| Status | Ended |
| Tagline | - |
| Country | GB |
| Language | English |
| Genres | Drama, Soap |
| Total Seasons | 4 |
| Total Episodes | 372 |
| Creators | Peter Ling |
| Production | - |
| Rating | 3.0/10 |
Overview
Compact is a Drama, Soap television series that premiered in 1962, with its first episode releasing on Tue Jan 02 1962. Known for its cinematic production quality and gripping storyline, the show has become one of the most influential modern series in its genre.
Compact was a British television soap opera shown by the BBC between 1962 and 1965. The series was created by Hazel Adair and Peter Ling, who together went on to devise Crossroads. In contrast to the kitchen sink realism of Coronation Street, Compact was a distinctly middle-class serial, set in the more "sophisticated" arena of magazine publishing. An early "avarice" soap, it took the viewer into the business workplace, and aligned the professional lives of the characters with more personal storylines. The show was scheduled for broadcast on Tuesdays and Thursdays, thus avoiding a clash with ITV's Coronation Street on Mondays and Wednesdays. When Compact began, the editor was a woman, Joanne Minster, yet it was not long before she was replaced by Ian Harmon, the son of the magazine's owner. Despite being largely criticised by reviewers, Compact was popular with the general public, and in 1964 a regular omnibus edition was introduced, broadcast on Sundays. Morris Barry, a some-time actor and BBC director – he directed several Doctor Who stories in the 1960s – took over as producer and was given a brief to spice the series up in view of the criticism it had received from the national press. But the BBC, never comfortable with the concept of soap opera, quietly dropped the series in 1965.
Latest Episode Details
Journey's End
Season 4, Episode 60
Aired on 1965-07-30
Runtime: 30 minutes
No description available.
Storyline & Plot Overview
Compact follows a layered narrative filled with mystery, emotional depth, and character evolution. Each season expands on the core storyline while introducing new conflicts, dangers, and twists that keep audiences engaged. The show masterfully balances suspense, sci-fi concepts, and personal character drama, making it a binge-worthy experience.
Production & Background
Created by Peter Ling and produced by , the series features top-tier cinematography, atmospheric lighting, and highly detailed world-building. Filming locations, visual effects, and sound design all contribute to creating a cinematic universe that feels immersive and authentic.
Audience Response
With an impressive rating of 3.0/10, the series has gained global acclaim. Viewers praise its emotional storytelling, character depth, pacing, and ability to maintain suspense across multiple seasons.
Similar TV Shows You May Like
- Other series with supernatural or mystery-driven plots
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many seasons does this series have?
The show currently features 4 seasons with a total of 372 episodes.
2. Is the series still running?
No, the series has concluded its run.
3. Where can I watch this TV show?
It is available on its official streaming platform based on region and licensing.
4. What genre does this series belong to?
It primarily falls under Drama, Soap, blending multiple elements to create a unique viewing experience.
5. Is this TV show based on a book or original screenplay?
The show is creatively developed by Peter Ling, using a mix of original storytelling and thematic inspirations.
6. Does each season follow a continuous storyline?
Yes, the series builds upon previous seasons while expanding its world, characters, and narrative arcs.
7. How long is each episode?
Episode runtime varies depending on the season and creative direction.
8. Are new episodes coming soon?
There is no official release date for upcoming episodes.
9. What makes this show popular?
The series is praised for its character depth, storytelling, world-building, and consistent suspense.
10. Is this series good for binge-watching?
Yes, the engaging storyline and seasonal cliffhangers make it perfect for binge-watch sessions.
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