The final ever episode of the Scottish soap opera River City airs tonight (August 31) at 9pm on BBC Scotland and BBC iPlayer. The hour-long episode brings an end to the show's 24-year run and will be followed by a special one-off documentary titled River City: The Last Take, airing at 10pm.
A Fond Farewell to Shieldinch
The documentary will revisit the highs and lows of Scotland's flagship drama, giving fans a chance to look behind the curtains of the long-running series one last time. Narrated by Dawn Steele, who played Dr Annie Jandhu from 2015 to 2018, the programme will feature the beloved cast reliving some of their most iconic moments over the past 24 years.
Stars taking a trip down memory lane include Stephen Purdon, Sally Howitt, Frank Gallagher, Jacqueline Leonard, Jordan Young, Carmen Pieraccini, Grant Stott and Gayle Telfer Stevens.
Behind the Scenes of the Final Week
The BBC synopsis for the documentary reads: "The final episode is followed by one-off documentary, River City: The Last Take, which will reunite the cast to celebrate over two decades of laughter, love and plenty of drama in Shieldinch."
"With exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the last week of filming, emotional reunions, unforgettable clips as well as memories from devoted fans, the documentary takes viewers on one last wander down Montego Street."
The show will provide exclusive access to the last week of filming at the now demolished Dumbarton studios, which reportedly took place in April 2026. Spanning from the final rehearsals to the last ever take, the documentary will highlight the people, stories and legacy of the fictional west end district of Shieldinch.
Fans React to the End
Many fans have taken to social media ahead of the final episode, with the BBC teasing the finale by stating that "it's all been leading to this moment." One fan pleaded: "This made me so emotional. Can't believe it's the last ever episode, please @channel5_tv take it over."
Another Scot added: "Not ready for this finale, can't believe it's all coming to an end." One fan shared a heartfelt message: "Another big thank you to all cast and crew; you will all be missed. I have had the pleasure of meeting a few of you at Awakening Festival this year and last year. Jordan Frank and many more- thank you again. I wish you all a happy future."
The final ever episode of River City airs tonight at 9pm on BBC Scotland and BBC iPlayer, followed by River City: The Last Take at 10pm.
