Seven Up / 7 Plus Seven

Seven Up/ 7 Plus Seven is a groundbreaking television documentary series from ITV that first aired in 1964. Created by the World in Action team, this series set a new standard for reality programming and observing human life through the medium of television. The series, based on the Jesuit maxim "Give me a child until he is seven and I will show you the man," showcases a profound exploration of the British society through the lives of 14 children from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.

The original concept of the series was driven by the premise of understanding whether Britain's class system was inevitably crackproof, in which the children’s future progression would be determined by their socio-economic status or an inherent ability to overcome their respective socioeconomic background.

Over five decades, ITV's "Seven Up/ 7 Plus Seven" has followed a group of 14 children from across Britain, updating audiences on their journeys every seven years. The series started with the children at the age of seven and as of the most recent installment, the group are 63 years old. This longitudinal study design allowed viewers to watch the children mature while gaining a substantial window into societal changes over time.

The original Seven Up documentary was built around interviews with the participating children, seeking their opinions on life, love, and their futures. The initial program was deeply influenced by the zeitgeist of the mid-1960s, centering on the nation's children who were soon to be citizens in a rapidly evolving society. The interviews grappled with topics such as the children's understanding of the opposite sex, racial issues, their dreams, career aspirations, and their thoughts on wealth and poverty.

7 Plus Seven, the first follow-up of the original Seven Up documentary, returned to the same group of children when they were 14 years old. The profound effect of adolescence on these teenagers is captured and compared to their earlier perceptions and ambitions, providing viewers with a unique longitudinal perspective on personal growth and societal change.

The selection of participants itself was a reflection of the British societal structure, including individuals from both ends of the socioeconomic scale. Boys from a children's home, children from wealthy prep schools, and girls from the East End of London were among those selected. This diversity in subjects enabled the series to offer an in-depth view of societal structures, allowing audiences to consider if Britain's class system predetermines future opportunities.

Probing questions guided the interviews, from asking about the political system and love life aspirations to personal and professional goals. These direct topics prompted enlightening responses from kids and sparked thought-provoking commentaries as they navigated their adolescence, adulthood, and middle age.

Michael Apted, who was a researcher for the State in Action team when the series started, got an opportunity to direct the series. He continued in that capacity for the subsequent documentaries in the series, ensuring a consistent approach and building a sense of trust with the participants. He is often credited with the primary development of the series.

Seven Up/ 7 Plus Seven has not only been a long-standing observation of the socio-economic realities in Britain but also a compelling sociological experiment that has garnered global acclaim. Its unique premise and the longitudinal perspective on life have made it a quintessential example of successful documentary filmmaking, receiving plaudits for its candid exploration of nature versus nurture, class inequality, and the inevitability (or not) of destiny.

With its blend of raw human emotion, societal critique, and compelling personal narratives, Seven Up/ 7 Plus Seven stands as one of the most ambitious documentary endeavors ever undertaken, providing deep insights into the seminal stages of life and the ever-present class distinctions.