We've followed their lives for six decades; now the stars of 7 Up are bowing out
summary
The landmark documentary series 7 Up, which tracked the lives of 14 children every seven years for six decades, is concluding with the final installment, 70 Up. Originally designed to examine the impact of the British class system on childhood, the project evolved into a broader study of human life and aging. Despite tensions between the participants and the original director, Michael Apted, the series provided a unique longitudinal look at how socioeconomic backgrounds and personal choices shape adulthood.
key points
- The series highlighted the dramatic divergence in life paths, showing how some participants faced homelessness and depression while others achieved professional success.
- Several participants clashed with director Michael Apted over his perceived biases, gender stereotypes, and the way they were typecast based on their social class.
- The final episode, directed by Asif Kapadia after Apted's death, marks a symmetrical conclusion to the project, ending the journey at age 70.
who should read it
People interested in sociology, the history of television, and the long-term psychological effects of socioeconomic status on a person's life.
discussion positive
consensus
Commenters generally admire the 'Up' series for its ambitious attempt to document the long-term impact of social class and personality on human development. While some debate the nature of modern reality TV, there is a shared view that the series provides a rare, genuine look at real lives compared to the scripted drama of contemporary productions. The sentiment is largely respectful, acknowledging both the flaws and the profound value of the project.
top insight
The discussion on the nature of non-fiction reveals that the 'reality' in modern reality TV is not just the events, but the participants' reactions to being in a scripted environment for social media gain. This perspective suggests that the meta-commentary of participants navigating production is where the actual human behavior emerges. It shifts the the value of the genre from authenticity to the study of performance.
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