The Big Match
Series Overview
The Big Match is a British Association football television programme, which screened on ITV regularly between 1968 and 1992. The Big Match originally launched on London Weekend Television, the ITV regional station that served London and the Home Counties at weekends, screening highlights of Football League matches. Other ITV regions had their own shows, but would show The Big Match if they were not covering their own match – particularly often in the case of Southern and HTV. The programme was set up in part as a response to the increased demand in televised football following the 1966 FIFA World Cup and partly as an alternative to the BBC's own football programme, Match of the Day. The Big Match launched the media career of Jimmy Hill, who appeared on the programme as an analyst, and made Brian Moore one of the country's leading football commentators. The Big Match originally screened match highlights on Sunday afternoons but in 1978 ITV audaciously won exclusive rights to all league football coverage, in a move termed "Snatch of the Day". Although the Monopolies and Mergers Commission blocked the move, the BBC were forced to allow ITV to take over the Saturday night slot in alternating seasons, starting in 1980.
Broadcast Schedule & Network Information
Airing status, episode counts, upcoming schedule, and network syndication.
Broadcast Syndication
1 Season • 2 Episodes
1968 – 1968
Premiered: Sat, Aug 10, 1968
Creative Production Team
Latest Aired Episode
Season 1, Episode 2: “Chelsea vs West Bromwich Albion”
Seasons & Episodes Breakdown
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
The Big Match theme music 1974-1980
Type: Featurette • Published 2009-02-04
Cast & Creators
Explore Star Directory →
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Big Match.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Big Match
Key facts, seasons breakdown, and credits for search engines and AI assistants.
What is The Big Match about?
The Big Match is a British Association football television programme, which screened on ITV regularly between 1968 and 1992. The Big Match originally launched on London Weekend Television, the ITV regional station that served London and the Home Counties at weekends, screening highlights of Football League matches. Other ITV regions had their own shows, but would show The Big Match if they were not covering their own match – particularly often in the case of Southern and HTV. The programme was set up in part as a response to the increased demand in televised football following the 1966 FIFA World Cup and partly as an alternative to the BBC's own football programme, Match of the Day. The Big Match launched the media career of Jimmy Hill, who appeared on the programme as an analyst, and made Brian Moore one of the country's leading football commentators. The Big Match originally screened match highlights on Sunday afternoons but in 1978 ITV audaciously won exclusive rights to all league football coverage, in a move termed "Snatch of the Day". Although the Monopolies and Mergers Commission blocked the move, the BBC were forced to allow ITV to take over the Saturday night slot in alternating seasons, starting in 1980.
How many seasons does The Big Match have?
The Big Match comprises 1 season available to explore.
Who stars in The Big Match?
Key cast members in The Big Match include Brian Moore, Elton Welsby, Jim Rosenthal.
Who created or directed The Big Match?
The Big Match was developed and directed by Not specified.