ITV's iconic 7 Up documentary series has concluded its journey after 63 years. The series originally followed the lives of 10 boys and four girls in England when they were seven years old, returning every seven years to document their development and experiences. The final season, 70 Up, brings the story to a close, with seven individuals reflecting on the impact of the series over the decades, sharing photos that contrast their childhood appearances with their current looks. Judith Barton, 70, from Surrey, said the series helped her understand that life, regardless of wealth or background, is shaped by a collection of experiences, many of which may seem ordinary. She found the most compelling characters to be those who faced challenges, pursued personal goals, or overcame obstacles. Sheila Lambe, 63, from Scotland, was deeply moved by the story of Neil, who was once the most adorable and imaginative child in the series but later struggled with mental health issues. She also appreciated the story of Nick, who, despite modest beginnings, achieved much in life and described the birth of his son as his greatest moment. For Sheila, the true measure of success seemed to be familial love and inner peace rather than academic or material success. Martin Forsey, 65, from Fremantle, Western Australia, said the series sparked his imagination and inspired him to retrain as a sociologist and anthropologist. He identified with Bruce, whose search for meaning mirrored his own experiences as an overseas volunteer. The series motivated him to focus his work on education and the influence of class on life paths. Shirley, 68, from London, called the series the best TV show ever made. She noted that the girls in the series were often shown in roles as wives and mothers rather than in their professional lives, a pattern she recognized in her own experience. She felt the series illustrated the significant changes in societal roles from the 1960s to today. Lyle Jackson, 72, from Nashville, Tennessee, found watching 70 Up unexpectedly emotional, with many scenes bringing him to tears. He credited the series with altering the course of his life, leading him to become a documentary photographer and producer, for which he has won 18 regional Emmys. His work often focused on giving a voice to those who are overlooked or marginalized. Khalid Dajani, 54, from Dubai, said he increasingly identifies with the participants as he grows older. He relates most to Paul, who built a family in Australia and maintained a gentle and intelligent nature. He first learned of the series through a book by Roger Ebert and watched all the episodes on YouTube in preparation for the 2019 release. Alan Reich, 63, from London, said the 7 Up films set a gold standard for documentary filmmaking. He recalled watching the original 7 Up film at a Jewish summer camp when he was seven and being captivated by it. He met Michael Apted, the director, at a documentary festival in Sheffield and shared how the series influenced his career, even though he later retrained as a psychotherapist.