Whether it’s been the scene for a murder mystery, spotlighting the south coast’s hidden beauty, or making a surprise appearance in a long-awaited Christmas special, Southampton has had its fair share of screen time in 2024.

Arguably the television show that took viewers most by surprise was Christmas Day’s final episode of Gavin and Stacey, which culminated in Southampton of all places - or so we were led to believe. 

Newport in Wales doubled for Southampton – much to the bewilderment of Sotonians – as James Corden, Mathew Horne, Rob Brydon, and the core cast members (all in character of course) chased down the motorway on a packed coach to prevent Nessa, played by Ruth Jones, leaving on a boat to work on a cargo ship in Curacao.

READ MORE: Gavin and Stacey finale sees Southampton residents fuming

Back in February, Southampton was making another appearance on a popular BBC show.

Silent Witness saw areas of Netley and Weston Shore take centre stage in an episode titled: Death By a Thousand Hits – Part 1.

Areas of the region’s coastline were on full display as the crime drama – helmed by Emilia Fox – saw a team of forensic pathologists and scientists uncover the truth about a Burmese man’s mysterious death.

READ MORE: BBC hit drama Silent Witness shows off Netley and Weston Shore

Elsewhere, Buckler’s Hard in the New Forest was showcased on BBC 2’s, Villages by the Sea.

Archaeologist Ben Robinson uncovered some of the hamlet’s hidden history – as he explored its origins and the role the riverbanks played during World War II.

READ MORE: Buckler's Hard history revealed on BBC's Villages by the Sea

On the same channel, University Hospital Southampton was beamed into television sets across the country as the sixth series of Surgeons: At the Edge of Life gave viewers a behind the scenes look at some of the work staff are faced with on a daily basis inside Southampton General Hospital.

READ MORE: University Hospital Southampton to feature in BBC 2 series

Meanwhile on streaming, Discovery+ reality tv series 90 Day Fiancé saw Charlotte marry and then separate from her holiday romance Johan, after the pair met in the Dominican Republic.

As camera crews followed Charlotte around Southampton, both Weston Shore and Dancing Man Brewery in Town Quay were captured on the show.

READ MORE: 90 Day Fiancé star looking to divorce 'con artist' husband

Finally, The One Show surprised Tracey Gaylor in June as part of ‘one big thank you,’ for all the work she and her husband have done to support veterans since 2015.

Tracey was surprised by Welsh singer, Katherine Jenkins on the London Eye, before footage showed Tracey at work at the veterans’ centre in Woolston.

READ MORE: Katherine Jenkins surprises charity boss on BBC's The One Show

Southampton and the wider area has been booked and busy this year with all the appearances onscreen.

We are looking forward to seeing more of the city showcased on national television next year!