Michael Glynn was announced as taking over production duties from Robert D. Cardona in May but, due to the programme remaining off air from mid-May for the remainder of the year, his work was not broadcast until the start of 1977. The break saw Emmerdale Farm remain off-screen for over six months and, as a result, only broadcast a total of 38 episodes in the calendar year. This is currently the longest period the show has remained off air since it began.