World in Action was an investigative current affairs series produced by Granada Television from around 1962/63 until 1998. It frequently took risks that other similar series would not have taken, and gained a reputation for unorthodox thought and campaigning journalism in the finest Mancunian tradition. The first Seven Up! programme was shown as part of World in Action in 1964, and World in Action also had the famous meeting between Mick Jagger and several senior British establishment figures in 1967, arranged by the future BBC Director-General John Birt.

The theme tune is called "Jam for World in Action" and is by Jonathon Weston.

World in Action's demise in favour of the more populist Tonight with Trevor McDonald was criticised by some as part of a "dumbing-down" of ITV, although conversely the decision was praised by others with more commercial imperatives.