This BBC show launched the careers of several Hollywood stars and is often regarded as one of the best series of the 1990s
Christopher Eccleston, Gina McKee, Mark Strong, and Daniel Craig all star in Our Friends in the North(Image: BBC)
A highly praised drama series set in Newcastle has been hailed as the best BBC show ever by viewers. First aired in 1996, Our Friends in the North chronicles the interconnected lives of four Tyneside friends.
It traces the lives of Nicky Hutchinson (portrayed by Christopher Eccleston), Mary Cox (Gina McKee), Terry ‘Tosker’ Cox (Mark Strong), and Geordie Peacock (Daniel Craig) over a span of 31 years, from their youth in 1964 to middle age in 1995.
Their individual journeys are set against the backdrop of significant British events, including local government corruption, the UK miners’ strike of 1984-85, and the Great Storm of 1987. Despite their varied paths and life decisions, the characters’ friendships endure as they navigate personal challenges and the evolving social and political landscape of Britain.
All nine episodes can be streamed on ITVX.
Our Friends in the North received widespread praise upon its release, bagging three BAFTAs, including Best Drama Serial and Best Actress for Gina McKee, reports the Express.
The series also clinched two Royal Television Society Awards and four Broadcasting Press Guild Awards. In 2000, the British Film Institute ranked it eighth among dramas in its list of the 100 Greatest British Television Programmes of the 20th century.
The drama received widespread acclaim from critics, with The Observer describing Peter Flannery’s script as “faultless”.
Nearly three decades on, the series continues to strike a chord with fans, who remain vocal in their admiration and praise online.
One viewer wrote: “Just finished Our Friends in the North. Magnificent. Still probably the greatest British TV drama series of the last 30 years.
“State-of-the-nation it might have been, but actually profoundly anti-political, for in the end Flannery’s core message is not politics at all, but love.”
“Our Friends in the North is arguably the best UK tv series of the 1990’s,” a second person echoed, whilst another added: “The end scene for Our Friends in the North to Oasis’s Don’t look back in Anger. Probably one of the best TV series ever made imo!”.
A fourth viewer declared: “Undoubtedly one of the best drama series I have ever watched, binged all 9 episodes over a weekend, yes it was that good. If you have links to the north east especially so. Highly recommended! !”.
Another posted: “Our Friends in the North (1996-1996) Just rewatched this on the @BBCiPlayer IMO the best drama series the BBC has ever done. Bold and big. A fantastic piece of drama.”
“That’s him in ‘Our Friends in the North’ an absolute masterpiece of historical TV drama,” penned someone else.
Another said: “Just finished watching Our Friends in the North. British masterpiece.”