The acclaimed drama Our Friends in the North, widely hailed as one of the greatest British television series ever produced, is now available to stream on BBC iPlayer. The 1996 series, which launched the careers of stars including Daniel Craig and Christopher Eccleston, has been praised by critics and audiences alike for its sweeping narrative and powerful performances.
Plot and Setting
The series follows four friends from Newcastle upon Tyne over three decades, from 1964 to 1995. The characters include university student Nicky (Christopher Eccleston), his friends Geordie (Daniel Craig) and Tosker (Mark Strong), and Nicky's girlfriend Mary (Gina McKee). The story traces their lives from teenagers to middle age, set against real historical events such as miners' strikes, general elections, and the Great Storm of 1987, reflecting the changing political landscape of the UK.
Critical Acclaim
Since its release, Our Friends in the North has garnered widespread acclaim. One IMDb reviewer described it as "a landmark British series" and "truly one of the finest series to come out of Britain." Another praised the acting, saying it was "outstanding, particularly from Christopher Eccleston, Daniel Craig and Gina McKee who have all become very successful, in part, no doubt, due to this series."
A viewer called it "a real tour de force of British television" and added: "I love these 80s and 90s dramas and this one is probably one of the best I've seen. It's long, dark, gritty, dialogue heavy and all the characters' stories interact so beautifully." They concluded: "Just watch it. It's perfect TV."
Legacy and Impact
The series has been described as "sprawling, epic, jaw-dropping, moving" and "unparalleled" by fans. On Reddit, one user posted: "Still one of the best pieces of television ever made," while another agreed: "I'm struggling to think of anything that tops it for me." Another viewer remarked: "One of the finest moments of British television and any other television for that matter," calling it "a masterpiece" with "first class acting, wonderful use of music to depict the time period and marvellous production values."
A fan noted: "Absolutely stand out TV. Made a real impression on me as a teenager at the time, and I thought they captured the moments in history perfectly. Real career high performances from the whole cast too."
Where to Watch
Our Friends in the North is available for streaming on BBC iPlayer. The series consists of nine episodes and remains a must-watch for fans of British drama.
