The acclaimed Newcastle-set drama Our Friends in the North, celebrated as "one of the greatest British TV series ever," is now available to stream on BBC iPlayer. The series, which helped launch the careers of stars such as Daniel Craig and Christopher Eccleston, follows four friends from Newcastle upon Tyne across more than 30 years, from 1964 to 1995.
Plot and Setting
The story centers on university student Nicky (Christopher Eccleston), his companions Geordie (Daniel Craig) and Tosker (Mark Strong), and Nicky's girlfriend Mary (Gina McKee). Real historical events, including miners' strikes, general elections, and the storm of 1987, provide the backdrop, chronicling the shifting political landscape of Britain.
Critical Acclaim
First aired in 1996, the series has been hailed by critics and viewers alike as one of the finest television productions ever made. "A landmark British series," one viewer wrote on IMDb. "This is truly one of the finest series to come out of Britain." Another remarked: "The acting is outstanding, particularly from Christopher Eccleston, Daniel Craig and Gina McKee who have all become very successful, in part, no doubt, due to this series... Moving, gritty, realistic Our Friends in the North is a must-see."
Viewer Reactions
Fans have described the drama as "perfect TV" and "a masterpiece." One viewer commented: "What a real tour de force of British television. 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." Another added: "This series is excellent, both heartwarming and tragic." On Reddit, a user posted: "Still one of the best pieces of television ever made," with another concurring: "I'm struggling to think of anything that tops it for me."
Legacy and Availability
Our Friends in the North is now available to stream on BBC iPlayer. The series is praised for its first-class acting, wonderful use of music to depict the time period, and marvellous production values. As one viewer summed up: "One of the finest moments of British television and any other television for that matter."
