The classic 1990s medical drama Peak Practice has landed on ITVX today (Thursday 29 October), with all episodes available to stream free of charge. The much-loved series, created by Lucy Gannon, originally aired on ITV between 1993 and 2002, chronicling the lives of doctors in the fictional Derbyshire Peak District town of Cardale.
Cast and characters
The lead characters, Dr Jack Kerruish, Dr Beth Glover and Dr Will Preston, were portrayed by Kevin Whately, Amanda Burton and Simon Shepherd, respectively. Throughout its run, the show's cast evolved considerably, with several actors joining the series, including Gary Mavers, Adrian Lukis, Haydn Gwynne and Maggie O'Neill in later series.
EastEnders star Jamie Bamber also starred in the drama as Dr Matt Kendal during Series 12 (the final season) from 2001 to 2002.
Storylines and themes
According to ITV, the programme delves into themes of community, relationships, and the difficulties facing rural healthcare, making it ideal viewing for enthusiasts of character-focused dramas and British programming. "With stunning scenery and compelling storylines, Peak Practice offers a heartwarming and engaging look into the world of medicine", the broadcaster stated.
The opening season began with Dr Kerruish's return to Britain after establishing a practice in Africa. He attends an interview for a position at the Beeches surgery in Derbyshire, a practice overseen by Dr Glover and Dr Preston.
Fan reactions
Some of the show's most thrilling storylines included the shocking shooting and death of Dr Joanna Graham that left viewers heartbroken, Dr Will Preston's breakdown following financial pressure and his wife's betrayal, and the surprise arrival of Dr Andrew Attwood's child as the surgery remained in constant turmoil.
Following Peak Practice's debut in 1993, the programme has attracted devoted audiences, with one individual recently posting on X, "#PeakPractice another classic along with #LondonsBurning." Another viewer described it as an "excellent" programme and "one of the better dramas of recent years" on IMDb, while another shared similar praise, branding it "excellent, beautiful and heartwarming".
The admirer expressed disappointment regarding the medical drama's axing after almost ten years of broadcast, stating: "It had fantastic, well-written and engaging storylines, clever and touching writing and sweet, relaxing music."
"It also had the advantage of being gorgeously filmed, the countryside of Derbyshire is absolutely beautiful and really added to Peak Practice's charm."
Others, however, argued the programme's quality deteriorated as time went on, with one viewer describing the final episode as "lazy", adding: "Not a bad series, though the fact that no one EVER found happiness, no wedding EVER went well, no marriage EVER worked out, no family in town seemed happy together. The series finale was shocking, but also a lazy way out for the writers. Incredibly disappointing."
Peak Practice arrives on ITVX on 29 October.
