The iconic 1990s British sitcom This Life is making a dramatic return to television screens, exactly three decades after its original broadcast sparked widespread controversy and public outcry. This groundbreaking series, which originally aired from 1996 to 1997, followed the turbulent lives of five young lawyers sharing a house in South London, pushing boundaries with its unflinching portrayal of adult themes.
A Controversial Legacy Revisited
This Life gained notoriety for its bold depiction of casual sex, recreational drug use, and excessive alcohol consumption among its central characters. These hard-hitting storylines generated significant controversy during its initial run, prompting numerous complaint letters to the BBC through its Points Of View feedback service. The show's willingness to tackle such mature content made it one of the most talked-about television programs of its era.
Anniversary Broadcast Details
To commemorate the 30th anniversary of its debut, the BBC will begin re-airing episodes on BBC Four starting Wednesday, March 18. This date marks exactly three decades since This Life first premiered. Simultaneously, every episode from both seasons will become available for streaming on BBC iPlayer, ensuring that both nostalgic fans and new viewers can experience the series in its entirety.
The BBC confirmed the anniversary programming in an official social media announcement, stating: 'This Life. Celebrate the 30th anniversary on @BBCiPlayer and BBC Four On Wednesday 18 March.' Additionally, original cast member Daniela Nardini will introduce a special repeat run of the first series on BBC Four, with both complete series and the reunion special accessible through iPlayer.
Launching Hollywood Careers
This Life served as a career springboard for several cast members who later achieved international fame. Andrew Lincoln, who portrayed the character Edgar 'Egg' in both seasons, went on to achieve global recognition as the lead in the long-running zombie series The Walking Dead, a role he maintained for nine seasons before departing last year.
Jack Davenport, who played Miles Stewart in the sitcom, subsequently secured prominent Hollywood roles, most notably as Norrington alongside Johnny Depp in the blockbuster Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. Other cast members including Amita Dhir and Jason Hughes have continued successful television careers, appearing in acclaimed series such as The Bill, Holby City, Silent Witness, Marcella, and Midsummer Murders.
A Defining Cultural Moment
The BBC has described This Life as one of the 'defining series' of the 1990s, capturing the spirit and anxieties of a generation navigating adulthood in a rapidly changing society. Its return provides an opportunity to reassess its cultural impact and enduring relevance, particularly in how it addressed themes of relationships, career pressures, and personal identity.
This anniversary broadcast offers viewers a chance to rediscover why This Life became such a controversial yet beloved television phenomenon, while introducing its groundbreaking storytelling to a new generation of audiences through modern streaming platforms.
