Created by Jimmy McGovern | BBC

The Street is a powerful anthology drama series that aired on the BBC between 2006 and 2009, created by acclaimed writer Jimmy McGovern. Set in a working-class neighborhood in Northern England, each episode tells a standalone story about the residents of a single street, delving into the complex lives of ordinary people navigating extraordinary emotional and moral challenges.

With a rotating cast of Britain’s finest actors—including Timothy Spall, Jim Broadbent, David Thewlis, Jane Horrocks, and Anna Friel—the series blends raw realism with poetic storytelling. McGovern’s writing cuts to the core of everyday struggles: broken relationships, economic despair, domestic abuse, injustice, and unexpected acts of redemption. The dialogue is naturalistic, often quietly devastating, and never strays far from the emotional truth of its characters.

What sets The Street apart is its honesty and its empathy. There’s no melodrama, only the weight of real choices and consequences. Every episode is grounded in moral complexity, often asking viewers to sit with uncomfortable truths and reflect on how easily the line between right and wrong can blur when life becomes desperate.

Directed with restraint and featuring moody, grey-toned cinematography, the series is visually understated, allowing performances and writing to take center stage. There’s a quiet dignity to even the most tragic characters, and McGovern ensures their stories are never patronizing, always human.

The Street received widespread acclaim, earning BAFTAs and International Emmys for its unflinching portrayal of British life. It remains a landmark in UK television—gritty, moving, and utterly unforgettable. For viewers who appreciate grounded, character-driven drama that shines a light on society’s overlooked corners, The Street is a must-watch.