Bad Girls

Watch Bad Girls

  • TV-14
  • 1999
  • 8 Seasons
  • 7.9  (2,645)

Bad Girls is a British television drama series that aired on HBO from 1999 to 2006. The show is set in the fictional women's prison of Larkhall and focuses on the lives and relationships of the inmates and the prison staff. The show features a diverse cast of characters, including Shell Dockley (played by Debra Stephenson), a manipulative and dangerous inmate who is feared by others; Yvonne Atkins (Linda Henry), a tough and resourceful prisoner who becomes a powerful figure within the prison hierarchy; Nikki Wade (Mandana Jones), a sensitive and intelligent inmate who is serving time for killing a police officer in self-defense; and Monica Lindsay (Jane Lowe), a wealthy and privileged inmate who is sent to Larkhall for fraud.

The prison staff is also an important part of the show, with prominent characters including Jim Fenner (Jack Ellis), a corrupt and sadistic officer who uses his power to manipulate and abuse the inmates; Sylvia Hollamby (Helen Fraser), a strict and humorless officer who often clashes with the inmates and her colleagues; and Karen Betts (Claire King), the new governor of Larkhall who tries to reform the prison and improve the lives of the inmates.

Throughout the show, the inmates and staff face a variety of challenges and conflicts, including violent confrontations, relationships and affairs, drug addiction, mental health issues, and betrayal. The show explores themes of power, justice, redemption, and the complex nature of human relationships, particularly within a confined and oppressive environment like a prison.

As the show progresses, new characters are introduced and old ones depart, and the relationships between the characters evolve and change. Some characters undergo dramatic transformations, such as Shell's descent into madness and Yvonne's rise to power, while others struggle to maintain their sense of self and dignity in a dehumanizing setting.

Bad Girls became a cult hit in the UK and internationally, thanks to its compelling storylines, strong performances, and its frank and authentic portrayal of life in a women's prison. The show was praised for its groundbreaking portrayal of LGBT characters and relationships, as well as its exploration of social issues like poverty, domestic violence, and sexual assault.

Despite being controversial and sometimes graphic in its depiction of violence and sexuality, the show was also known for its humor and its ability to find humanity and compassion in even the most hardened and damaged characters. This combination of drama, humor, and social commentary made Bad Girls a unique and memorable television series that continues to be beloved by fans years after its original run.

In conclusion, Bad Girls from HBO is a gripping and intense television drama that explores the lives and relationships of a diverse group of women in a fictional prison. With its strong performances, compelling storylines, and social commentary, the show became a cult hit both in the UK and internationally and remains a beloved and influential series to this day.

Bad Girls is a series that ran for 8 seasons (107 episodes) between June 1, 1999 and on HBO

Bad Girls
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Seasons
Episode 11
11. Episode 11
January 1, 2006
A tough Christmas Eve for Hollamby on G-Wing results in a dreamlike vision that changes her attitude on Christmas Day. Meanwhile, Julie S. has a frightful visit to the Larkhall drainage system, and Janine goes into labor prematurely.
Episode 10
10. Episode 10
March 10, 2010
TV celebrity designer Catherine Earlham arrives in Larkhall after embezzling money from a pension fund and promptly gets the inmates scrubbing the place clean for an `at home' makeover feature. Darlene falls under the spell of the star prisoner and also Costa cons Phyl and Bev fall out over her and new wing governor Bodybag Hollamby's efforts to make her mark on the place pale into insignificance.
Episode 9
9. Episode 9
March 3, 2010
Lou is glowing after the surprise proposal from Doctor Rowan, unaware he has no intention of divorcing his wife. She asks her sister Vicky to be bridesmaid and she reluctantly agrees despite knowing the truth about Rowan. Vicky is so desperate for him to continue to supply her drugs she is keeping the truth from her sister, but when she begins to demand stronger drugs, Rowan realises that he may have bitten off more than he can chew.
Episode 8
8. Episode 8
February 24, 2010
Tina suffers from a guilty conscious as she is shipped back to Larkhall.
Episode 7
7. Episode 7
February 17, 2010
The national news is reporting that Natalie Buxton has escaped from Larkhall and the inmates of G-Wing could not be happier - with the exception of Pat Kerrigan who is wondering what to do with the body. Security has been stepped up and Phyl and Bev can't smuggle in any alcohol, so they revert to blackmailing Dr Dunlop. It's the day of Tina's court appearance and she's hoping to be sent back to prison, but the judge releases her. Pat has to confess the truth to the two Julies. Sylvia has a date.
Episode 6
6. Episode 6
February 10, 2010
G-Wing is buzzing with excitement, Julie S can't wait to see her son David and meet his bride to be. Pat Kerrigan is excited too - at the prospect of being rid of Natalie Buxton for ever. Wing Governor Lou Stoke is looking after her drug addict sister Vicky following her suicide attempt. Phyl and Bev are overjoyed when their delivery of alcoholic fruit arrives. Janine Nebeski starts receiving mysterious love letters. And since her daughter showed up, Joy has taken to drink.
Episode 5
5. Episode 5
February 3, 2010
Joy is left reeling by the discovery that Stella is her daughter, but rather than try to make up for lost time she attempts to have the inmate transferred to another prison. Meanwhile, Pat hatches a plan to get rid of Natalie forever after she discovers that she used children to get drugs into the prison. Lou experiences a change of heart, asking Rowan Dunlop out on a date and Donny Kimber and Janine take the opportunity to get a little closer.
Episode 4
4. Episode 4
January 27, 2010
Joy Masterton is suitably impressed by new inmate Stella Gough's determination to join the army and sets up a scheme for the girls to get fit. Donny wins Janine round and persuades her to undergo counselling to cope with her bereavement and drug dependency, but Lou keeps Rowan guessing as the mystery of her double life at the lap-dancing club deepens.
Episode 3
3. Episode 3
January 20, 2010
Natalie vows to take revenge on Pat for the drug smuggling fiasco and Donny Kimber comes under pressure from the police to find out where Emira's terrorist husband is hiding. Bev's new cellmate Angela Robbins (Annette Badland) proves to be a dab hand on the domestic front and the sexual tension between Deputy Governor Lou Stoke and Dr Rowan Dunlop reaches boiling point.
Episode 2
2. Episode 2
January 13, 2010
There's bad news for Janine when her dad makes a surprise visit. Also in this episode, Phyl milks her injury.
Episode 1
1. Episode 1
January 6, 2010
A new inmate arrives - Emira Al Jahani, the wife of a suspected terrorist bomber. The inmates then jump to the conclusion that Emira is planning a chemical attack on the wing.
Description
Where to Watch Bad Girls
Bad Girls is available for streaming on the HBO website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Bad Girls on demand at and Tubi TV.
  • Premiere Date
    June 1, 1999
  • IMDB Rating
    7.9  (2,645)