Watch Breathless

Breathless is a captivating drama series from PBS set in 1961 London. The show follows the lives of a group of doctors and nurses who work in a gynecology ward at a busy hospital. Each episode delves into the personal lives of the staff and their patients, exploring themes of love, loss, and the societal norms of the time.

The series stars Catherine Steadman as Angela Wilson, a bright and ambitious nurse who is determined to make her mark in the male-dominated medical field. Jack Davenport plays Otto Powell, a brilliant and charismatic surgeon who is admired by both his colleagues and his patients. Joanna Page portrays Lily Enderbury, a compassionate nurse who cares deeply for her patients but struggles with her own personal issues. Natasha Little plays Elizabeth Powell, Otto's wife, who has a complicated relationship with her husband and becomes embroiled in a scandal that threatens to destroy his career. Oliver Chris plays Richard Truscott, a young surgeon who is eager to prove himself but finds himself at odds with some of his colleagues. Shaun Dingwall plays Charlie Enderbury, Lily's husband, who is fighting his own battle with alcoholism. Finally, Zoe Boyle plays Jean Truscott, Richard's wife, who tries to support her husband but finds herself increasingly sidelined.

What makes Breathless so compelling is the way it interweaves the personal stories of its characters with the wider social and political issues of the time. The show is set in an era of great change, with the sexual revolution and the fight for women's rights starting to gather momentum. As such, the characters are constantly grappling with issues of gender, class, and race, and the ways in which these intersect with their work as medical professionals. In one episode, for example, Angela clashes with a male doctor who is dismissive of her abilities; in another, Lily confronts her own prejudices when she discovers that a patient has had an illegal abortion. Meanwhile, Elizabeth's storyline explores the double standards faced by women in the public eye, and the pressure to maintain a certain image.

Despite the serious themes it tackles, Breathless is also a very entertaining show, with plenty of romance, drama, and suspense. The relationships between the characters are complex and nuanced, with many unexpected twists and turns. The chemistry between Catherine Steadman and Jack Davenport, in particular, is electric, and their scenes together are a highlight of the series. The show is also visually stunning, with gorgeous costumes and sets that bring the 1960s to life in all their glory.

Overall, Breathless is a must-watch for fans of period drama and anyone interested in the tumultuous social history of the 20th century. With a strong cast, intelligent writing, and a keen eye for detail, the show captures the spirit of the era it depicts while also delivering a compelling and entertaining story. Whether you're a newcomer to the world of drama or a seasoned viewer, Breathless is a show that is not to be missed.

Breathless is a series that ran for 1 seasons (6 episodes) between August 24, 2014 and on PBS