Watch Can't Pay, We'll Take it Away
- 2014
- 3 Seasons
Can't Pay, We'll Take it Away is a factual television show broadcasting on the UK's Channel 5. The show premiered in 2014 and is currently airing its sixth season. The show features High Court Enforcement Officers (HCEOs) who go out and recover debts for their clients. The HCEOs in the show work for some of the largest and most respected firms in the UK, and the show documents their daily struggles and triumphs. The show is a mix of drama and documentary--it's raw, real, and pulls no punches as the HCEOs navigate the legal and moral complexities of their jobs.
The show is an eye-opener for many people who are unaware of the day-to-day realities of debt collection. The HCEOs face numerous obstacles in their work, including angry debtors, evictions, distressed families, and pets that need to be rescued. They also encounter some truly heart-warming moments, such as when they help people in need or recover valuable possessions like family heirlooms.
Each episode follows a few different HCEOs as they carry out their work. They are tasked with enforcing High Court writs, which means they have a legal right to seize assets from people who owe money. People who refuse to pay their debts can have their cars, TVs, and other valuable possessions seized by the HCEOs. The HCEOs usually start by giving a warning and a deadline for payment, but if the debtor doesn't pay up, they will return with a team and begin the seizure process.
The show is shot in a fly-on-the-wall style, which means that the cameras capture everything that happens with no intervention from the production team. This results in a very authentic portrayal of the work of the HCEOs. The show is also very frequently intense and emotional, and it pulls no punches when it comes to showing the distress that people go through when they are in debt.
The HCEOs are often subject to abuse and aggression from some of the people they visit. They have to be prepared for anything and everything, as they never know how a debtor will react. One of the most challenging aspects of their work is dealing with individuals who refuse to accept that they have to pay their debts. These people often become quite aggressive and try to physically resist the HCEOs.
Can't Pay, We'll Take it Away also shows the human side of the HCEOs. They are not robots, and the show highlights the stresses and strains of their work. There are moments where they break down in tears, become angry or frustrated, or are simply overwhelmed by the enormity of some of the situations they find themselves in.
The show does not shy away from the nuances of the debt collection process. The debtors' situation is often shown as well, including their personal circumstances, like struggling with opioid addiction or dealing with bereavement. It is normal for viewers to feel empathetic towards the debtors, but the show does not romanticize the situation either. The HCEOs are portrayed as tough yet empathetic professionals in their dealings. The show also provides a social platform to enable Debtors to seek advice and help after watching the show.
In conclusion, Can't Pay, We'll Take it Away is a raw and real documentary that educates viewers about the complex and challenging world of debt collection. It's a show that is as educational as it is entertaining, thanks to the fascinating and sometimes unexpected twists and turns of the cases the HCEOs handle. Whether you are interested in the law, social justice, or simply want to know more about the human experience of debt collection, this is a show that should definitely not be missed.