Watch Cradle to Grave

Cradle to Grave is a comedy-drama television series that premiered in 2015 on the British channel BBC2. The show is based on the memoirs of Danny Baker, who also co-wrote the series alongside Jeff Pope. This 8-episode series is available for viewing on Acorn TV. The series is set in the 1970s in Bermondsey, a working-class district in South London, and follows the life of a teenager named Danny Baker (played by Laurie Kynaston). Danny is a typical teenager who loves pop music, girls, and causing trouble. He is the youngest member of a family of six, and the show follows the ups and downs of his life as he navigates his teen years with the help of his parents, sister, and friends.

Danny's father, Fred Baker (played by Peter Kay), is a lovable rogue who works as a docker and is always looking for a way to make a quick buck. He is constantly at odds with his wife Bet (played by Lucy Speed), who is a gentle and caring mother, but also very strict and traditional. Fred's charm and wit often get him into trouble, but he is always able to talk his way out of it. Bet is a no-nonsense woman who expects her children to follow the rules and behave, but she is fiercely protective of them and will go to great lengths to keep them safe.

The show is filled with hilarious moments as Danny and his friends get into mischief and try to impress the girls they like. The dialogue is filled with witty banter and slang that is typical of 1970s London. The show also features a great soundtrack filled with classic 70s hits that will have viewers tapping their feet and reminiscing about their own teen years.

But the show is not just about laughs, as it also deals with serious issues such as racism, classism, and sexism. Danny and his family experience the harsh realities of life in 70s London, where the color of your skin and the neighborhood you live in can determine your opportunities in life. But the show handles these issues with sensitivity and doesn't shy away from showing the ugly side of things.

The acting in Cradle to Grave is superb, with Peter Kay delivering a standout performance as Fred Baker. He brings a depth to the character that makes him more than just a lovable rogue, and viewers will find themselves rooting for him even when he's done something wrong. Lucy Speed also shines as Bet, and Laurie Kynaston does an excellent job of capturing the awkwardness and excitement of adolescence.

Overall, Cradle to Grave is a delightful and heartwarming series that will have viewers laughing and crying in equal measure. It's a charming look back at a time when life was simpler, but also more difficult in many ways. It's a tribute to the resilience of family and the power of love and friendship, and is definitely worth a watch for anyone who loves a good coming-of-age story.