Watch Getting On (UK)

Getting On is a British comedy-drama series set in the geriatric ward of an NHS hospital. The show explores the daily routines of the overworked and understaffed nursing team as they try to provide care for their elderly patients. The series stars Jo Brand, Vicki Pepperdine, and Joanna Scanlan as the nurses responsible for the ward.

Jo Brand plays Nurse Kim Wilde, a no-nonsense woman who has been working in the ward for more than twenty years. She is tough and unyielding, but also caring and fiercely protective of her patients. She has a unique relationship with each patient and is always willing to go above and beyond to ensure their comfort and care. Brand's performance is at once comic and sensitive, conveying the often-overlooked emotional labour of nursing.

Vicki Pepperdine plays Nurse Den Flixter, a by-the-book nurse who is constantly concerned with following protocols and ticking boxes. She is obsessed with getting things done on time and can come off as cold and aloof. Den has the unique ability to compartmentalise her emotions, which can lead to some hilarious encounters with patients and staff members alike. Pepperdine's performance is understated and nuanced, and she often steals the show with just a glance or a quip.

Joanna Scanlan plays Nurse Pippa Moore, the newest member of the nursing team who is still finding her feet. Pippa is eager to please and wants to do the best job she can, but she has a tendency to make mistakes and get flustered under pressure. She is both kind and empathetic, and her optimism helps to balance out the more cynical members of the team. Scanlan's performance is warm and endearing, and she brings a sense of hope to the ward.

The show is set against the backdrop of an ailing NHS, and the challenges faced by the nursing team are not always related to patient care. They are constantly dealing with bureaucratic hurdles and a lack of resources, which can lead to some difficult ethical dilemmas. The show shines a light on the daily struggles of the NHS and the people who work tirelessly in it.

The writing is sharp and witty, and the show manages to balance humour with pathos. The jokes never come at the expense of the patients, and the show has a strong sense of empathy and compassion for its characters. The show does not shy away from difficult topics such as death and illness, but it handles them with sensitivity and care.

One of the show's strengths is its ensemble cast. The main nurses are complemented by a host of supporting characters, including doctors, hospital administrators, and patients. Each character is fully realised and has their own distinct personality, and the interactions between them are both funny and poignant.

In terms of production design, the show has a muted colour palette and a slightly washed-out look, which adds to the sense of weariness and fatigue felt by the nurses. The hospital ward is convincingly grubby and cluttered, and the everyday sights and sounds of the hospital are used to great effect.

In conclusion, Getting On is a smart, funny, and touching portrayal of life in an NHS hospital. The show tackles difficult topics with sensitivity and humour, and the performances from the lead actors are excellent. The show is a must-watch for anyone who has ever worked in healthcare or knows someone who does.

Getting On (UK) is a series that ran for 3 seasons (18 episodes) between July 8, 2009 and on BBC Four