Watch Life Begins

2004
3 Seasons
7.8 (261)

Life Begins is a British drama series that aired on ITV from 2004 to 2006. The show follows the life of Maggie Costello (Caroline Quentin), a seemingly ordinary housewife who discovers a new sense of purpose and independence after her husband of 18 years leaves her for a younger woman.

As Maggie tries to rebuild her life and find a new identity, she faces a range of challenges and opportunities that force her to confront her fears and embrace her newfound freedom. Along the way, she meets a diverse cast of characters who help her navigate the ups and downs of her journey.

One of Maggie's closest confidants is her neighbor, Phil (Alexander Armstrong), a charming and witty divorcee who serves as Maggie's sounding board and occasional love interest. Another key player in Maggie's life is her mother, Joan (Anne Reid), a domineering but well-meaning matriarch who is constantly meddling in Maggie's affairs.

As Maggie struggles to juggle her role as a mother to teenage twins with her desire for personal growth and fulfillment, she also faces professional challenges at her job as an estate agent, where she must navigate the competitive and sometimes cutthroat world of real estate.

Throughout the show's three seasons, Maggie's journey takes her on a rollercoaster of emotional highs and lows, as she experiences everything from new romances and unexpected setbacks to family drama and workplace conflicts. Along the way, she learns valuable lessons about self-discovery, resilience, and the importance of cultivating meaningful relationships.

The show's talented cast brings depth and nuance to each of their roles, with Caroline Quentin delivering a standout performance as the complex and relatable protagonist, Maggie. Alexander Armstrong's portrayal of Phil adds a touch of humor and lightheartedness to the show, while Anne Reid's turn as Joan injects a healthy dose of drama and tension into many of the show's key scenes.

In addition to its strong writing and performances, Life Begins also boasts top-notch production values, with beautiful scenery and a vibrant soundtrack that help to bring Maggie's world to life.

Overall, Life Begins is a compelling and engaging drama series that explores the joys and challenges of middle age with empathy and intelligence. Whether you're a fan of character-driven dramas, coming-of-age stories, or heartwarming comedies, this show is sure to leave a lasting impression on viewers of all ages and backgrounds.

Life Begins is a series that ran for 3 seasons (20 episodes) between February 16, 2004 and on ITV

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Seasons

3 2 1

6. Episode 6

October 9, 2006

Excitement runs high as the travel agents has been nominated as agency of the year with Genevieve and Helen both up for promotion as regional sales consultant. Maggie is not interested as she is planning to go travelling with Will,though he tells her he is unable to make it. However a solution is at hand. Mia and Nick have been arguing and Nick moves out of the house. Brenda and Eric are looking for a new property so Phil suggests that they go off with Maggie whilst her parents take the house next door and Mia moves into the Mees' house with James - who has been spotted by a music producer forming a new boy band - and Becca,a budding film-maker. So life begins again for Maggie and Phil.

5. Episode 5

October 2, 2006

Maggie's got really bad morning sickness. She reminds Phil that he's got to tell Brian that he's not helping him hide his assets anymore. He does and Brian promptly fires him. At the agency, Jeff introduces the team to Aidan Trigg, the new regional manager. Genevieve's got history with him - he's the father of her son. Helen drives Maggie to an abortion clinic - but she soon realises she can't go through with it. Now she's just got to tell Phil, but unfortunately she tells Will first - by accident. And just as she's about to break the news to Phil, he tells Maggie that Brian's fired him - how can she tell him now?

4. Episode 4

September 25, 2006

Maggie is starting to wonder if she and Phil did the right thing by getting back together. Mia suggests that they find something new to do together - like the Spanish class that she's beginning. Phil's not as keen as Maggie would hope - he thinks things are fine the way they are. Maggie goes to the lesson on her own with Mia and meets Will, a recovering cancer victim. Meanwhile, Kevin has been landed an extra night with his sister's baby, Kaylee, and Maggie volunteers to baby-sit for the night. However, it prompts Phil to latch onto the idea that they can save their marriage by having a baby! While he has a restful sleep, Maggie spends the night and morning attending to the baby - some things never change...

3. Episode 3

September 18, 2006

Maggie's feeling a bit insecure in her relationship with Phil. Her faith in him has been rocked a little and her paranoia is taking over...she starts to fear that Phil is having an affair with his new client. Meanwhile, the travel agents are getting excited about their Sunbreaks away-day - that is everyone apart from Maggie. How can she leave Phil when she's thinks he's having an affair. She soon snaps out of it, realises it's paranoia and sees that the break will be good for her. Once there, she phones home and Phil's client answers the phone. Unbeknownst to Maggie, they've been working at the house so Phil can keep an eye on the kids. Maggie goes mad and flings herself into the party that night, finding herself in a compromising position with a guy from another travel agency. After Maggie sobers up and Phil assures her that there's nothing between him and the client - or anyone for that matter - they both realise that they still have some major issues to sort out.

2. Episode 2

September 11, 2006

Maggie and Phil can't keep their hands off each other but the kids and Brian manage to keep their attempts in check. James still isn't doing any revision and Maggie and Phil have started to worry. Maggie wants Phil to help with his work but he puts it to Maggie that James needs a bit more supervision - he's always working late so maybe she should give up her job. After all, she doesn't need to work anymore. Maggie thinks about it for a while then concedes it's in the interest of her family. She hands in her notice much to the shock of everyone at the travel agency. But when she discovers - thanks to Penny's snooping - that Phil and Brian's over-time has been centred around a singles bar and a lap-dancing club, she puts her foot down. They might be back together but they are definitely not going back to the way they were... and retracts her resignation.

1. Episode 1

September 4, 2006

Maggie is moving into a new house with Phil and the kids and endeavouring to make a fresh start. But not everything is back to normal - Maggie still doesn't feel ready to have an intimate relationship with Phil. Encouraged by the girls in the travel agency, she tries to re-ignite the flame but their attempts keep getting thwarted - if it's not Brian interrupting them, it's the kids or the curtains setting on fire. Finally, it's an uncomfortable encounter with the next door neighbours that gets them laughing together again. With the barriers down, Maggie feels at ease and they rekindle their passion for one another! Things finally seem to be looking up for Maggie and Phil...

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Where to Watch Life Begins

Life Begins is available for streaming on the ITV website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Life Begins on demand at Amazon.