Watch This Is England '86

This Is England '86 is a British television drama series that first aired in 2010. The show is written and directed by Shane Meadows, and follows on from the 2006 film 'This Is England'. The series is set in 1986, three years after the events of the film, and focuses on the lives of a group of working-class teenagers living in the town of Thornley.

The series begins with the character of Shaun, played by Thomas Turgoose, returning to his hometown after spending several months in residential care. Upon his return, Shaun is reunited with his friends, including Woody (Joe Gilgun) and Lol (Vicky McClure), but also finds that his mother has embarked on a new relationship with a man called Mr. Sandhu (Kriss Dosanjh).

As the series progresses, the lives of the characters become entwined with each other, as they navigate issues such as unemployment, family problems, and drug addiction. Shaun in particular struggles to deal with the emotional fallout of his father's death, which is the event that led to his being put into care. He also finds himself drawn into a relationship with a girl called Smell (Rosamund Hanson), but struggles to come to terms with his feelings for her.

Other characters in the series include Combo (Stephen Graham), a former member of a far-right group who has recently been released from prison, and is trying to put his past behind him. He forms an unlikely bond with Lol, who is dealing with her own demons and trying to hold her family together. Also featured is Milky (Andrew Shim), a character from the original film, who is forced to confront the past when he becomes the victim of a racially-motivated attack.

Throughout the series, Meadows explores themes such as friendship, identity, and the impact of political and social change on working-class communities. The 1980s setting is used to great effect, with the show's soundtrack featuring hits from the era, and the fashion and cultural references adding to the overall atmosphere.

The performances in the series are uniformly excellent, with Turgoose and McClure standing out as the central protagonists. Their relationship is at the heart of the show, and their struggles to communicate and understand each other are both moving and heartbreaking.

Despite dealing with some dark and difficult themes, the show is punctuated with moments of humour and warmth. The scenes featuring Woody and his gang of friends are particularly enjoyable, with their banter and camaraderie adding a touch of levity to proceedings.

Overall, This Is England '86 is a powerful and emotionally charged series, which is every bit as compelling as the original film. Meadows has created a rich and complex world, inhabited by characters who feel authentic and true. The show is a must-watch for fans of British drama, and a compelling exploration of a pivotal moment in recent history.

This Is England '86 is a series that ran for 1 seasons (4 episodes) between and on FilmRise