Watch Years and Years

Years and Years is an epic family drama that premiered on BBC One in 2019. Created by Russell T Davies, the show spans over 15 years and imagines a dystopian future where the world is rapidly changing, with technological advancements and political upheavals affecting the lives of ordinary people.

The series revolves around the Lyons, a multi-generational Manchester-based family, who are all affected by the rapidly changing world around them. The family is led by matriarch Muriel, played by Anne Reid, who is a sharp-tongued and strong-willed grandmother. She is fiercely protective of her family and is not afraid to speak her mind. Along with her, there are her four children: Daniel, Stephen, Rosie, and Edith, played respectively by Russell Tovey, Rory Kinnear, Ruth Madeley, and Jessica Hynes. Each of them has their own struggles and challenges as they navigate their professional and personal lives in an increasingly complex world.

The show takes place in the present day, and as the years pass, we see how events like Brexit, an unprecedented rise of China's global power, the decline of the US's dominance, and the development of advanced technologies like AI, impact the family in different ways. The storytelling is fast-paced and gripping, as we see the family dealing with life-changing moments, such as the birth of children and the loss of loved ones, while at the same time grappling with the challenges that come with living in a rapidly-changing world.

Throughout the show, we see how advanced technologies are transforming the world, and what consequences they have for the Lyons family. From virtual reality programs that can simulate real-life memories to social media algorithms that reinforce people's biases, the show examines how humanity is grappling with the impact of technology on daily life. One of the central characters, Stephen, works as a financial advisor in London, and his job involves advising his clients on how to invest in the latest technologies. But as the years pass, he begins to realize that the innovations he is promoting are having a profound impact on society, and not always for the better.

Similarly, Edith, played by Jessica Hynes, is a political activist who runs a website that exposes government secrets. As the story unfolds, we see how the government clamps down on free speech, limiting people's access to information, and suppressing dissent in the name of national security. And as for Rosie, who has a learning disability, she struggles with the challenges of living in a society that is not always accommodating to people with disabilities.

The show is a thought-provoking and prescient exploration of how the world is changing and what lies ahead. It is also an exploration of the human condition, and the challenges and joys of family life. The cast is excellent, and each actor brings a unique energy to their role, making the show even more compelling to watch.

Overall, Years and Years is a must-watch for anyone interested in science fiction, family dramas, or current affairs. It is an emotional and intellectual journey that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled.

Years and Years is a series that ran for 1 seasons (6 episodes) between June 25, 2019 and on BBC One