Greatest BBC drama hailed 'best series of all time' streaming now 'British masterpiece'

This critically acclaimed drama series has been branded the greatest BBC show of all time by viewers. Originally broadcast in 1996, Our Friends in the North documents the intertwined lives of four friends from Newcastle upon Tyne. It follows Nicky Hutchinson (played by Christopher Eccleston), Mary Cox (Gina McKee), Terry 'Tosker' Cox (Mark Strong), and Geordie Peacock (Daniel Craig) over a period of 31 years, from adolescence in 1964 to middle age in 1995.

Their personal journeys unfold against the backdrop of major British events, including local government corruption, the UK miners' strike of 1984-85, and the Great Storm of 1987. Despite their different paths and life choices, the character's friendships remain as they navigate personal struggles and the changing social and political landscape of Britain. All nine episodes are available to stream on ITVX.

Our Friends in the North garnered widespread acclaim upon its release, winning three BAFTAs, including Best Drama Serial and Best Actress for Gina McKee.

The series also secured two Royal Television Society Awards and four Broadcasting Press Guild Awards. In 2000, the British Film Institute ranked it eighth amongst dramas in its list of the 100 Greatest British Television Programmes of the 20th century.

The drama was lauded by critics, with The Observer hailing Peter Flannery's script as "faultless". Nearly three decades later, the series continues to resonate deeply with fans, who continue to celebrate and praise it online.

One wrote: "Just finished Our Friends in the North. Magnificent. Still probably the greatest British TV drama series of the last 30 years. State-of-the-nation it might have been, but actually profoundly anti-political, for in the end Flannery's core message is not politics at all, but love."

"Our Friends in the North is arguably the best UK tv series of the 1990's," echoed a second as another added: "The end scene for Our Friends in the North to Oasis's Don't look back in Anger. Probably one of the best TV series ever made imo!"

A fourth declared: "Undoubtedly one of the best drama series I have ever watched, binged all 9 episodes over a weekend, yes it was that good. If you have links to the north east especially so. Highly recommended !! Our Friends in the North (1996-1996) Just rewatched this on the @BBCiPlayer IMO the best drama series the BBC has ever done. Bold and big. A fantastic piece of drama."

"That's him in 'Our Friends in the North' an absolute masterpiece of historical TV drama," penned someone else.

Another said: "Just finished watching Our Friends in the North. British masterpiece."

An additional viewer shared: "Just finished Our Friends in the North. Magnificent. Still probably the greatest British TV drama series of the last 30 years. State-of-the-nation it might have been, but actually profoundly anti-political, for in the end Flannery's core message is not politics at all, but love."