TV series

Boys from the Blackstuff

1982, English, on BBC Two. Created by Alan Bleasdale.

TV series that defined the depression-scarred 1980s Britain

Alan Bleasdale's five-part series relates the further experiences of unemployed Liverpudlian tarmac layers Dixie, Chrissie, Loggo and Yosser, and their revered older friend, retired longshoreman and union leader, George Malone. As they struggle to make ends meet in a depressed economy, and to hold together their financially battered families, they are harrassed by the petty bureaucrats of the DHSS. But the lumbering investigational juggernaut is, both comically and tragically, guided by drivers with only a provisional license.

Seasons

1

Episodes

5

Episode length

50 min

Status

Ended in 1982