Groundbreaking 1990s Drama 'This Life' Makes Triumphant BBC Return
One of Britain's most influential television dramas is set to captivate audiences once again as the cult classic series 'This Life' returns to BBC screens this week, exactly thirty years after its original broadcast. The era-defining show, which first aired in 1996, will be reintroduced to a whole new generation of viewers through a comprehensive rerun on BBC Four.
The Quintessential 1990s Houseshare Drama
Created by writer Amy Jenkins, 'This Life' follows five ambitious twenty-something lawyers sharing a house in south London as they navigate the turbulent waters of friendship, career aspirations, and the complex realities of young adulthood. The series features early-career performances from Andrew Lincoln, who would later achieve global fame in 'The Walking Dead,' alongside Daniela Nardini, Jack Davenport, Amita Dhiri, and Jason Hughes.
The show's synopsis describes it as "raw, real and revolutionary," capturing what became known as "the 90s' most famous houseshare." These five aspiring legal professionals strive for professional success while their personal lives descend into chaotic mixtures of love affairs, recreational drug use, and excessive partying.
A Cultural Touchstone and Training Ground
Hailed as a "landmark drama" with "fresh, raw and unfiltered performances," 'This Life' quickly established itself as the defining television series of its decade. Critics have celebrated it as an authentic time capsule of London life during the Cool Britannia era, perfectly capturing the zeitgeist of mid-1990s Britain.
Beyond its on-screen impact, the series served as a fertile training ground for emerging British directing talent. Notable directors who worked on the show include Sam Miller, who would later win a BAFTA for 'I May Destroy You,' and Harry Bradbeer, the visionary behind acclaimed series like 'Fleabag' and 'Enola Holmes.'
Enduring Critical Acclaim and Cultural Legacy
Despite its relatively brief original run, 'This Life' has maintained a powerful cultural legacy. Metro newspaper declared it "the greatest drama of the 90s," noting that "no other TV series managed to capture the Cool Britannia zeitgeist as brilliantly as This Life."
The Guardian's 2021 retrospective praised the series as "the sort of television where you wanted to contact all your friends immediately after watching an episode to recap it." The review continued: "It was funny but it also broke your heart. It felt freakishly true to life. It depicted all the messiness and glory of being in your 20s in a way that you never usually see on commercial television."
Even upon its original release in 1996, The Independent recognized the show's unique qualities, noting: "What keeps you watching, in the absence of much discernible forward motion, is a quality of observation – the dialogue, apart from the odd passage here and there, continues to have an eavesdropped quality."
Progressive Storytelling That Resonates Today
'This Life' broke new ground with its diverse and progressive storylines, particularly through character Warren's exploration of his gay identity and through its thoughtful depiction of interracial relationships. These elements contributed to the series' reputation for authentic, non-moralizing storytelling.
Jack Davenport, who played Miles in the series, explained the show's appeal to The Guardian in 2020: "The writing was really different from most television. If you took a load of drugs, you didn't necessarily die immediately. If you had unprotected sex, you didn't automatically become HIV positive. People liked it because there was no moralising. If you're 22, you're going to make some really bad decisions, but that's OK. Relax."
Contemporary viewers continue to discover the series' enduring appeal. One IMDB user described it as "a near-perfect study of life's transitional period between careless partying and responsible adulthood," while another noted that despite occasional dated moments, "it holds up very well and is still immensely watchable."
Broadcast Details and Availability
The 32-episode rerun begins on BBC Four at 10pm on Wednesday, March 18, with original cast member Daniela Nardini providing introductory commentary. For those eager to binge-watch the entire series, seasons one and two, along with the special 10-year reunion episode, will become available on BBC iPlayer starting at 6am on the same day.
This comprehensive revival offers both nostalgic viewers and new audiences the opportunity to experience what many consider one of Britain's greatest television dramas, a series that continues to resonate with its authentic portrayal of young adulthood three decades after its initial broadcast.
