Watch trailer

Series · 1982 · Drama

Boys from the Blackstuff

TV series that defined the depression-scarred 1980s Britain

★7.8 1982 1 Season Alan Bleasdale TV-MA

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 & episodes

1 season · 5 episodes

Jobs for the Boys

Episode 01

Jobs for the Boys

Oct 10, 1982 · 50 min

The boys sign on at the Department of Employment and then collect George's son, Snowy, on their way to an off-the-books construction job for Malloy. Much to their amusement, the conversion job turns out to be the future new offices of the D.O.E. Unfortunately, D.O.E. officials Moss and Lawton suspect their scam and are determined to catch them in the act. Ineptitude on several sides, however, leads to tragedy.

Moonlighter

Episode 02

Moonlighter

Oct 17, 1982 · 50 min

In desperation to feed and clothe his four children, Dixie takes an illicit job as a night security guard at the docks. He soon discovers that one man alone on a ship at night can do nothing but turn a blind eye to a gang of pilferers but, if the missing goods are noticed, what will he tell his boss, whose small security company is struggling to survive? Meanwhile, the petty bureucrats at the D.O.E. launch an undercover operation, and Dixie's wife Freda is too frightened to open the door to the house.

Shop Thy Neighbour

Episode 03

Shop Thy Neighbour

Oct 24, 1982 · 50 min

Pending the outcome of the moonlighting enquiry, Chrissie's dole money has been stopped, and this precipitates a showdown with his wife, Angie. Meanwhile, at the D.O.E., middle management is completely out of control since the Manager, Miss Sutcliffe, has more important things to worry about than running her department. As Chrissie and Angie's row reaches its climax, violence erupts.

Yosser's Story

Episode 04

Yosser's Story

Oct 31, 1982 · 50 min

Yosser reaches the end of the line as the utility men, rent collectors, and social workers invade his home. Why on earth doesn't he turn his three small children over to his estranged wife, Maureen, rather than let them be taken into care?

George's Last Ride

Episode 05

George's Last Ride

Nov 7, 1982 · 50 min

As George's health declines, his belief in the values of Old Labour remain unshaken. Chrissie takes him for one last tour of the now-abandoned docklands where he once worked, and they have what may well be the most important and heartfelt conversation of their long friendship.

About the series

Boys from the Blackstuff poster
Audience score
★ 7.8 /10

based on 19 votes

Synopsis

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.

Drama

Cast

8 principal cast

Bernard Hill

Bernard Hill

Yosser Hughes

Michael Angelis

Michael Angelis

Chrissie Todd

Tom Georgeson

Tom Georgeson

Dixie Dean

Alan Igbon

Loggo Logmond

Peter Kerrigan

Peter Kerrigan

George Malone

Gary Bleasdale

Gary Bleasdale

Kevin Dean

Julie Walters

Julie Walters

Angie Todd

Jean Boht

Jean Boht

Miss Sutcliffe

Where to watch Boys from the Blackstuff

Boys from the Blackstuff is available to stream on Flicksy via 6 verified sources, aggregated from publicly available embed providers. The drama from Alan Bleasdale has 1 season and 5 total episodes, rated 7.8/10 by 19 viewers.

Frequently asked

How many seasons does Boys from the Blackstuff have?

Boys from the Blackstuff has 1 season with 5 episodes in total.

Is Boys from the Blackstuff still on the air?

Boys from the Blackstuff has ended and is no longer in production.

What network airs Boys from the Blackstuff?

Boys from the Blackstuff airs on BBC Two.

When did Boys from the Blackstuff first air?

Boys from the Blackstuff first aired on October 10, 1982.

More like this

Similar series

See all →
Red Roof on the Slope

Red Roof on the Slope

2024

This Is Not Hollywood

This Is Not Hollywood

2024

The Death of Bunny Munro

The Death of Bunny Munro

2025

My Brother Jonathan

My Brother Jonathan

1985

Blackpool

Blackpool

2004

Paris The Series

Paris The Series

2024

The Man Who Made Husbands Jealous

The Man Who Made Husbands Jealous

1997

Roommates of Poongduck 304

Roommates of Poongduck 304

2022

They Met in a City

1961

When It Rains, It Pours

When It Rains, It Pours

2025

The 7.39

The 7.39

2014

Fleming

Fleming

2014

Den of Vipers

Den of Vipers

2019

A Storm for Christmas

A Storm for Christmas

2022

Fat Friends

Fat Friends

2000

The Chase

The Chase

2006

Caged Again

Caged Again

2024

4 Reasons Why I Hate X-Mas

4 Reasons Why I Hate X-Mas

2019

Missing from Home

Missing from Home

1984

Taiwan That You Love

Taiwan That You Love

2019