California Avenue: New Drama from Hugo Blick Set for BBC One and iPlayer

Bill Nighy (Image: Aliona Adrianova), Helena Bonham Carter (Image: Matt Crockett), Erin Doherty (Image: Joseph Sinclair), Tom Burke (Image: Rhys Frampton)

By Jon Donnis

The BBC has announced California Avenue, a fresh drama series from Hugo Blick, the BAFTA-winning writer and director known for The English, The Honourable Woman, and Marion and Geoff. This six-part drama will be available on BBC iPlayer and BBC One, promising a blend of humour and heartfelt storytelling.

The story unfolds in a quiet canal-side caravan park nestled deep in the English countryside. Its calm is shattered by the arrival of Lela, played by Erin Doherty, and her 11-year-old child. Both are on the run and seeking refuge in this hidden world. The series explores how a fractured family comes back together, confronting old ghosts and demons, while an unexpected love begins to take root.

Bill Nighy and Helena Bonham Carter star as Jerry and Eddie, Lela's parents, bringing their considerable experience and acclaim to the central roles. Tom Burke joins as Cooper, a showman and outcast, adding further depth to the cast. The series is produced by Drama Republic, the team behind One Day and Doctor Foster, in partnership with Eight Rooks and the BBC. This marks another collaboration between Blick, Drama Republic, Eight Rooks, and the BBC following their previous works The English, The Honourable Woman, and Black Earth Rising.

Hugo Blick, who serves as writer, director, and executive producer, described California Avenue as an exploration of the people who inspired him over the years. He has worked across genres including comedy, political drama, and westerns, and this project continues his interest in what television fiction can achieve.

Greg Brenman, executive producer and co-founder of Drama Republic, praised the series for its warmth and humour, highlighting Blick's range as a storyteller. Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, expressed excitement about the collaboration, emphasising the strength of the cast and the promise of a captivating journey set in the 1970s.

California Avenue consists of six hour-long episodes. Colin Wratten, known for The English and Lockerbie: A Search for Truth, is producing the series. The executive production team also includes Bill Nighy, Helena Bonham Carter, and Lucy Richer from the BBC. Mediawan Rights and Entourage Media will handle international distribution.

Filming is scheduled to begin later this summer in Hertfordshire and surrounding areas. Further casting announcements are expected. The series will premiere on BBC iPlayer and BBC One.