This Is England '86

Set in 1986, the series follows Shaun Fields as he navigates the complexities of adolescence, social unrest, and personal relationships. Returning from a stint in the army, Shaun is eager to reconnect with his friends and girlfriend, but finds that life has moved on and new challenges have emerged. The story explores themes of love, loss, and identity against the backdrop of Thatcher's Britain.

Critically acclaimed, 'This Is England '86' was praised for its compelling continuation of the original film's narrative and characters. Reviewers lauded its authentic portrayal of working-class life in the 1980s, powerful performances, and sensitive handling of difficult themes. It was seen as a worthy successor that deepened the emotional impact and social commentary.

• Praised for its authentic and gritty depiction of working-class life.

• Lauded for strong performances, particularly from the younger cast.

• Commended for its emotional depth and exploration of complex social issues.

Google audience: Audience reception data for Google reviews is not readily available for this specific miniseries.

The series was commissioned by Channel 4 after the success of the original 'This Is England' film, and was followed by two more installments: 'This Is England '88' and 'This Is England '90'.