How a single unnamed Manchester street captured the world's attention
In short: While the setting of the BBC drama The Street remained unnamed, its emotional impact was unmistakable. Through a rotating cast of lives in Salford, the series achieved rare international acclaim, winning multiple prestigious awards and defining a era of British television realism.
Created by Jimmy McGovern and produced by Granada Television, The Street focused on the interconnected lives of residents living on a single street in Manchester. Although the location was unnamed in the narrative, the production actually filmed on Rock Street in the Higher Broughton area of Salford. A star-studded cast, including David Thewlis, Bob Hoskins, Jane Horrocks, Jim Broadbent, Stephen Graham, and Timothy Spall, defined this production.
In 2007 and 2008, the programme achieved great acclaim, securing the RTS Television Award alongside the British Academy Television Award for Best Drama Series. Its reach extended globally; in November 2007, it secured two International Emmy Awards for Best Drama and Best Actor, the latter for Jim Broadbent. The series continued this streak in November 2010, when the third series won International Emmy Awards for both Best Drama and Best Actor, with Bob Hoskins recognized for his performance.
Despite its accolades, the series eventually came to an end. The third series, which aired between 13 July 2009 and 17 August 2009, was the final installment produced, following budget reductions at ITV Studios in Manchester. Amidst the changing cast of stories, the McEvoy family provided a rare thread of continuity, with Timothy Spall and Ger Ryan appearing as Eddie and Margie in at least one episode across multiple series.
Critics often highlighted the poetic nature of the storytelling. Writing for The Guardian, Nancy-Banks Smith described the Series 2 episode 'The Promise' as a 'little gem,' praising director David Blair's ability to use the physical environment—windows, doorways, and cracks—to enhance the drama. While some critics questioned the absolute plausibility of the narratives, they found the execution to be both painful and exhilarating.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: The Street (British TV series)
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