BBC’s ‘incredible’ new 6-part drama looks like the ultimate TV binge

Cooper (TOM BURKE) in California Avenue

Billy Nighy and Helena Bonham Carter lead the cast of California Avenue, the BBC’s upcoming six-part drama set in a 1970s caravan park

he BBC has unveiled a first look at its upcoming drama, California Avenue, starring Bill Nighy (Living, About Time) and Helena Bonham Carter (The Crown, Nolly).

The six-part series comes from BAFTA Award-winning writer and director Hugo Blick (The English, The Honourable Woman). Set in the 1970s, it follows Lela and her 11-year-old child, Bee, who are on the run and seek refuge at a secluded, peaceful canal-side caravan park.

Eddie (HELENA BONHAM-CARTER), Jerry (BILL NIGHY) in California Avenue© BBC/Drama Republic
Helena Bonham Carter and Billy Nighy star in the series

Not only does the show boasts a seriously impressive cast of British stars, but it’s also produced by Drama Republic, which is behind acclaimed, binge-worthy dramas One Day, Riot Women and Doctor Foster.

Plus, with BAFTA winners Bill Nighy and Helena Bonham Carter fronting the show, you know you’re in for a compelling watch. This one is definitely going on my watchlist.

What is California Avenue about?

Billed as a story “brimming with humour and love,” the drama is set in the 1970s in a secluded canal-side caravan park deep in the luscious English countryside. Its peace is “irrevocably disrupted” by the arrival of Lela and her young daughter, Bee, who are both on the run, looking for refuge in this hidden world.

Lela (ERIN DOHERTY) in California Avenue© BBC/Drama Republic
Erin Doherty stars as Lela in California Avenue

The synopsis continues: “It is here that a fractured family will come together, ghosts of the past will firmly be put to rest and an unexpected love is forged.”

Cooper (TOM BURKE), Lela (ERIN DOHERTY) in California Avenue© BBC/Drama Republic
Tom Burke plays Cooper

Executive producer and Drama Republic co-founder Greg Brenman described the drama as a “world of precious relationships and unexpected revelations, all delivered with a big, big heart and generous humour.” He added: “If you ever needed reminding of Hugo’s incredible range as a storyteller, look no further.”

Who stars in California Avenue?

Erin Doherty (The Crown, Adolescence) and newcomer Cammie Liebreich star as Lela and Bee.

They’re joined by Bill Nighy and Helena Bonham Carter as Jerry and Eddie, Lela’s parents, ballroom champions of the 1930s who became wartime runaways and are still hiding, three decades later.

Jerry (BILL NIGHY) in California Avenue© BBC/Drama Republic
Bill Nighy plays Jerry in the upcoming series

Tom Burke (Strike) plays fairground outcast, Cooper, whose turbulent past will explode into California Avenue.

Kevin (PAUL KAYE) in California Avenue© BBC/Drama Republic
Paul Kaye plays Kevin, who runs the caravan site

Rounding out the cast are Kate Robbins (After Life, Unforgotten) as Priscilla, the formidable force running the caravan site alongside her husband, site manager and jack-of-all-trades, Kevin, played by Paul Kaye (Small Prophets, Vera).

When will California Avenue air on the BBC?

The BBC has yet to announce a release date. However, with filming having taken place in and around Hertfordshire last summer and the first look now released, we can speculate that the series will arrive on BBC iPlayer and BBC One in the coming months.