A hit BBC drama that fans binged in just a few days is now available to stream on Netflix.

Max Vento as Joe Hughes
Netflix adds ‘wonderful’ drama fans ‘couldn’t stop watching’ (Image: BBC)

Netflix is currently streaming a three-series BBC drama that has left audiences feeling uplifted.

Featuring several well-known faces from British television and addressing difficult subjects with sensitivity and thoughtfulness, The A Word merits a spot at the very top of your viewing list.

Breakout star Max Vento plays Joe Hughes, a young lad whose troubled family learns he has autism.

Initially believing he merely has hearing difficulties, parents Paul (portrayed by Lee Ingleby) and Alison (Morven Christie) must adapt to Joe’s communication challenges.

Max Vento, Morven Christie and Lee Ingleby
Parents Alison and Paul discover their son Joe has autism (Image: BBC)

Shot across the Lake District, the drama’s impressive cast also includes other recognisable faces, such as Death in Paradise’s Ralph Little, Inspector Morse legend Clare Holman, and Coronation Street’s Julie Hesmondhalgh.

Rising star Aaron Pierre, who will shortly appear in HBO’s DC superhero series Lanterns and starred in Netflix’s successful thriller Rebel Ridge, also features in The A Word’s second series.

Viewers have been singing the praises of the popular BBC series even after it concluded in 2020, so it is certainly not one to overlook now it’s become even more accessible on Netflix. One viewer on IMDb hailed the first series as the “Best Program on TV” aside from Game of Thrones.

They enthused in a 10/10 review: “There are not enough dramas featuring this issue, and the lad who plays Joe needs recognition for how well he plays the part – true to life.

Christopher Eccleston, Morven Christie, Max Vento

Joe’s grandfather Maurice struggles to adapt to the new normal (Image: BBC)

“From the start of this program, to the end, it has had me in tears due to how it mirrors my family’s life – with a child who is Autistic, going through the diagnosis, coping with relatives and friends’ views on this. And the strain it places on your relationships is very well portrayed.”

Another viewer described it as “The best drama I’ve ever seen”, stating: “I have just binge watched the three series over the past few days. Couldn’t stop watching it. It was so well acted by all. So believable.

“Wonderful show beautifully portraying a tough topic,” someone else remarked.

“Amazing show, portrays Autism Spectrum Disorder really well,” they continued. “The child playing Joe is brilliant, his acting is so authentic. The entire cast does a wonderful job getting down to the root of emotions that follow a ASD diagnosis.

Julie Hesmondhalgh and Max Vento

Corrie icon Julie Hesmondhalgh plays Joe’s teacher Heather (Image: BBC)

“The dry humour and authentic setting really draws in the viewer. Such a welcome contrast to the bright shiny TV Hollywood pumps out, this show is television at its best.”

Whilst a final viewer commented: “A must watch for every family. The series is very interesting and I believe that every family should watch it because there is lots to learn.

“I enjoy each and every moment of the drama. I am really thankful to all the people who have made this possible.”

Whether you’re eager to discover more about autism or simply searching for a gripping new series for your next streaming binge, Netflix has everything you need with this illuminating show.