Watch Ackley Bridge

Ackley Bridge is a popular British drama television series that premiered on Channel 4 in 2017 and was later aired on Acorn TV. The show presents an exciting mix of drama, comedy, and romance in a multi-cultural setting. Ackley Bridge is set in the fictional town of Ackley Bridge in Yorkshire, England, and follows the lives of students, teachers, and parents who are all connected to the newly-formed, and struggling, merging of two local schools, Ackley Bridge College and the predominantly white, Bridge College.

The series offers a fresh and unique perspective on the struggles of growing up with the added complexities of attempting to merge diverse cultures. The show addresses several social issues such as racism, religion, homophobia, teenage pregnancy, mental illness and gang affiliation. The characters in the show are diverse, and they come from different backgrounds, ethnic groups, and religions, making the show's cast inclusive.

Underpinned by strong performances from a talented ensemble cast, the series covers numerous experiences of British youth and explores how culture, race, and identity impact their lives. Ackley Bridge College is a fusion of two former schools that closed down due to declining student populations, and not everyone is happy with the merger. The kids in the town can't seem to move past their old rivalries and resentments, and the merging of the schools only seems to amplify this tension.

Paul Nicholls plays the role of Steve Bell, who is the headteacher of the predominantly white Bridge College. Steve is a charismatic and affable headteacher who is genuinely committed to doing his best for his students; however, his character has his own prejudices that are constantly challenged by the culture-clash at the school. Adil Ray portrays the character of Sadiq Nawaz, who is the CEO of Ackley Bridge College. He is a ruthless businessman whose primary focus is on funding and making the merger of the schools successful— regardless of the collateral damage. Sadiq is also a loving father who wants the best life for his daughters but is often at odds with his traditional cultural background.

Jo Joyner plays Mandy Carter, the newly appointed headteacher of Ackley Bridge College. She struggles in her new role due to a recent divorce, her teenage son's inappropriate behavior, and her constant conflict with Sadiq's political agenda. Despite her difficulties, Mandy is a determined woman who is committed to fostering a safe environment for her school's pupils while navigating her own life choices.

The show features a diverse cast of students who navigate the complex social dynamics of being a teenager, with all the addition of cultural differences of their peers. The students come from various ethnic backgrounds, and each character has its own unique, relatable storylines. Nasreen Paracha, played by Amy-Leigh Hickman, stands out as one student in the crowd. She is the daughter of a Muslim family and feels caught between her traditional Muslim roots and what she wants to do with her life. Nasreen is an exceptional student who dreams of becoming a doctor and will stop at nothing to achieve her ambitions. However, making her life more complicated, Nasreen falls in love with another girl, which challenges her cultural and religious identity.

Overall, Ackley Bridge is a well-written drama that offers an honest and unique perspective on the challenges of living in a multi-cultural society. The show is well acted and has an ensemble cast of characters that help ensure that any viewer can find someone to relate to. The show offers enlightening moments even while examining sensitive societal issues. Ackley Bridge is definitely worth watching.

Ackley Bridge is a series that is currently running and has 4 seasons (37 episodes). The series first aired on June 7, 2017.