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

Ackley Bridge is a series that ran for 4 seasons (37 episodes) between February 26, 2018 and on Acorn TV