Watch The Bill

The Bill is a British television crime drama that follows the daily lives of police officers stationed at the fictional Sun Hill police station in the East End of London. Originally aired on ITV network, the show ran from 1984 to 2010 and became one of the longest running police procedural television dramas in the United Kingdom.

The series is set in a realistic, gritty world that explores the private and professional lives of the police officers and their encounters with crime, corruption, and violence. Each episode is a self-contained story focusing on a particular case or situation, but there are also longer, serialised story arcs that span several episode or even entire seasons.

The Bill offers a unique perspective on the inner workings of the police force, delving deep into the psyches of the characters to give viewers an understanding of their motivations and the challenges they face. This is particularly evident in the show's treatment of topics such as racism, sexism, homophobia, and mental health issues, which are dealt with in a sensitive and thought-provoking manner.

At the core of The Bill are the characters, who range from rookies to seasoned detectives, and from uniformed officers to plainclothes detectives. Viewers get to know the characters as complex, multifaceted individuals with their own fears, flaws, and aspirations. Among the most memorable police officers are Sgt. Bob Cryer, played by Eric Richard, who is a father figure to many younger officers; DCI Frank Burnside, played by Christopher Ellison, who is a tough, no-nonsense detective with a streetwise grit; and PC Tony Stamp, played by Graham Cole, who is a cheerful, dedicated officer who wants to make a difference.

The Bill was renowned for its realistic portrayal of police work, with a focus on the procedures and protocols followed by the officers as they go about their duties. Accuracy was paramount on The Bill, with the team of writers consulting with the police to ensure that the show was as authentic as possible. The show's use of jargon and police codes was also praised for adding an extra level of authenticity to the show.

In addition to the nitty-gritty of police work, The Bill also delves into the personal lives of the characters, showing the toll that the job takes on them and their families. Relationships, breakups, career paths, and personal struggles are all explored in-depth, creating a rich tapestry of human drama that reflects the complexities of real life.

The Bill also tackled topical issues such as drug use, youth violence, and terrorism, and was often praised for its timely and sensitive treatment of these issues. The show's commitment to social realism extended to its portrayal of the wider community, with many of the characters coming from diverse backgrounds and reflecting the multicultural nature of modern Britain.

Overall, The Bill is a compelling, multi-layered drama that takes viewers on a rollercoaster ride through the highs and lows of police work. It offers a unique blend of realism, drama, and heartfelt human stories that has made it a beloved classic of British television. For those who missed the show when it first aired, the Amazon Addon provides a welcome opportunity to delve into the show's extensive back catalogue and experience the gritty, realistic drama that made The Bill a national treasure.

The Bill is a series that is currently running and has 26 seasons (110 episodes). The series first aired on December 31, 2008.