Get ready to lose yourself in the lush, secretive world of California Avenue, the BBC’s latest drama that’s poised to become 2025’s must-watch series. This six-part masterpiece, created by BAFTA-winning writer-director Hugo Blick, brings together a powerhouse cast led by Bill Nighy, Helena Bonham Carter, Erin Doherty, and Tom Burke. Set in a secluded canal-side caravan park in the 1970s English countryside, California Avenue promises a story “brimming with humour and love,” where a fractured family confronts their past, battles inner demons, and discovers unexpected connections. With filming underway in Hertfordshire and anticipation building for its BBC One and iPlayer debut, this sparkling drama is already generating buzz as a heartfelt, transformative journey. Here’s why California Avenue is set to captivate audiences and redefine television storytelling.
A Hidden World Disrupted
At its core, California Avenue is a tale of refuge and redemption set against the idyllic yet isolating backdrop of a 1970s canal-side caravan park. Tucked away in the verdant English countryside, this tranquil haven is a world unto itself, where residents seek escape from the chaos of the outside world. That peace is shattered with the arrival of Lela (Erin Doherty), a young mother on the run with her 11-year-old child, seeking sanctuary from an unnamed threat. Lela’s desperate flight brings her to the doorstep of her estranged parents, Jerry (Bill Nighy) and Eddie (Helena Bonham Carter), whose own fractured relationship sets the stage for an emotional reckoning. Enter Cooper (Tom Burke), a charismatic showman and outcast whose presence adds an unpredictable spark to the unfolding drama.
The series’ premise, described by the BBC as a story “brimming with humour and love,” weaves together themes of family, forgiveness, and unexpected romance. As Lela and her child settle into the caravan park, long-buried secrets surface, forcing the family to confront ghosts from their past. The official synopsis teases that “ghosts and demons will firmly be put to rest,” hinting at a narrative that balances emotional depth with moments of levity. Hugo Blick, known for acclaimed series like The English and The Honourable Woman, brings his signature blend of rich character development and atmospheric storytelling to California Avenue, promising a journey that’s as heartwarming as it is profound.
A Cast of Legends and Rising Stars
The star power of California Avenue is undeniable, with a cast that reads like a who’s-who of British acting royalty. Bill Nighy, the Oscar-nominated actor beloved for roles in Love Actually and Living, stars as Jerry, Lela’s father. Nighy’s ability to convey quiet intensity and wry humor makes him the perfect fit for a patriarch grappling with past mistakes. Helena Bonham Carter, fresh off her acclaimed performances in The Crown and Nolly, plays Eddie, Lela’s mother, bringing her trademark eccentricity and emotional depth to a role that promises to be both tender and complex. The duo, who also serve as executive producers, are a dream pairing, with fans already buzzing about their on-screen chemistry as a couple navigating their daughter’s return.
Erin Doherty, riding high from her breakout roles as Princess Anne in The Crown and a clinical psychologist in Netflix’s Adolescence, leads the series as Lela. Doherty’s portrayal of a mother on the run is expected to be a career-defining performance, blending vulnerability with fierce determination. Her real-life connection to Bonham Carter, having shared the screen in The Crown, adds an intriguing layer to their on-screen mother-daughter dynamic. Rounding out the main cast is Tom Burke, known for Strike and Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, as Cooper, the enigmatic showman whose outsider status stirs tension and intrigue. Burke’s knack for playing complex, charismatic characters suggests Cooper will be a pivotal figure in the caravan park’s unfolding drama.
Hugo Blick’s Visionary Storytelling
Hugo Blick, the creative force behind California Avenue, is no stranger to crafting bold, genre-defying television. With a resume that includes the BAFTA-nominated The English, the politically charged The Honourable Woman, and the darkly comedic Marion and Geoff, Blick has spent decades pushing the boundaries of what TV can be. “Over the past few decades, whether through comedy, political dramas, or even a western, I’ve looked to explore what television fiction can be,” Blick said. “California Avenue is an exploration of the people who inspired me to want to do this.” His vision for the series promises a blend of humor, heart, and unexpected revelations, delivered with the “big, big heart and generous humour” praised by executive producer Greg Brenman.
Filming began in August 2025 in Hertfordshire, with the production making full use of the region’s lush countryside to bring the caravan park to life. The six hour-long episodes, produced by Drama Republic (One Day, Doctor Foster) and Blick’s own Eight Rooks, are designed to immerse viewers in a world that feels both nostalgic and timeless. Colin Wratten, who produced The English, serves as producer, while Blick, Nighy, Bonham Carter, Brenman, and Lucy Richer for the BBC are executive producers. The series’ international distribution by Mediawan Rights and Entourage Ventures ensures it will reach a global audience, amplifying its potential to become a cultural touchstone.
Why It’s Resonating Now
California Avenue arrives at a time when audiences are craving stories that blend emotional resonance with escapist charm. The 1970s setting, with its retro aesthetic and slower pace of life, offers a nostalgic contrast to today’s fast-paced world, while the themes of family reconciliation and personal redemption feel universally relevant. Lela’s journey as a mother on the run taps into contemporary anxieties about safety and belonging, while the caravan park setting—a microcosm of quirky characters and hidden tensions—evokes the intimate community dynamics of shows like Pushing Daisies or Doc Martin. Fans on social media are already buzzing, with one Reddit user calling it “the BBC drama we didn’t know we needed,” citing the cast and Blick’s track record as reasons to tune in.
The series’ focus on a fractured family also strikes a chord in an era where many are navigating strained relationships and seeking connection. Nighy and Bonham Carter’s casting as Lela’s parents has sparked particular excitement, with fans dubbing them “the dream mum and dad” for their ability to balance gravitas with warmth. Burke’s Cooper, described as a “showman outcast,” adds an element of mystery, with early speculation suggesting he could be a romantic foil or a catalyst for conflict. The promise of “unexpected love” hints at a romantic arc that could involve Lela, Cooper, or even Jerry and Eddie, adding another layer of intrigue to the narrative.
A Production Packed with Prestige
The pedigree behind California Avenue is a major draw. Drama Republic, the production company behind Netflix’s One Day and BBC’s Doctor Foster, brings its expertise in crafting emotionally rich dramas. Blick’s collaboration with the BBC, which includes critically acclaimed series like Black Earth Rising and The Shadow Line, ensures a high standard of storytelling. Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, called the series “the journey of a lifetime to 1970s California Avenue,” praising Blick’s ability to deliver “some of the finest television of the past three decades.” The involvement of Nighy and Bonham Carter as executive producers further underscores their commitment to the project, signaling that California Avenue is a passion project for all involved.
Filming in Hertfordshire, with its rolling hills and canal-side charm, promises a visually stunning backdrop that complements the story’s intimate scale. While an exact release date hasn’t been announced, the BBC has confirmed a 2026 premiere on BBC One and iPlayer, with further casting details to follow. Given Blick’s meticulous approach and the cast’s packed schedules—Nighy is set to star in Amazon’s Lazarus, while Bonham Carter films Enola Holmes 3—fans may need to wait until mid-2026 for the series to hit screens. But if early reports are any indication, the wait will be worth it.
A Drama to Watch in 2026
California Avenue is shaping up to be a standout in the BBC’s 2026 lineup, blending the star power of Nighy, Bonham Carter, Doherty, and Burke with Blick’s visionary storytelling. Its promise of humor, love, and healing in a quirky 1970s setting makes it a perfect fit for viewers seeking both escapism and emotional depth. Whether it’s the fractured family dynamics, the mysterious allure of Cooper, or the lush countryside backdrop, this series has all the ingredients to become a global hit. As Greg Brenman put it, “If you ever needed reminding of Hugo’s incredible range as a storyteller, look no further.”
Mark your calendars and keep an eye on BBC iPlayer and BBC One for California Avenue’s debut. With its stellar cast, heartfelt story, and a creative team at the top of their game, this drama is poised to leave an indelible mark on television. Get ready to step into the hidden world of a 1970s caravan park, where secrets unravel, families reunite, and love blooms in the most unexpected places. California Avenue is the journey of a lifetime—and you won’t want to miss it.
