In the lush, rolling countryside of 1970s England, a secluded canal-side caravan park serves as the unlikely stage for a story that promises to tug at heartstrings and unravel long-buried truths. The BBC’s upcoming six-part drama, California Avenue, is poised to become a flagship series, blending the raw emotional weight of The Crown with the intimate, gritty realism of Big Little Lies. At its core is a fractured family, a young mother on the run, and secrets so dark they threaten to shatter the fragile peace of this hidden world. With a powerhouse cast led by Bill Nighy, Helena Bonham Carter, Erin Doherty, and Tom Burke, the series is already generating buzz as a must-watch television event.
Set against the backdrop of a quaint yet isolated caravan park, California Avenue introduces us to Lela, played by the luminous Erin Doherty, fresh off her acclaimed role in Netflix’s Adolescence. Lela arrives at the park with her 11-year-old child, both fleeing from an undisclosed threat that looms large over their lives. The serene setting, with its tranquil waters and rustic charm, is disrupted by their arrival, setting the stage for a narrative that explores the complexities of family, love, and redemption. Lela’s past is shrouded in mystery, with hints of betrayals and traumas so profound they echo across generations, leaving viewers to wonder what she’s running from—and whether she’ll find the refuge she seeks.
Bill Nighy and Helena Bonham Carter, two of Britain’s most celebrated actors, take on the roles of Jerry and Eddie, Lela’s estranged parents. For the first time, Nighy and Bonham Carter share the screen as a married couple, bringing their unparalleled chemistry and depth to characters grappling with their own demons. Jerry, portrayed by Nighy, is a man of quiet intensity, whose weathered exterior hides a heart burdened by past mistakes. Bonham Carter’s Eddie, meanwhile, is a complex figure, fierce yet vulnerable, whose love for her daughter is complicated by years of distance and unspoken grievances. Their reunion with Lela promises moments of raw emotion, as the family confronts the ghosts that have kept them apart.
Adding to the intrigue is Tom Burke as Cooper, a charismatic yet enigmatic showman who exists on the fringes of the caravan park’s community. Described as an outcast, Cooper’s role in the story remains tantalizingly unclear, but his presence is set to spark unexpected connections and challenge the family’s fragile dynamic. Burke, known for his compelling performances in Strike and Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, brings a magnetic energy that is sure to captivate audiences.
Directed and written by BAFTA-winning Hugo Blick, California Avenue is a testament to his ability to craft stories that are both deeply personal and universally resonant. Blick, whose previous works include the critically acclaimed The English, The Honourable Woman, and Black Earth Rising, has a knack for blending genres—here, combining the humor and warmth of a family drama with the suspense and intensity of a psychological thriller. The series promises to explore themes of forgiveness, resilience, and the enduring power of love, all while unraveling the dark secrets that Lela carries with her.
The 1970s setting adds a layer of nostalgia, with the caravan park serving as a microcosm of a simpler, yet no less complicated, era. The production, which began filming in Hertfordshire in August 2025, captures the earthy authenticity of the period, from the retro caravans to the vibrant, textured landscapes of rural England. This setting not only grounds the story in a tangible sense of place but also amplifies the tension between the characters’ inner turmoil and the idyllic world they inhabit.
What sets California Avenue apart is its promise to balance heart-wrenching drama with moments of levity and hope. The story is described as “brimming with humor and love,” suggesting that amidst the pain and betrayal, there are glimmers of joy and connection. Lela’s journey, in particular, is one of transformation—her arrival at the caravan park marks the beginning of a process where old wounds are healed, and new bonds are forged. The series hints at an “unexpected love,” leaving viewers to speculate whether this refers to a romantic spark, a rekindled family tie, or something entirely different.
The ensemble cast is a major draw, with each actor bringing a wealth of experience and nuance to their roles. Erin Doherty, who captivated audiences as Princess Anne in The Crown, is poised to deliver a career-defining performance as Lela, a woman caught between her past and her desperate hope for a new beginning. Nighy and Bonham Carter, both of whom also serve as executive producers, lend their star power and emotional depth to the series, ensuring that every scene is charged with intensity. Burke’s Cooper, meanwhile, adds an element of unpredictability, making him a wildcard in this intricate family saga.
As California Avenue prepares to premiere on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, likely in 2026, anticipation is building for what promises to be a landmark drama. The series is produced by Drama Republic, the team behind hits like One Day and Doctor Foster, and is backed by a talented creative team, including producer Colin Wratten and executive producers Greg Brenman and Lucy Richer. Blick’s vision, combined with the stellar cast and evocative setting, positions California Avenue as a story that will linger in viewers’ minds long after the credits roll.
For those craving a drama that blends raw emotion, gripping suspense, and heartfelt moments, California Avenue is shaping up to be unmissable. As Lela and her family navigate their fractured past and uncertain future, audiences will be drawn into a world where secrets are laid bare, and love emerges in the most unexpected places. Get ready to lose yourself in the lush, turbulent world of California Avenue—a journey that promises to be as unforgettable as it is emotional.
