A Family at War (1970)
A landmark British wartime drama following one Liverpool family's struggle to survive the Second World War, both at home and on the front lines.
A Family at War - Series Information
- Original Title: A Family at War
- First Air Year: 1970
- Last Air Year: 1972
- Created by: John Finch
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, War, Politics
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (60 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 4
- Number of Episodes: 65
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Networks: ITV1
- Production Companies: Granada Television
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
A Family at War - Plot
A Family at War is a British drama series created by John Finch and produced by Granada Television for ITV. It broadcast from 14 April 1970 to 16 February 1972. 52 episodes were made, all but eight in colour. Episodes numbers 25 to 32 were recorded in black and white because of the ITV Colour Strike (November 1970 — February 1971). The Ashton family struggles to deal with the harsh realities of the Second World War as their sons are sent away to fight. Those who remain at home in Liverpool live in constant fear of a knock on the door with a telegram from the War Office or the Luftwaffe bombs overhead as they sleep at night.
Where to Watch A Family at War
Looking for where to watch A Family at War?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
A Family at War - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- John Finch
Main Cast
- Colin Douglas
- Barbara Flynn
- Lesley Nunnerley
- Ian Barritt
Writers
- John Foster
A Family at War - FAQs
Is A Family at War based on a true story?
The series is not based on one specific true story, but it draws heavily on the real experiences of ordinary British families during the Second World War. Creator John Finch grounded the Ashton family's struggles in authentic historical detail, making the Liverpool home-front setting feel genuinely lived-in and emotionally true.
What is A Family at War about?
The series follows the Ashton family of Liverpool as they navigate the devastating impact of the Second World War. While sons are sent off to fight, those left behind endure constant anxiety, Luftwaffe bombing raids, and the dreaded telegram from the War Office — a portrait of the British home front at its most raw.
Where can you stream A Family at War?
You can stream A Family at War on Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Prime Video with Ads. Free ad-supported viewing is available on The Roku Channel, Pluto TV, Amazon Prime Video Free with Ads, and Tubi TV, making it widely accessible without a premium subscription.
Why were some episodes of A Family at War in black and white?
Episodes 25 to 32 were recorded in black and white due to the ITV Colour Strike, which ran from November 1970 to February 1971. The industrial action halted colour production across ITV, meaning those eight episodes were made in monochrome while the rest of the series was filmed in colour.
Who are the main cast members of A Family at War?
The central cast includes Colin Douglas as patriarch Edwin Ashton, Barbara Flynn as Freda Ashton, and Lesley Nunnerley as Margaret Porter. Their performances anchor the family drama, bringing warmth and heartbreak to a story that spans the full arc of Britain's wartime experience.
How many seasons and episodes does A Family at War have?
The series ran for four seasons between 1970 and 1972, comprising 65 episodes in total. Season 1 had 13 episodes, Season 2 had 19, Season 3 had 20, and Season 4 rounded out the story with 13 more — an unusually substantial run for a British drama of its era.
How was A Family at War received by critics and audiences?
The series was warmly received as one of British television's most ambitious and emotionally resonant wartime dramas. Praised for its authentic depiction of the Liverpool home front and its ensemble performances, it earned a devoted audience and is still regarded as a landmark production from Granada Television's golden era.
What are similar shows to A Family at War?
If A Family at War resonates with you, try Foyle's War for wartime British drama with a detective twist, or Band of Brothers for a gripping frontline perspective. Dad's Army offers a lighter take on the home front, while War and Remembrance delivers an epic sweep of the entire global conflict.
More About A Family at War
Explore further details about the series on these authoritative resources.