Bad Girls (1999)
The gritty British prison drama that captivated audiences for eight years, set behind the walls of the fictional Larkhall women's prison.
Bad Girls - Series Information
- Original Title: Bad Girls
- First Air Year: 1999
- Last Air Year: 2006
- Created by: Maureen Chadwick, Ann McManus
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Crime
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (60 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 8
- Number of Episodes: 107
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: June 1, 1999 (United States - TV-14), June 1, 1999 (United Kingdom - 18), June 1, 1999 (Germany - 18), June 1, 1999 (France - 10), June 1, 1999 (Spain - 18)
- Networks: ITV1
- Alternative Titles: Jail Birds (UK), Les condamnées (FR)
- Production Companies: Shed Productions
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
Bad Girls - Plot
Bad Girls is a British television drama series that was broadcast on ITV from 1 June 1999 to 20 December 2006 and starred Simone Lahbib, Mandana Jones, Debra Stephenson, Linda Henry, Jack Ellis and many more throughout the eight-year run. The series was broadcast in 17 countries and was produced by Shed Productions, the company which later produced Footballers' Wives and Waterloo Road. It is set in the fictional women's prison of Larkhall, and features a mixture of serious and light storylines focusing on the prisoners and staff of G Wing. From 2010, the UK broadcast rights were bought by CBS Drama, and is repeated regularly – as of September 2012, the channel is re-running the series again in a late-night time slot.
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Bad Girls - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Maureen Chadwick
- Ann McManus
Main Cast
- Victoria Alcock
- Kika Mirylees
- Helen Fraser
- Jack Ellis
- Tracey Wilkinson
- Linda Henry
- Alicya Eyo
- Victoria Bush
- Claire King
- James Gaddas
Writers
- Phil Ford
- Maureen Chadwick
- Liz Lake
- Paul Mousley
- Jaden Clark
Bad Girls - FAQs
Where can you stream Bad Girls online?
Bad Girls is available to stream on select platforms depending on your region. You can check current streaming availability, rental, and purchase options for Bad Girls by visiting JustWatch, which aggregates up-to-date viewing options across all major services in your country.
Is Bad Girls based on a true story?
Bad Girls is not directly based on a single true story, but creators Maureen Chadwick and Ann McManus drew on real accounts of life inside British women's prisons. The fictional Larkhall prison and its characters were inspired by genuine issues surrounding the UK penal system, giving the drama a grounded, authentic feel.
Who are the main actors in Bad Girls?
Bad Girls featured a large rotating ensemble cast over its eight-year run. Notable performers include Linda Henry as Yvonne Atkins, Jack Ellis as Jim Fenner, Claire King as Karen Betts, Helen Fraser as Sylvia Hollamby, Mandana Jones as Nikki Wade, Stephanie Beacham as Phyllida Oswyn, and Amanda Barrie as Beverley Tull.
What happened to Nikki Wade in Bad Girls?
Nikki Wade, played by Mandana Jones, is one of the most beloved characters in Bad Girls. Convicted of killing a police officer in self-defence, Nikki fights for her freedom throughout the series. Her passionate relationship with wing governor Helen Stewart became one of the show's most celebrated storylines, culminating in her eventual appeal and release.
Did Bad Girls win any awards?
Bad Girls received recognition during its run, earning BAFTA nominations and winning several Broadcasting Press Guild and Royal Television Society awards. The series was also praised for its progressive portrayal of LGBTQ+ relationships at a time when such storylines were rare on mainstream British television, cementing its cultural legacy.
How many seasons and episodes does Bad Girls have?
Bad Girls ran for 8 seasons and a total of 107 episodes, broadcast on ITV1 from June 1, 1999 to December 20, 2006. Season lengths varied, ranging from 10 episodes in the first season to 16 episodes in seasons three through five, plus a collection of special episodes.
What is Bad Girls about?
Bad Girls is a British drama set inside the fictional Larkhall women's prison, focusing on the inmates and staff of G Wing. The series blends serious social commentary with compelling character drama, exploring themes of injustice, power, loyalty, and survival. It was praised for its bold storytelling and groundbreaking LGBTQ+ representation.
Who created and wrote Bad Girls?
Bad Girls was created by Maureen Chadwick and Ann McManus and produced by Shed Productions. The writing team across its eight-year run included Phil Ford, Liz Lake, Paul Mousley, Jaden Clark, Martin Allen, Di Burrows, Jayne Hollinson, and Jaime Caruana, among others, contributing to the show's diverse and evolving storylines.
More About Bad Girls
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