Screen Two (1985)

A landmark BBC Two anthology strand that brought together Britain's finest dramatists and actors in 168 original single television films across thirteen years.

Screen Two - Series Information

  • Original Title: Screen Two
  • First Air Year: 1985
  • Last Air Year: 1998
  • Type: TV Series
  • Genres: Drama
  • Number of Seasons: 15
  • Number of Episodes: 168
  • Status: Ended
  • Original Language: English
  • Spoken Languages: English
  • Networks: BBC Two
  • Production Companies: BBC
  • Production Countries: United Kingdom
  • Alternative Titles: Второй экран (SU)

Screen Two - Plot

Series of single made-for-television dramas.

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Screen Two - Cast & Crew

Main Cast

  • Pete Postlethwaite
  • James Fleet
  • Tom Wilkinson
  • Kevin McNally
  • Roger Lloyd Pack
  • Bernard Hill
  • Oliver Ford Davies
  • Georgine Anderson
  • Edward Fox
  • Gary Waldhorn

Writers

  • Simon Gray
  • Nigel Williams
  • Frank Deasy
  • Alan Bennett
  • Dennis Potter

Executive Producers

  • Innes Lloyd

Screen Two - FAQs

What is Screen Two about?

Screen Two was a BBC Two anthology strand that aired original, standalone made-for-television dramas. Each episode was a self-contained film, giving writers and directors creative freedom to explore diverse stories and themes without the constraints of a continuing series format.

Who wrote for Screen Two?

Screen Two attracted some of Britain's finest dramatists. Notable contributors included Alan Bennett, Dennis Potter, David Hare, Simon Gray, Nigel Williams, Michael Palin, Frank Deasy, Graham Reid, Michael Wilcox, and David Pirie, making it a showcase for prestigious literary talent.

How many episodes does Screen Two have?

Screen Two ran for 168 episodes across 15 series. Season lengths varied considerably, from 6 episodes in Series 13 to 19 episodes in Series 10, reflecting the strand's flexible, anthology-driven commissioning approach throughout its thirteen-year run on BBC Two.

When did Screen Two first air?

Screen Two first aired in 1985 on BBC Two and continued broadcasting until 1998, giving the anthology strand a remarkable thirteen-year run. Over that period it became one of British television's most respected platforms for original single drama.

Where can you watch Screen Two online?

Streaming availability for Screen Two varies by region. You can check current viewing options, including any digital platforms or on-demand services carrying episodes, via JustWatch, which aggregates up-to-date streaming and rental information for the United Kingdom.

Who are the main actors in Screen Two?

As an anthology series, Screen Two featured a rotating cast across its episodes. Notable performers who appeared include Pete Postlethwaite, Tom Wilkinson, Bernard Hill, Edward Fox, James Fleet, Kevin McNally, Roger Lloyd Pack, Oliver Ford Davies, Gary Waldhorn, and Georgine Anderson.

Is Screen Two worth watching for drama fans?

Screen Two is highly regarded among British television enthusiasts and drama scholars. Its combination of exceptional writing talent — including Dennis Potter and Alan Bennett — with strong ensemble casts made it one of the BBC's most artistically ambitious single-drama strands of the 1980s and 1990s.

What network broadcast Screen Two?

Screen Two was broadcast on BBC Two, the United Kingdom's second public service television channel. Produced by the BBC, the strand ran from 1985 to 1998 and was overseen by executive producer Innes Lloyd, who championed ambitious, writer-led single dramas throughout its run.

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