The Bill (1984)
The landmark British police drama that brought Sun Hill Police Station into living rooms for over 26 years and 2,373 unforgettable episodes.
The Bill - Series Information
- Original Title: The Bill
- First Air Year: 1984
- Last Air Year: 2010
- Created by: Geoff McQueen
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Crime, Drama
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (35 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 26
- Number of Episodes: 2373
- Status: Canceled
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: October 16, 1984 (United Kingdom - 15)
- Networks: ITV1
- Production Companies: Talkback Thames, Thames Television, ITV
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
The Bill - Plot
The daily lives of the men and women at Sun Hill Police Station as they fight crime on the streets of London. From bomb threats to armed robbery and drug raids to the routine demands of policing this ground-breaking series focuses as much on crime as it does on the personal lives of its characters.
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The Bill - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Geoff McQueen
Main Cast
- Simon Rouse
- Tom Butcher
- Louise Harrison
- Lisa Geoghan
- Andrew Paul
- Tony O'Callaghan
- Jane Wall
- Samantha Robson
- Ciarán Griffiths
- Daniel MacPherson
Writers
- J. C. Wilsher
- Steve Griffiths
- Geoff McQueen
- Chris Lang
- Edward Canfor-Dumas
The Bill - FAQs
How many episodes does The Bill have?
The Bill ran for 2,373 episodes across 26 seasons, making it one of the longest-running police dramas in British television history. It aired on ITV1 from October 1984 until its cancellation in August 2010, spanning more than a quarter of a century.
Why was The Bill cancelled in 2010?
ITV cancelled The Bill in 2010 citing falling ratings and the high cost of producing such a long-running series. The final episode aired on 31 August 2010. At its peak in the 1990s the show drew audiences of over 10 million viewers, but numbers had declined significantly in its later years.
Where can you stream The Bill?
The Bill is available to stream in the United States through select platforms. You can compare all current viewing options, including any subscription or rental services offering the series, by checking JustWatch for up-to-date regional availability.
What is The Bill about?
The Bill follows the officers and detectives of Sun Hill Police Station in London as they tackle everything from armed robbery and drug raids to bomb threats. Equally focused on personal drama and professional policing, the series was praised for its realistic, character-driven portrayal of everyday law enforcement.
Who created The Bill?
The Bill was created by Geoff McQueen, who developed the concept from a single 1983 ITV play called Woodentop. McQueen envisioned a gritty, realistic police procedural set in a fictional East London station, and the series launched as a full programme in October 1984.
Who are the main actors in The Bill?
The Bill featured a large rotating ensemble cast over its 26 years. Notable long-running cast members include Simon Rouse as DCI Jack Meadows, Andrew Paul as DC Dave Quinnan, Lisa Geoghan as PC Polly Page, Tony O'Callaghan as DS Matt Boyden, and Daniel MacPherson as DC Cameron Tait.
When did The Bill first air?
The Bill first aired on October 16, 1984, in the United Kingdom on ITV. It began as a series of hour-long episodes before transitioning to a twice-weekly, then three-times-weekly format of 30-minute episodes, a structure that defined the show for much of its run.
Did The Bill win any awards?
The Bill received numerous BAFTA nominations throughout its run and won the BAFTA Award for Best Drama Series in 1992. It was also recognised at the Broadcasting Press Guild Awards and Royal Television Society Awards, cementing its reputation as one of Britain's most respected drama productions.
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