The A Word

Five-year-old Joe Hughes displays clear signs of communication problems and consistently isolates himself by listening to pop music through large blue and black headphones. He has encyclopaedic knowledge of the songs he listens to and accurately sings along with the lyrics. His parents, Alison and Paul, seem oblivious to the disorder and wonder why Joe is ostracised by other children of the same age. However, it is later discovered by Joe's grandfather, Maurice, that Alison and Paul have been taking him to hospital for his communication problems. Other family members know there is a problem, however, their attempts to intervene are met with obstruction from Joe's parents. After originally believing Joe had hearing problems, their Ear, Nose and Throat consultant refers Joe to a specialist who diagnoses him as autistic.

The story then follows how the dysfunctional family, including Rebecca (who feels invisible), Eddie and Nicola (who are coping with their own relationship problems) and tactless grandad Maurice cope with Joe's situation and their own apparent social disorders.

Bowker drew on his own experiences and observations as a teacher and with his family to write The A Word.{{cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/autism-drama-writer-talks-bbc-877286/|work=The Hollywood Reporter|title=Autism Drama Writer Talks BBC, Sundance's 'The A Word'|first=Alex|last=Ritman|date=22 March 2016|access-date=9 October 2022}} Autism advocate Deborah Brownson served as an advisor on the production.{{Cite web|last=Burns|first=Judith|date=December 29, 2017|access-date=February 24, 2023|title=MBE for author of 'instruction manual' for autism |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/education-42504883|publisher=BBC News}}

Filming took place from October 2015 at locations in the Lake District, including Keswick, Broughton-in-Furness, Coniston, Thirlmere Reservoir, and at The Space Project studios in Manchester.{{cite press release|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2015/the-a-word|title=Filming begins on The A Word, new six-part drama for BBC One|publisher=BBC Media Centre|date=26 October 2015|access-date=9 October 2022}}{{cite news|url=https://www.timesandstar.co.uk/news/17028748.the-a-word-filming-in-keswick/|work=Time & Star|title=The A Word filming in Keswick|date=15 January 2016|access-date=9 October 2022}}{{cite web|url=http://thespaceproject.tv/word-goes-production-space-project|publisher=The Space Project|title='The a Word' Goes into Production at Space Studios Manchester|first=Tom|last=Clarke|date=26 October 2015|access-date=9 October 2022}}

On 24 May 2019, it was announced by the BBC, and then subsequently via press and social media publications, that a third series was in production. Returning cast members included Christopher Eccleston, Morven Christie, Lee Ingleby, Max Vento, Molly Wright, Greg McHugh, Pooky Quesnel, Matt Greenwood and Leon Harrop. Joining the cast as newcomers were Julie Hesmondhalgh, Sarah Gordy and David Gyasi.{{cite press release|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2019/a-word-3-filming|publisher=BBC Media Centre|title=Filming commences on The A Word series three|date=24 May 2019|access-date=9 October 2022}}

{{Series overview

|infoA = Average UK viewers
(millions)

| color1 = #78A452

| link1 = #Series 1 (2016)

| episodes1 = 6

| start1 = {{Start date|df=yes|2016|3|22}}

| end1 = {{End date|df=yes|2016|4|26}}

| infoA1 = 6.02

| color2 = #D8BFD8

| link2 = #Series 2 (2017)

| episodes2 = 6

| start2 = {{Start date|df=yes|2017|11|7}}

| end2 = {{End date|df=yes|2017|12|12}}

| infoA2 = 4.54

| color3 = #0EA3C8

| link3 = #Series 3 (2020)

| episodes3 = 6

| start3 = {{Start date|df=yes|2020|5|5}}

| end3 = {{End date|df=yes|2020|6|9}}

| infoA3 = 3.95

}}

{{Episode table |background=#78A452 |overall=5 |series=5 |title=22 |director=20 |writer=20 |airdate=18|viewers=12|country=UK |viewersR={{cite web |url=http://www.barb.co.uk/whats-new/weekly-top-30?_s=4|publisher=Broadcasters' Audience Research Board|title=Weekly top 30 programmes on TV sets (July 1998 – Sept 2018)|access-date=9 October 2022}} |episodes=

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 1

|EpisodeNumber2 = 1

|Title = Episode 1

|DirectedBy = Peter Cattaneo

|WrittenBy = Peter Bowker

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2016|3|22}}

|Viewers = 6.65

|ShortSummary = Alison and Paul continually make excuses for their five-year-old boy's uncooperative behaviour but will they listen to other family members who suspect something more serious? Meanwhile Nicola and Eddie move in next to Alison and Paul, hoping to make a new start in the Lakes, but will Eddie be able to forget Nicola's infidelity, especially as it has become public knowledge?

|LineColor = 78A452

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 2

|EpisodeNumber2 = 2

|Title = Episode 2

|DirectedBy = Peter Cattaneo

|WrittenBy = Peter Bowker

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2016|3|29}}

|Viewers = 6.13

|ShortSummary = Alison pulls Joe out of school and emotionally blackmails the rest of the family into home schooling. She also became dismissive of alternative ideas from Paul putting a strain on their marriage. Nicola and Eddie's relationship is also put to the test when Alison asks Nicola to seek a second opinion from her former fling Michael. All the while Rebecca is left to fend for herself and the only one who seems to care is her uncle Eddie.

|LineColor = 78A452

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 3

|EpisodeNumber2 = 3

|Title = Episode 3

|DirectedBy = Peter Cattaneo

|WrittenBy = Peter Bowker

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2016|4|5}}

|Viewers = 5.94

|ShortSummary = Speech therapist Maggie arrives and manages to make some progress with Joe whilst telling the family some home truths. She avoids speaking about her school history with Alison and abruptly halts her visits, ignoring Alison's pleas for her to stay. Does Maggie have a grudge to bear? Meanwhile Maurice reconsiders Louise's proposal, Nicola settles into her new job while Eddie struggles with his and Rebecca is feeling more and more ignored by her mother.

|LineColor = 78A452

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 4

|EpisodeNumber2 = 4

|Title = Episode 4

|DirectedBy = Dominic Leclerc

|WrittenBy = Peter Bowker

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2016|4|12}}

|Viewers = 5.85

|ShortSummary = Alison observes Joe playing with two other children and invites them for a sleepover during which Joe falls ill. While recovering Joe demonstrates empathy for his mother while they look at photos of his late grandmother, misleading Alison to believe he's cured of autism. Luke is ignoring Rebecca and she turns to Eddie and Nicola while Maurice realises he too misses his late wife more than he thought and perhaps his friends-with-benefits relationship with his music teacher wasn't such a good idea. Meanwhile, is Paul carrying a torch for an old flame?

|LineColor = 78A452

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 5

|EpisodeNumber2 = 5

|Title = Episode 5

|DirectedBy = Dominic Leclerc

|WrittenBy = Peter Bowker

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2016|4|19}}

|Viewers = 5.61

|ShortSummary = The police investigate Maya and discover she is an illegal immigrant. Despite Alison's desperate attempts to persuade family friend and police officer Bob to turn a blind eye, Maya is deported and Alison is worried for the effect it would have on Joe. Meanwhile Rebecca's relationship with Luke turns sour and Eddie's plans to move to Manchester are not popular with Nicola or Maurice.

|LineColor = 78A452

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 6

|EpisodeNumber2 = 6

|Title = Episode 6

|DirectedBy = Susan Tully

|WrittenBy = Peter Bowker

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2016|4|26}}

|Viewers = 5.94

|ShortSummary = After their fall out over differences of wanting more children Alison and Paul reconcile in time for the opening of their new restaurant. Maurice leaves Joe with Louise's son Ralph and Joe goes missing. As a mass search ensues, some uncomfortable truths are revealed.

|LineColor = 78A452

}}

}}

{{Episode table |background=#D8BFD8 |overall=5 |series=5 |title=22 |director=20 |writer=20 |airdate=18|viewers=12|country=UK |viewersR=|episodes=

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 7

|EpisodeNumber2 = 1

|Title = Episode 1

|DirectedBy = Susan Tully

|WrittenBy = Peter Bowker

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2017|11|07}}

|Viewers = 5.01

|ShortSummary = Alison and Paul worry over Joe when it becomes clear he is unhappy at school and he uses the word 'autistic' for the first time. Nicola and Eddie pretend to Nicola's parents that they are still together, but her parents have their own marital problems. Rebecca introduces the family to her new boyfriend James and Maurice gets the cold shoulder from Louise.

|LineColor = D8BFD8

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 8

|EpisodeNumber2 = 2

|Title = Episode 2

|DirectedBy = Susan Tully

|WrittenBy = Peter Bowker

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2017|11|14}}

|Viewers = 4.83

|ShortSummary = Joe starts his first day at the Pear Tree school, and Maurice employs Ralph at the brewery, much against the protests of Louise.

|LineColor = D8BFD8

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 9

|EpisodeNumber2 = 3

|Title = Episode 3

|DirectedBy = Susan Tully

|WrittenBy = Peter Bowker

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2017|11|21}}

|Viewers = 4.51

|ShortSummary = Paul takes Mark and Sophie to a gig. After the gig, he finds himself growing closer to Sophie. Meanwhile, Rebecca is heartbroken after James dumps her by text message. Alison meets Eddie's new girlfriend, Holly, who Alison thinks is almost exactly like Nicola. Maurice cares for Louise while she undergoes chemotherapy but she feels it is born out of his desire to "save" his late wife.

|LineColor = D8BFD8

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 10

|EpisodeNumber2 = 4

|Title = Episode 4

|DirectedBy = Luke Snellin

|WrittenBy = Peter Bowker

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2017|11|28}}

|Viewers = 4.30

|ShortSummary = In an attempt to patch up their relationship following the events of the previous episode, Rebecca arranges for Paul and Alison to spend the weekend at Eddie's flat in Manchester. Meanwhile, Maurice realises his feelings for Louise are stronger than he had previously thought.

|LineColor = D8BFD8

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 11

|EpisodeNumber2 = 5

|Title = Episode 5

|DirectedBy = Luke Snellin

|WrittenBy = Peter Bowker

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2017|12|05}}

|Viewers = 4.28

|ShortSummary = Paul is angered when Nicola uses a video of Joe in a speech about autism, and reveals to Alison he is less accepting of Joe's autism than he previously let on. Holly dumps Eddie, and Maurice proposes to Louise.

|LineColor = D8BFD8

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 12

|EpisodeNumber2 = 6

|Title = Episode 6

|DirectedBy = Luke Snellin

|WrittenBy = Peter Bowker

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2017|12|12}}

|Viewers = 4.30

|ShortSummary = Preparations begin for the end of year show at Joe's old primary school. Paul plans to leave Alison as he feels they are living "separate lives". Louise rejects Maurice's proposal and suggests they start a "clean slate". Maurice offers to step aside from the brewery and have Eddie run it without any interference. Eddie tells Nicola he is considering moving back home to run the brewery, but tells her that he only wants to be her "best friend" rather than her lover. During Joe's performance at the end of year show, he brings the family together on stage, but as he finishes, Maurice collapses.

|LineColor = D8BFD8

}}

}}

{{Episode table |background=#0EA3C8 |overall=5 |series=5 |title=22 |director=20 |writer=20 |airdate=18|viewers=12|country=UK |viewersR=|episodes=

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 13

|EpisodeNumber2 = 1

|Title = Episode 1

|DirectedBy = Fergus O'Brien

|WrittenBy = Peter Bowker

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2020|05|05}}

|Viewers = 4.23

|ShortSummary =

|LineColor = 0EA3C8

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 14

|EpisodeNumber2 = 2

|Title = Episode 2

|DirectedBy = Fergus O'Brien

|WrittenBy = Peter Bowker

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2020|05|12}}

|Viewers = 3.59

|ShortSummary =

|LineColor = 0EA3C8

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 15

|EpisodeNumber2 = 3

|Title = Episode 3

|DirectedBy = Fergus O'Brien

|WrittenBy = Peter Bowker

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2020|05|19}}

|Viewers = 3.32

|ShortSummary =

|LineColor = 0EA3C8

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 16

|EpisodeNumber2 = 4

|Title = Episode 4

|DirectedBy = John Hardwick

|WrittenBy = Peter Bowker

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2020|05|26}}

|Viewers = 3.79

|ShortSummary =

|LineColor = 0EA3C8

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 17

|EpisodeNumber2 = 5

|Title = Episode 5

|DirectedBy = Sasha Ransome

|WrittenBy = Peter Bowker

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2020|06|02}}

|Viewers = 4.08

|ShortSummary =

|LineColor = 0EA3C8

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 18

|EpisodeNumber2 = 6

|Title = Episode 6

|DirectedBy = John Hardwick

|WrittenBy = Peter Bowker

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2020|06|09}}

|Viewers = 4.73

|ShortSummary =

|LineColor = 0EA3C8

}}

}}

BBC One began airing the first six-part series in a Tuesday 9pm slot, replacing Happy Valley, on 22 March 2016. SundanceTV acquired rights for broadcasting the show in America, and it premiered there on 13 July 2016.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2016/tv/news/sundancetv-the-a-word-bbc-austim-1201675516|work=Variety|title=SundanceTV Acquires BBC, Keshet Autism Drama 'The A-Word'|first=Cynthia|last=Littleton|date=8 January 2016|access-date=9 October 2022}} A second series began in the UK on 7 November 2017 remaining in its Tuesday 9pm slot. A third series was filmed in May 2019 and the entire series was released on BBC iPlayer on 5 May 2020. On the same day it also began broadcasting in its usual weekly slot on BBC One.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2020/may/05/tv-tonight-the-third-series-of-the-a-word-gets-under-way|work=The Guardian|title=TV tonight: the third series of The A Word gets under way|first=Ammar|last=Kalia|date=5 May 2020|access-date=9 October 2022}} BBC First airs the series in Australia. Disney+ picked up the programme for all three series across all of Europe, except the UK.{{cite news|title=Disney+ strikes 'Ralph & Katie' & 'The A Word' deal across Europe|url=https://tbivision.com/2022/10/17/disney-strikes-ralph-katie-the-a-word-deal-across-europe/|work=TBI Vision|first=Richard|last=Middleton|date=17 October 2022}}

Overnight figures revealed the first episode was watched by 4.7 million viewers and had a 23% share of the audience.{{cite web|url=http://mediatel.co.uk/newsline/2016/03/23/bbc-ones-autism-family-drama-the-a-word-opens-with-4-7m/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160405065357/http://mediatel.co.uk/newsline/2016/03/23/bbc-ones-autism-family-drama-the-a-word-opens-with-4-7m/|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 April 2016|work=Mediatel|title=BBC One's autistic family drama The A Word opens with 4.7m|first=Niall|last=Johnson|date=23 March 2016|access-date=23 March 2016}} BARB later reported a consolidated figure of 5.91 million. Reaction to the first episode was mostly positive among viewers. Many people have praised the show on social media, partly for the quality of the acting but also for the way it dealt with the subject of autism.{{cite news|url=http://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/654829/The-A-Word-Christopher-Eccleston-autism-BBC|work=Daily Express|title=The A Word: Viewers praise Christopher Eccleston drama tackling autism|first=Neela|last=Debnath|date=23 March 2016|access-date=9 October 2022}}

On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the first season holds a 75% "Certified Fresh" score, based on 20 critics with an average rating of 5.9/10. The website's critics consensus reads, "The A Word overcomes an uneven start to offer a thoughtful, warm-hearted look at the engagingly messy lives of its protagonists – and a glimpse of challenges too rarely seen or discussed on television."{{Cite web |title=The A Word: Season 1 |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/the_a_word/s01 |access-date=June 14, 2024 |website=Rotten Tomatoes}} On Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, the first season holds a score of 76/100 based on 12 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".{{Cite web |title=The A Word season 1 |url=https://www.metacritic.com/tv/the-a-word/season-1/ |access-date=June 14, 2024 |website=Metacritic}}

The second season holds a 93% "Fresh" score on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 14 critics with an average rating of 7.5/10. The website's critics consensus reads, "The A Word's second season expands its scope beyond the series' inciting diagnosis and blossoms into a thoughtful and warm view on the dynamics of family, while also candidly addressing the realities of raising a child with autism."{{Cite web |title=The A Word: Season 2 |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/the_a_word/s02 |access-date=June 14, 2024 |website=Rotten Tomatoes}}

For the third season, 100% of nine critic reviews on Rotten Tomatoes gave the film a positive review, with an average rating of 8.2/10.{{Cite web |title=The A Word: Season 3 |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/the_a_word/s03 |access-date=June 14, 2024 |website=Rotten Tomatoes}}

Series 1 was released on DVD in September 2016, and series 2 in December 2017. The third series was released on DVD in July 2020. {{citation needed|date=October 2022}}

In August 2020 it was announced that a spin-off series Ralph & Katie, following the married life of the protagonists, had been commissioned by the BBC.{{cite press release|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2020/ralph-and-katie|publisher=BBC Media Centre|title=BBC One announces Ralph And Katie, a spin-off of Peter Bowker's hit drama The A Word|date=24 August 2020|access-date=9 October 2022}} The six-part series, which included a writing team made up predominantly of people with disabilities,{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2022/oct/09/jordan-hogg-director-disabled-ralph-and-katie-interview|work=The Observer|title=Interview {{!}} Jordan Hogg: 'In 15 years, I've never come across another disabled director'|first=Michael|last=Hogan|date=9 October 2022|access-date=9 October 2022}} was broadcast in October and November 2022, with all episodes available as a boxset on BBC iPlayer.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m001cs9j/ralph-katie|work=BBC iPlayer|title=Ralph & Katie|access-date=9 October 2022}} The series will also be available on Disney+ in some regions.

{{reflist|2}}

• {{BBC programme}}
• {{IMDb title|id=5311790|title=The A Word}}
• {{epguides|AWord|title=The A Word}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:A Word, The}}

Category:2016 British television series debuts

Category:2020 British television series endings

Category:2010s British drama television series

Category:2020s British drama television series

Category:Autism in television

Category:Autism in the United Kingdom

Category:BBC high definition shows

Category:BBC television dramas

Category:British television series based on non-British television series

Category:Down syndrome in television

Category:British English-language television shows

Category:International television series based on Israeli television series

Category:Television series about dysfunctional families

Category:Television shows set in the Lake District

Category:Television shows about disability