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- 2016
- TV-MA
- Sundance Channel
- 2016
- TV-MA
- Sundance Channel
Summary The British series based on the Israeli show Yellow Peppers focuses on the dysfunctional Hughes family, whose seemingly perfect lives are shaken up by the autism diagnosis of 5-year-old Joe (Max Vento).
- 2016
- TV-MA
- Sundance Channel
- 2016
- TV-MA
- Sundance Channel
The A Word
Season 1 Premiere: Mar 22, 2016
76
7.5
Where to Watch
Summary The British series based on the Israeli show Yellow Peppers focuses on the dysfunctional Hughes family, whose seemingly perfect lives are shaken up by the autism diagnosis of 5-year-old Joe (Max Vento).
Where to Watch
Top Cast
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 17 Critic Reviews
76
88% Positive
15 Reviews
15 Reviews
12% Mixed
2 Reviews
2 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 17 Critic Reviews
76
88% Positive
15 Reviews
15 Reviews
12% Mixed
2 Reviews
2 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
As we get more of Joe's world, we get more of the people in it. The A Word benefits greatly from the expansion, cementing itself as an emotionally astute, smart and funny series just waiting to be discovered.
There’s some power and beauty in this show--and not just the scenery either, but in the humanity itself. Far from lives of quiet desperation, these are lives of quiet determination. A gentle, intelligent drama about autism, family and love.
If the BBC and writer Peter Bowker had it in mind to create a soft-soapy drama with lots of nice loving folk, some with disabilities, then they’ve succeeded magnificently – a pioneering if understated achievement.
For the most part, though, The A Word feels true and honest. Other shows that have used characters with disabilities for secondary plotlines have often seemed simplistic or glib, going for quick tears or feel-good moments. This one’s unblinking, and more powerful for it.
Though Vento is the standout, consistently holding the screen and drawing the audience into Joe’s head throughout a compelling yet largely nonverbal performance, all of the cast are aces. It’s their grounded, believable chemistry that keeps The A Word from sliding into silly, saccharine territory. But what’s most impressive about the drama is its attention to detail.
If The A Word sounds dark and depressing, it isn't. Joe's autism is the central plot point, but this is also a messy soap opera about a family that's always butting heads.
The general conceit for the series isn’t the problem--it’s the ham-fisted execution. Bowker doesn’t trust his viewers to allow credible drama and character development to make his points, so he hits us over the head, repeatedly.
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 22 User Ratings
7.5
82% Positive
18 Ratings
18 Ratings
5% Mixed
1 Rating
1 Rating
14% Negative
3 Ratings
3 Ratings
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 22 User Ratings
7.5
82% Positive
18 Ratings
18 Ratings
5% Mixed
1 Rating
1 Rating
14% Negative
3 Ratings
3 Ratings
There are no user reviews yet. Be the first to add a review.
Production Company:
- Fifty Fathoms Productions
- Keshet Productions
- British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)
Initial Release Date: Mar 22, 2016
Number of seasons: 3 Seasons
Rating: TV-MA
Genres:
Awards
TV Times Awards
• 2 Nominations
BAFTA Awards, Scotland
• 1 Nomination
