Moving On

Moving On is a British television anthology series, solely created by the BAFTA-winning writer Jimmy McGovern and produced by Liverpool-based production company LA Productions. This captivating series had its inception in the year 2009 and is broadcast on ITV.

At the core of Moving On is its idea of presenting real, relatable, and compelling stand-alone human stories that are generally under-represented or overlooked. The neat storytelling structure of the series makes it unique. Every episode is a standalone drama narrating the story of people who reach a critical turning point in their lives and then move on.

What rings true for all episodes are the masterfully wielded themes of love, loss, failure, success, internal conflict and transformation. While the circumstances, characters, and settings change from one episode to another, they all feed into the overarching theme of redemption.

Each episode of Moving On follows a different protagonist - often a regular person-next-door - who experiences a significant event or realisation that eventually sets them on a new path. The episodes have covered diverse issues such as recidivism, loss of a loved one, complexities of sibling relationships, terminal illness, unemployment, failed marriages, and much more. Contributing to this diverseness are the professionals behind each episode. Outside of the constant – creator Jimmy McGovern – the writers and directors change from episode to episode, contributing their unique storytelling styles and perspectives to the series.

The steady success of Moving On is also creditable to the impressive array of talent it boasts in front of the camera. Each standalone story has drawn an extraordinary roster of British acting talent, including stars like Sheila Hancock, Lesley Sharp, Richard Armitage, and so many more, all of whom have brought depth and authenticity to their characters, making for essential viewing.

Furthermore, Moving On is also acclaimed for its cinematic aesthetics and storytelling approach. While meticulously capturing the essence of the characters and their individual journeys, the series also paints a vivid picture of contemporary British society. They aren’t just telling stories of people; they are narrating tales of time and place, often revealing socio-cultural issues through personal stories.

In its run, the show has often been characterised as ‘Quietly revolutionary’, primarily due to the fact that it broke the mold of traditional TV Drama writing. It proved that impactful drama could be achieved through stories about everyday people. The series has been instrumental in providing a platform for new writing and directing talent by allowing them to work alongside established names in the industry. Many episodes were the television directorial debut for several directors which then led to them working on other flagship LA productions.

The series also features carefully selected music that not only complements the tone of the scenes but also accentuates the emotional journey of the characters, thereby enhancing the overall storytelling process.

The episodic structure of Moving On makes it adaptable, allowing viewers to enter the series at any point without missing a beat. While each episode presents a separate storyline, they are bound together by the common exploration of life-changing moments.

Through its unflinching resolve to depict realistic life struggles of regular people and its exploration of their emotional landscapes, Moving On has carved a niche for itself in the world of television. This singular focus has earned the show a dedicated viewership, critical acclaim, and repeated renewals.

Moving On, with its engaging storytelling and an outstanding ensemble of cast, crafts a series of intimate, personal narratives that are at once poignant and uplifting. It has become synonymous with quality television drama, continuing to remain relevant and impactful years after its debut. An engaging watch from start to finish, Moving On is more than a drama series; it is a reflection of life, illuminating the quiet courage and resilience people often need to move on from their life’s deeply affecting moments.