8.4
Where can I stream When the Boat Comes In legally?
You can rent or buy it from Amazon Video. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
When the Boat Comes In
1976·Show
·51Episodes in4Seasons·
When the Boat Comes In fingerprint
Strong craft, low-key.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension5
- Adrenaline3
- Fast Pace3
Heart
Moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family.
- Pathos7
- Melancholy7
- Family Dynamics7
Humor
Some sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay6
- Dark Humor3
- Situational Comedy2
World
History, society, and class and money
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- Dialogue Centrality9
- World Immersion8
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout characters, performances, and dialogue
- Character Depth9
- Acting8
- Dialogue Quality8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing6
- Music Composition6
Energy
LowCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
When the Boat Comes In is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension5Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence3Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Warfare6Battles, strategy, and conflict.
Heart
LowMoving and melancholic
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's moving and melancholic. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Family Dynamics7Relationships and generational ties.
- Catharsis5Emotional release and payoff.
- Romance4Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Nostalgia2Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowSome sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some sharp wit.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay6Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy2Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Satire & Parody2Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
World
MediumHistory, society, and class and money
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around history, society, and class and money. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Historical9Period settings and real events.
- Social Commentary9Perspectives on society and norms.
- Class & Capitalism9Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Warfare6Battles, strategy, and conflict.
- Psychological6Inner worlds and mind games.
Craft
HighStandout characters, performances, and dialogue
The characters, performances, and dialogue stand out.
All craft traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Intrigue6Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality5Songs central to storytelling.
- Visual Stylization4Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking
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Episode ratings
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About
When the Boat Comes In is a British television period drama produced by the BBC between 8 January 1976 and 21 April 1981. Taking place between 1919 to 1937, Jack Ford is a veteran of The Great War who returns to his poverty-stricken (fictional) town of Gallowshield in the North East of England. It dramatises the interwar political struggles of the 1920s and 1930s, and explores the impact of national and international politics upon Ford and those around him.
British Period DramaPost-WWI EraSocial RealismWorking-Class LifeEconomic HardshipCharacter StudyGritty Historical FictionNorthern England SettingResilience & Survival
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Shows
Movies
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about When the Boat Comes In
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is When the Boat Comes In worth watching?
80
GreatGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 81/100 (IMDb 8.4). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
How many seasons does When the Boat Comes In have?
4 seasons
It has 4 seasons with 51 episodes.
When did When the Boat Comes In air?
S1S2S3S4
It ran from 1976 to 1981 and has ended.
What language is When the Boat Comes In in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United Kingdom.
What tropes does When the Boat Comes In use?
The ChessmasterThe Hero DiesTitle DropOop NorthWorthless CurrencyNo OSHA ComplianceThe Roaring '20s
TV Tropes lists 7 storytelling tropes for When the Boat Comes In, including The Chessmaster, The Hero Dies, Title Drop.