6.5
Where can I stream The Casual Vacancy legally?
The Casual Vacancy is included with a subscription to HBO Max in the United States. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
The Casual Vacancy
2015·Show
The Casual Vacancy fingerprint
Strong craft.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension7
- Violence4
- Adrenaline3
Heart
Moving
Much of it is about family.
- Family Dynamics8
- Pathos7
- Melancholy6
Humor
Some sharp wit and satire
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay6
- Satire & Parody5
- Cringe Humor4
World
Everyday modern life, society, and politics
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- Dialogue Centrality9
- World Immersion8
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout performances, characters, and direction
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Acting9
- Character Depth9
- Direction8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition6
Energy
MediumTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Casual Vacancy is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence4Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumMoving
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's moving. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Family Dynamics8Relationships and generational ties.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Coming of Age6Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Catharsis5Emotional release and payoff.
- Romance4Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Nostalgia0Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
MediumSome sharp wit and satire
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some sharp wit and satire.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay6Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Satire & Parody5Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Cringe Humor4Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Dark Humor4Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy2Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, society, and politics
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around everyday modern life, society, and politics. 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
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Social Commentary9Perspectives on society and norms.
- Politics8Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Class & Capitalism8Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Mystery5Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
Craft
HighStandout performances, characters, and direction
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The performances, characters, and direction stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity8Layered plots and ideas.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Visual Stylization4Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality4Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchSolo WatchThought-Provoking
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Episode ratings
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| Episode 2 | |
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About
The citizens of the small British town of Pagford fight for the spot on the parish council after Barry Fairbrother dies.
British Social DramaSmall-Town PoliticsDarkly RealisticCommunity SecretsClass StruggleCharacter StudySlow-BurnGritty AtmosphereMoral Complexity
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Casual Vacancy
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Casual Vacancy worth watching?
60
DecentGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 60/100 (IMDb 6.5, Rotten Tomatoes 58%, and Metacritic 60). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Casual Vacancy rated?
TV-14Strong languageSexual contentDrug useViolenceDisturbing imagery
It's rated TV-14 in the United States. Content advisories: strong language, sexual content, drug use, violence, and disturbing imagery.
How many seasons does The Casual Vacancy have?
1 season
It has 1 season with 3 episodes of about 60 minutes each.
Is The Casual Vacancy based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Casual Vacancy?
Critics59
Audiences62
Yes. Critics average 59 and audiences 62 out of 100, so both groups see The Casual Vacancy much the same way.
When did The Casual Vacancy air?
S1
It ran from 2015 to 2015 and has ended.
What language is The Casual Vacancy in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United Kingdom.
In how many countries can I watch The Casual Vacancy?
5
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Casual Vacancy in 5 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Casual Vacancy use?
Adaptational AttractivenessAdaptation ExpansionKirk SummationHappily MarriedFaux Affably EvilRace LiftSibling RivalryHope Is ScaryDecided by One VoteRelated in the AdaptationSpared by the AdaptationSibling Yin-Yangand 2 more
TV Tropes lists 14 storytelling tropes for The Casual Vacancy, including Adaptational Attractiveness, Adaptation Expansion, Kirk Summation.