Burn It (TV series)
| Industry | Television production |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Northern England , United Kingdom |
| Products | Television dramas (including Burn It, Clocking Off, Conviction, New Street Law, Linda Green) |
Burn It is a dramatic television series that explores the lives of six friends nearing their thirties. The show was created by Matt Greenhalgh.
Plot
The narrative focuses on Carl, Andy, and Jon—three individuals identifying as Generation X-ers—as they navigate the complexities of entering adulthood. Their previously unrestrained lifestyle, shaped by the late 1980s Madchester scene, comes under scrutiny as they approach the age of thirty. Each character confronts impending fatherhood in distinct ways: Carl faces his girlfriend’s desire for commitment; Jon grapples with reconnecting to the daughter he relinquished for adoption at seventeen; and Andy learns he may soon become a father. These challenges compel them to evolve beyond their Gen X personas. Jon builds relationships with his daughter Katie and her mother Tina, while Andy’s romance with Emma deteriorates, ending in tragedy. Meanwhile, Carl strives to bring stability to both his financial situation and personal life.
In the second season, Carl and Emma are romantically involved, though Carl’s reluctance to reveal their relationship publicly causes tension among friends. Jon’s mental health declines, culminating in a second suicide attempt that leads him toward greater maturity and parenting responsibility. Andy’s return disrupts the lives of Carl and Emma. By the conclusion of the series, each character has established their role within the world.
Production
Burn It was penned by Matt Greenhalgh and produced by Red Production Company, a company recognized for northern England dramas such as Clocking Off, Conviction, New Street Law, and Linda Green. The soundtrack features bands from North West England including New Order, The Stone Roses, and The Charlatans. The show depicts a lifestyle characterized by alcohol consumption, drug use, and casual relationships while addressing serious themes such as suicide, unintended pregnancies, and disenchantment. Due to complications with music licensing rights, no official DVD release has been issued.
Broadcast
Burn It debuted on the free-to-view British digital channel BBC Three before being rebroadcast on terrestrial channel BBC Two. The series consists of two seasons: the first season includes ten episodes of 30 minutes each, airing from 9 February to 8 April 2003; the second season contains eleven episodes broadcast from 8 September to 10 November 2003.
Main
- Chris Coghill as Carl Redmond: A 29-year-old self-employed builder reassessing his life following the end of a seven-year relationship; he develops feelings for Emma.
- Kieran O'Brien as Andy Grimshaw: A postman engaged in an unstable relationship with Emma who intends to marry her, unaware she has been involved with Carl.
- William Ash as Jon Marr: Haunted by having given up his infant daughter for adoption, he seeks reconciliation with her adoptive family.
- Lisa Faulkner as Emma Wainwright: Andy’s girlfriend caught between loyalty to Andy and her affair with Carl when faced with Andy’s proposal.
- Mel B as Claire McAdams: Emma’s sharp-witted best friend and Jon’s romantic interest.
- Chelsee Healey as Katie Marshall: Daughter of Jon and Tina who harbors resentment toward Jon due to his earlier absence.
- Marsha Thomason as Tina Marshall: Katie’s mother who initially holds animosity toward Jon but gradually considers giving him another chance.
- Iain McKee as Paul Marshall: Their well-meaning but inexperienced friend struggling to find consistent employment.
Recurring Characters
- Tony Nyland portrays Jack, the pub owner.
- Jessica Harris plays Kelly, an 18-year-old client’s daughter who becomes involved with Carl.
- Tracie Bennett appears as Bev
- Ursula Holden Gill features as Helen
Episodes
Series One
Episode One
Carl feels pressured by the possibility of becoming a father when his girlfriend falsely claims she is pregnant to keep him; upon uncovering the deception, he decides to leave. Jon wrestles with emotions tied to his previous adoption choices while Emma organizes a blind date for him. Andy is confronted with the reality of impending fatherhood. Carl encounters Kelly at work.
Episode Two
Jon deals with the effects of his parents' separation and restricted contact with his daughter. Andy struggles to come to terms with Emma’s choice to have an abortion. Carl actively pursues a relationship with Kelly.
Episode Three
Carl commits to assisting Jon in locating his daughter, beginning with finding Tina. After Andy suffers an assault, Emma insists on changes in their lifestyle.
Episode Four
Jon’s return causes upheaval in Tina’s life. Emma grows frustrated by Andy’s lack of ambition. On his 30th birthday, Carl experiences feelings of isolation.
Episode Five
Jon accepts the challenges of fatherhood. Carl contemplates relocating to Australia. Emma faces conflicts of loyalty.
Episode Six
Andy and Emma end their relationship; Emma has a one-night stand that ignites jealousy in Andy.
Episode Seven
Jon faces attempts at blackmail from his daughter. Andy and Emma host an engagement party. Carl turns to alcohol as he struggles with his emotions for Emma.
Episode Eight
Carl wrestles with guilt while Jon remains anxious about Tina. Emma makes a drastic decision complicated by an unexpected phone call.
Episode Nine
Jon discloses truths about the adoption. Andy plans a stag party that is disrupted by an emergency situation.
Episode Ten
After the death of her mother, Emma dedicates herself to making Andy happy. Tina shares significant news with Jon. Carl takes risks that threaten his friendships.
Award Nominations
2003 Royal Television Society North West Awards, Best Cable Programme 2003 Royal Television Society North West Awards, Best Performance in a Network Drama, Chris Coghill