35 reviews
Waterloo Road - great!
I was hooked from the first episode and hadn't missed a single one except from the second to last one of the first series! I was gutted! Waterloo Road had been compared to Channel 4's Teachers but I hadn't seen it - I had wanted to watch Waterloo Road because Jill Halfpenny was in it and I think she's a great actress after seeing her on EastEnders and Chicago in London.
Waterloo Road tackled many different story lines in the first series with the main one being the court case of Donte Charles. The story lines involved many different situations including bullying, homosexuality, father's rights, guilt and grief.
I found the story lines very gripping to watch especially the love triangle between Izzy Redpath and Tom and Lorna Clarkson - I was so glad when Tom and Izzy finally admit their love and they get together in the last episode! Despite this, I still feel a bit sympathetic for Lorna.
It was definitely an entertaining watch and I recommend it to anyone who hasn't seen it before.
Waterloo Road tackled many different story lines in the first series with the main one being the court case of Donte Charles. The story lines involved many different situations including bullying, homosexuality, father's rights, guilt and grief.
I found the story lines very gripping to watch especially the love triangle between Izzy Redpath and Tom and Lorna Clarkson - I was so glad when Tom and Izzy finally admit their love and they get together in the last episode! Despite this, I still feel a bit sympathetic for Lorna.
It was definitely an entertaining watch and I recommend it to anyone who hasn't seen it before.
Great series
- melbel1986
- Jan 4, 2023
- Permalink
Waterloo Road is a drama based around a school with every day issues: in the staffroom, between teachers and students, around the school and family issues
I gave Waterloo Road a rating of 8 out of 10 because I thought and feel it is a brilliant drama. I prefer it to all of the soaps and drama's that I have watched in the past; the drama stars better actors, it has a brilliant story line compared to the usual soap/ drama which fail to keep up a storyline. The other drama based around a school is Channel 4's 'Teachers' which was some way 'Waterloo Road'. The other TV show that is similar to 'Waterloo Road' is Channel 4's soap 'Hollyoaks' which acting is extremely unbelievable, the storyline is of a bad quality and is aimed at a younger target audience.
Waterloo Road is now on it's 3rd series, I personally feel it is the best series so far, it has the most drama, chemistry between actors has grown and could lead on to many more series to come. Taking in account all of the features: Actors, Storyine, Director(s),Chemistry, Amount of Drama and how believable the drama; taking amount good points and bad points about 'Waterloo Road' I give this drama 8 out of 10
WATCH IT!!
Waterloo Road is now on it's 3rd series, I personally feel it is the best series so far, it has the most drama, chemistry between actors has grown and could lead on to many more series to come. Taking in account all of the features: Actors, Storyine, Director(s),Chemistry, Amount of Drama and how believable the drama; taking amount good points and bad points about 'Waterloo Road' I give this drama 8 out of 10
WATCH IT!!
- lbaldwinsmith2003
- Nov 7, 2007
- Permalink
Excellent!
Waterloo Road is a gritty real life school drama, which I have to say is more realistic than others on T.V lately. There are many great British actors in this show, such as Jill Halfpenny, Nick Sidi, Angela Griffin and Denise Welch. This gives the show the edge over other television school shows I believe. With dramatic and sometimes even scary story lines, I cannot think of many better programs to watch on a Thursday night, and i think that if more people would give it a chance, many more thousands of people would love it! Many of my friends love this show, but we all have to agree that the story lines can sometimes be a little rushed because the series are very short. But with this series set to be longer, and the DVD box set of series one coming out in March, I am set for watching back to back episodes!
Loved it!
Waterloo Road is a brilliant programme which every one should watch. It is a comprehensive school in England which is right at the bottom of the league tables and the kids there are worse than you could imagine yet pretty much jokers at the same time. Jack (played by Jason Merrells) is the head of the school and yet is drinking after three minutes of being it! Kim (played by Angela Griffins) is head of pastoral care who is an adult who actually listens, and Andrew(played by Jamie Glover) is the deputy head trying to rescue the school. There are tom and Lorna (played by Jason Done and Camilla Power respectfully) who were to be married when it turns out that Tom is in love with Lorna's best friend, Izzie Redpath (Jill Halfpenny), the drama teacher! What will happen there? There is also Donte Charles and Chlo Grainger(played by Adam Thomas and Katie Griffiths; Chlo is Izzie's daughter)who are a match made in hell. Will the relationship survive or will Izzie break them up? But the ultimate question on every one's lips is will the school actually succeed in its inspection? We'll have to wait and see! Watch it...BBC 1 Thursdays 8:00pm
Now I Don't Know What To Think
OK I have been watching Waterloo Road for quite a long time now. Back in the day this is what everyone was watching and I could understand why. It was very entertaining with the characters having their own dedicated episode at times and other factors of school life. But from 2009 to now I don't really know what to make of the programme anymore. The characters have all changed and so had the management. The issues that came up with either too far or unrealistic. And now the programme is quite unrealistic to me. I personally don't understand why they changed so much and involved diar situations like murder, fire and freak accidents that you simply wouldn't see. Also the situations between characters are also verging on either weird or simply cheesy which I simply cannot watch because I am embarrassed for them. Overall Im still watching but I think that it is unfortunate in what is happening with the programme overall now.
- ethan_3000
- Oct 21, 2012
- Permalink
Great show!
The show started off a little slow, but it has improved a lot over the years. It is a gritty and compelling look at pupils and teachers at a comprehensive school and the situations they get into. The series is well filmed, with excellent photography and the school itself looks imposing. The writing is engaging and well written, and the stories are compelling and well structured. And the acting is surprisingly good, not the amateurish sort of acting I have seen but it is good. Denise Welch is excellent as Steph as is Angela Griffin and the students are all quite believable with good chemistry. The music is also good, it does stick in your head and is easy to remember.
Overall, a great show. I have seen a lot of good shows and dramas on BBC and this is luckily one of them. 9/10 Bethany Cox
Overall, a great show. I have seen a lot of good shows and dramas on BBC and this is luckily one of them. 9/10 Bethany Cox
- TheLittleSongbird
- Apr 14, 2010
- Permalink
Amazing
I have watched this show the whole way through once and up to season 7 twice and I'm rewatching it again. Absolutely love this show, I can rewatch it so many times. However, as the show goes on they seem to repeat story lines but it's alright because they find a way to make it interesting and different. So much drama. So much amazing plots. So many amazing characters. Best show ever. Strongly recommend.
- nikesterfun
- Aug 28, 2021
- Permalink
For a school, the staff don't seem to be very clever
I like the BBC, a lot of my favorite shows over the years have been broadcast on BBC America. One of my favorite aspects of BBC productions (At least those broadcast here in the U.S.) is a series season is short, and rarely does a show outlive it's time, lingering on because the characters have become a part of our routine.
Another aspect I enjoy is the character development. With such short seasons, the pace of shows are generally much quicker and the characters fleshed out early on. However, in the case of Waterloo Road, I fear there is little direction as to what the show is about, who the characters are, and surprisingly the staff appears to be more dysfunctional then the student's. This isn't meant as a criticism of the actors, but rather of the writing and concept of the show. Were it not airing during the bleakness of U.S. summer reruns and never ending "reality shows" I'd have probably quit watching some time ago. However, unlike great BBC shows like SPOOKS *MI5) or many of the "Mystery Monday" line up like Wire in the Blood, or Night Detective, which require my attention, Waterloo Road allows me to serve the internet, check google news, or play spider solitaire while it plays in the background.
The situations of the kids, are their moronic thought processes are easily waived off, as let's face it, kids always think they are much more clever then they really are. (I know I knew more at that age then I know now)Part of adolescents is learning just how much we still have to learn.
The teachers however are another story. One would expect they would have outgrown both their hormonal imbalances and emotional insecurity. The old adage about "not dipping your quill into the company inkwell" seems to have been a missing component of their education. Having your own kids in the school you teach certainly doesn't seem to be a very good idea.
The silliness and absurdity far outweighs the occasional dramatic moment or insightful instance which stumbles off the tepid script.
Another aspect I enjoy is the character development. With such short seasons, the pace of shows are generally much quicker and the characters fleshed out early on. However, in the case of Waterloo Road, I fear there is little direction as to what the show is about, who the characters are, and surprisingly the staff appears to be more dysfunctional then the student's. This isn't meant as a criticism of the actors, but rather of the writing and concept of the show. Were it not airing during the bleakness of U.S. summer reruns and never ending "reality shows" I'd have probably quit watching some time ago. However, unlike great BBC shows like SPOOKS *MI5) or many of the "Mystery Monday" line up like Wire in the Blood, or Night Detective, which require my attention, Waterloo Road allows me to serve the internet, check google news, or play spider solitaire while it plays in the background.
The situations of the kids, are their moronic thought processes are easily waived off, as let's face it, kids always think they are much more clever then they really are. (I know I knew more at that age then I know now)Part of adolescents is learning just how much we still have to learn.
The teachers however are another story. One would expect they would have outgrown both their hormonal imbalances and emotional insecurity. The old adage about "not dipping your quill into the company inkwell" seems to have been a missing component of their education. Having your own kids in the school you teach certainly doesn't seem to be a very good idea.
The silliness and absurdity far outweighs the occasional dramatic moment or insightful instance which stumbles off the tepid script.
Lost in Manchester
Here in Australia we are now being treated to four episodes of WR a week. Perhaps it is this rapidity of going through the series (we are now well into Series 3) that reveals the major problem with this offering.
The characters don't seem to have memories; at least they can never learn from their mistakes! I suspect this may be due to the plethora of writers and directors - I haven't really checked, but there seems to be about eight of each. There seems to be no "book" outlining the major characteristics of the characters.
Consequently the characterization by the actors is all over the place, as apparently different writers and directors have different views of how some characters should behave. Some have more personalities than Tara! (As in United States of). The rapidity with which the Tom/Izzy/Lorna triangle formed and reformed in Series 2 - when seen one episode each day - was just mind boggling.
Rimmer seems to have a memory problem. When will he ever learn that Steph is a problem for him - perhaps never as every writer seems to want to do a Jack and Steph get together one last time.
There are also major gaps in the storyline which seem to defy logic. In what world is Lewis Seddon - would-be thug and general waste of space - going to suddenly (but without any explanation) going to pop up as a kitchenhand in the very canteen his family tried to destroy only two or three days (as we see the show) earlier?
The characters don't seem to have memories; at least they can never learn from their mistakes! I suspect this may be due to the plethora of writers and directors - I haven't really checked, but there seems to be about eight of each. There seems to be no "book" outlining the major characteristics of the characters.
Consequently the characterization by the actors is all over the place, as apparently different writers and directors have different views of how some characters should behave. Some have more personalities than Tara! (As in United States of). The rapidity with which the Tom/Izzy/Lorna triangle formed and reformed in Series 2 - when seen one episode each day - was just mind boggling.
Rimmer seems to have a memory problem. When will he ever learn that Steph is a problem for him - perhaps never as every writer seems to want to do a Jack and Steph get together one last time.
There are also major gaps in the storyline which seem to defy logic. In what world is Lewis Seddon - would-be thug and general waste of space - going to suddenly (but without any explanation) going to pop up as a kitchenhand in the very canteen his family tried to destroy only two or three days (as we see the show) earlier?
Didn't watch the original series but this one is amazing!
Like other reviewers, I don't normally write reviews but felt compelled to share my opinion after the negativity in the main stream press.
I have just binge watched the whole series over a few days and was going online to check if there was going to be a sequel anytime soon.
The series has had me in tears many time and as someone who works with young people it accurately represents what a lot of them are faced with and how this affects life challenges. Amazing acting from both the younger and older stars.
It's an incredibly emotional programme. No spoilers from me, just looking forward to a follow up.
I have just binge watched the whole series over a few days and was going online to check if there was going to be a sequel anytime soon.
The series has had me in tears many time and as someone who works with young people it accurately represents what a lot of them are faced with and how this affects life challenges. Amazing acting from both the younger and older stars.
It's an incredibly emotional programme. No spoilers from me, just looking forward to a follow up.
- rkmaclennan
- Jan 6, 2023
- Permalink
Soapy melodrama, but entertaining
Pretty weak
- elliottcoe
- Jan 16, 2023
- Permalink
I'm hooked!!!!!!!!!!
I absolutely love this programme. As a 15 year girl in year 11, it really appeals to me. But to be honest, its 10 times worse than my school. But i think it is a great school for a city school.
Anyway, its basically about a run down school, were the pupils are really badly behaved, and the teachers cant control them. The head teacher appoints Andrew as the new deputy head teacher. Andrew is a Oxford graduate, and used to teaching private schools, not bad public schools. Andrew tries to bring authority, and eventually it works... and just loads of different things go on... like Dante and Chlo's car crash story line... and the love triangle between the 3 teachers (cant remember there names... Izzy, Lorna and the guy...) Ill be sad to see this end. I hope it comes back for a 2nd series!!
Anyway, its basically about a run down school, were the pupils are really badly behaved, and the teachers cant control them. The head teacher appoints Andrew as the new deputy head teacher. Andrew is a Oxford graduate, and used to teaching private schools, not bad public schools. Andrew tries to bring authority, and eventually it works... and just loads of different things go on... like Dante and Chlo's car crash story line... and the love triangle between the 3 teachers (cant remember there names... Izzy, Lorna and the guy...) Ill be sad to see this end. I hope it comes back for a 2nd series!!
- amyevans4590
- Apr 16, 2006
- Permalink
enjoyed watching it
- marktayloruk
- Jul 23, 2018
- Permalink
Excellent but..
Spot on!
Only thing that lets it down are a few events within the series which are unrealistic!
- colincaven
- Jan 26, 2021
- Permalink
Great show Thats Past Its Best
Waterloo Road is a show I've been watching since the beginning in 2006. It was about a troubled school where students were beating the living crud out of each other and the teachers struggling to cope with the students, and their own personal matters.
Now In my opinion the Series 1-4 were the shows best years, it showed the school progress from a school in special measures with a beat up everyday, to a school that went out of its way for its pupils to have a better life at school, and in general.
Series 5 was decent, but then on-wards the show seemed to take a very different turn. At first it was a pretty dark drama that I would really only suggest to parents and teenagers but it went from that to a lighthearted family show, at least that what it feels like to me.
For example, in the first few series, there were more fights, more deaths, more arguments and most importantly, more drama, now conflicts get resolved in the space of an episode and the pacing just seems really off. The show went from 8 episodes in Series 1 to 12 in Series 2 to the standard 20 Series 3 on-wards, and these series felt very well paced with a overarching story line coming to a big climax at the end of the series, you just don't get that with Series 5 on-wards, in fact I had to look up when a series had finished because the finale's after Series 5 just felt like normal episodes.
The pacing and different direction also might be in part to all the different writers, as the original writers and creators of the show stopped writing halfway through Series 3 I believe. Its still good TV, and with the series ending next year after its 10th series, its a good time to go back and re-watch the earlier series and see how the show has changed,its just a shame to see something once to relate-able become so different.
Now In my opinion the Series 1-4 were the shows best years, it showed the school progress from a school in special measures with a beat up everyday, to a school that went out of its way for its pupils to have a better life at school, and in general.
Series 5 was decent, but then on-wards the show seemed to take a very different turn. At first it was a pretty dark drama that I would really only suggest to parents and teenagers but it went from that to a lighthearted family show, at least that what it feels like to me.
For example, in the first few series, there were more fights, more deaths, more arguments and most importantly, more drama, now conflicts get resolved in the space of an episode and the pacing just seems really off. The show went from 8 episodes in Series 1 to 12 in Series 2 to the standard 20 Series 3 on-wards, and these series felt very well paced with a overarching story line coming to a big climax at the end of the series, you just don't get that with Series 5 on-wards, in fact I had to look up when a series had finished because the finale's after Series 5 just felt like normal episodes.
The pacing and different direction also might be in part to all the different writers, as the original writers and creators of the show stopped writing halfway through Series 3 I believe. Its still good TV, and with the series ending next year after its 10th series, its a good time to go back and re-watch the earlier series and see how the show has changed,its just a shame to see something once to relate-able become so different.
- hypedupben
- Oct 1, 2014
- Permalink
How to ruin a good show
Loved the original waterloo Rd. So exited to see it was being brought back. Watched 2 episodes so far, absolutely awful.
Story lines are very weak, characters unbelievable and should have renamed it p.c.world. Only person they've left out is a non binary Eskimo giant.
Only adult actors who can't get work anywhere else have been hired. Angela griffith is probably the worse actress to ever have graced waterloo Rd and she's now the head???
Why ruin a great show. It was bad at the end of the previous series, moving a whole school to Scotland with half the students, hardly believable but the current storyline beats that.
Story lines are very weak, characters unbelievable and should have renamed it p.c.world. Only person they've left out is a non binary Eskimo giant.
Only adult actors who can't get work anywhere else have been hired. Angela griffith is probably the worse actress to ever have graced waterloo Rd and she's now the head???
Why ruin a great show. It was bad at the end of the previous series, moving a whole school to Scotland with half the students, hardly believable but the current storyline beats that.
- jasonelford-88273
- Jan 10, 2023
- Permalink
Our Comfort Show is BACK!
I'm a big fan of the original Waterloo Road series and have been so excited and nervous to watch the new series. I binged the first series in one night and have to say.. it got stronger and stronger and I really enjoyed it! Lovely to have some familiar faces back and the new cast was also great!
I think as the seasons go on, the character development will be important to get viewers hooked on the relationships etc. I hope the show gets a chance to keep developing it all.
If you're a fan of classic Waterloo Road or want a new show that gives you drama, relationships, real life issues.. give it a go!! Our comfort show is back!!!
I think as the seasons go on, the character development will be important to get viewers hooked on the relationships etc. I hope the show gets a chance to keep developing it all.
If you're a fan of classic Waterloo Road or want a new show that gives you drama, relationships, real life issues.. give it a go!! Our comfort show is back!!!
Entertaining in a Scary Way
- ricardo_edm
- Dec 10, 2017
- Permalink
Well worth watching!
- daisyatkin123
- Jan 18, 2007
- Permalink
Cannot say a bad word about it.
It's better than the knock off Ackley Bridge.
Excited for the new series of Waterloo Road.
A fantastic cure to a lazy day, always binge watching it.
Everything about this show is bob on and I LOVE it !!!!!
Was a hard decision but I adore Rachel Mason - my fave.
Excited for the new series of Waterloo Road.
A fantastic cure to a lazy day, always binge watching it.
Everything about this show is bob on and I LOVE it !!!!!
Was a hard decision but I adore Rachel Mason - my fave.
- winstanleyaaron
- Jul 22, 2022
- Permalink
Great drama, and suitable for most teens
An excellent drama - well cast, well plotted and, mostly, very well acted. There are one or two plot holes where storylines seem to be dropped (Roger Aspinall for one) but the various stories are interwoven nicely and the director keeps up a good pace.
Highly enjoyable, and it makes a change to be able to enjoy a gritty drama with my teenage daughter without gratuitous sexual or violent scenes.
Highly enjoyable, and it makes a change to be able to enjoy a gritty drama with my teenage daughter without gratuitous sexual or violent scenes.
- edenmarmalade
- Apr 27, 2020
- Permalink
One of the best shows evvvverrrrr!!!!
Love love all this drama on the show. It just keeps you wanting more. There are so many real life situations in this show. Eva Pope and Amanda Burton were 2 of my favorite head masters. As for favorite students, there are far too many to list. Just to name a few Finn, Sharkey, Sambucca, Maxine, Janeece oh gosh so many!! Twaxhers were awesome. Haydock, Budgen, Izzy, oh yes and chris Mead my #1 in the whole show. I hope this show makes it big!!! Wish this show was in the US! Come one Brit Box or Acorn get with the program!!!! Iplayer responded and said these companies could stream the show easily........ ugh guess I'll have to keep watching on YouTube.