On Wednesday, 10 July 2024, BBC Four invites audiences to join GF Newman as he reflects on his groundbreaking BBC crime drama, Law and Order, which caused a stir in 1978 with its unfiltered portrayal of police corruption. The writer and creator of the series shares his insights in a special titled GF Newman Remembers… Law and Order.
Newman offers a behind-the-scenes look at the drama that shocked the nation and sparked debates in the House of Commons. He reveals the secrecy and intrigue surrounding the show’s production, the sources of inspiration for his innovative storylines and characters, and the reactions of real police officers to the series.
Law and Order broke free from the confines of traditional police procedurals like Dixon of Dock Green and Z Cars, presenting a grittier and more realistic depiction of law enforcement. The controversy surrounding the series led to its effective banishment from broadcast for 30 years.
The special is followed by all four episodes of the seminal drama series, providing an opportunity for viewers to experience the groundbreaking storytelling that challenged conventions and sparked conversations about the British judicial system.
GF Newman Remembers… Law and Order airs on Wednesday, 10 July 2024, at 10:00 PM on BBC Four, followed by the four-part series Law and Order.