The BEST episodes of Small Axe

Every episode of Small Axe ever, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of Small Axe!

A look at the lives of a group of friends and their families living in West London from 1968 to 2014.

Last Updated: 1/11/2024Network: BBC OneStatus: Ended
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Mangrove
star
8.12
213 votes

#1 - Mangrove

Season 1 - Episode 1 - Aired 11/15/2020

The true story of the Mangrove restaurant, a lively community hub in London’s Notting Hill that was the subject of relentless police raids during the 1970s and a consequent trial.

Directors: Steve McQueen
Watch Now:Amazon
Education
star
7.53
106 votes

#2 - Education

Season 1 - Episode 5 - Aired 12/13/2020

When 12-year-old Kingsley is transferred to a special-needs school, a group of West Indian women uncover an unofficial segregation policy preventing many black children from receiving the education they deserve.

Directors: Steve McQueen
Watch Now:Amazon
Red, White and Blue
star
7.53
154 votes

#3 - Red, White and Blue

Season 1 - Episode 3 - Aired 11/29/2020

After seeing his father assaulted by police officers, a young black man is driven to join the force, with hopes of changing racist attitudes from within. He soon finds himself facing both his father's disapproval and racism in the ranks.

Directors: Steve McQueen
Watch Now:Amazon
Lovers Rock
star
7.25
196 votes

#4 - Lovers Rock

Season 1 - Episode 2 - Aired 11/22/2020

A single evening at a house party in 1980s West London sets the scene, developing intertwined relationships against a background of violence, romance and music.

Directors: Steve McQueen
Watch Now:Amazon
Alex Wheatle
star
6.87
127 votes

#5 - Alex Wheatle

Season 1 - Episode 4 - Aired 12/6/2020

Alex Wheatle spent his childhood in a mostly white institutional care home and jailed after the Brixton uprising of 1981.

Directors: Steve McQueen
Watch Now:Amazon