The BEST episodes of This Is England

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

The story takes place during the 1986 FIFA World Cup. As Shaun completes his last school exam, he realises he will have to find his way in the world. His friends, who include Woody, Lol, Smell, Gadget and Meggy, are still around, looking for love, entertainment and employment

Last Updated: 3/20/2024Network: Channel 4Status: Ended
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'88 - Episode 3
star
10.00
28 votes

#1 - '88 - Episode 3

Season 2 - Episode 3 - Aired 12/15/2011

Renowned filmmaker Shane Meadows follows up the explosive award-winning This Is England '86 with three new one-hour films. In the third and final film, it's Christmas Day; Shaun's messed up big style this time and it's hit him hard. The gang is getting merry until they bump head first into Woody and Jennifer. It's the first time Woody and Milky have seen each other since... punches fly, it's messy. Things are coming to a head for Lol too; she's not coping and is struggling to find any kind of peace. It's gotta get worse before it gets better. This is Christmas, This is England '88.

Directors: Shane Meadows
Watch Now:Amazon
'88 - Episode 1
star
8.50
56 votes

#2 - '88 - Episode 1

Season 2 - Episode 1 - Aired 12/13/2011

Renowned filmmaker Shane Meadows follows up the award-winning This Is England '86 with three new one-hour films. Shown over three consecutive nights This Is England '88 sees Meadows picks up the action in the Christmas of 1988 as Lol struggles to cope with what life has thrown at her. Haunted by the devastating events that took place 18 months previously, she finds her reserves of strength ebbing away. With her soul mate Woody, heartbroken from her betrayal and in self-imposed exile from the gang, Lol becomes increasingly isolated and alone. In the first film it's December 23 and life isn't looking so festive for some. Lol is struggling to cope with new responsibilities and past haunts. Smell and Shaun are still together, just about. Shaun's gone all lothario attending drama college, preparing for the Christmas play with new girl in town, Fay. And Woody has a new girlfriend, the lovely Jennifer. Lovely, but no Lol - the polar opposite to Lol. Milky returns from some time away, but what reception will he get?

Directors: Shane Meadows
Watch Now:Amazon
'88 - Episode 2
star
8.50
56 votes

#3 - '88 - Episode 2

Season 2 - Episode 2 - Aired 12/14/2011

Renowned filmmaker Shane Meadows follows up the explosive award-winning This Is England '86 with three new one-hour films. In film two, it's Christmas Eve and there's a decision to make. Woody's been offered a promotion at work - fast-track up the management ladder or motorway to mediocrity, depends on how you look at it. Lol's crying out for help. She pays a visit to Combo in prison. Shaun takes centre stage for his acting debut. In true style the gang all attend, well, all apart from Woody. Smell's suspicions are heightened when she walks in on Shaun and Fay's intimate rehearsals backstage. There's an after-show party. 'Tis the season to be jolly, but is it all going to end in tears?

Directors: Shane Meadows
Watch Now:Amazon
'86 - Episode 4
star
8.49
190 votes

#4 - '86 - Episode 4

Season 1 - Episode 4 - Aired 9/28/2010

After waking, Combo informs Shaun and Smell that his mother is dying. Shaun takes him to see his mother, but when they get there they discover she has already died. Combo says goodbye to his mother's body.

Directors: Shane Meadows
Watch Now:Amazon
'86 - Episode 3
star
8.19
252 votes

#5 - '86 - Episode 3

Season 1 - Episode 3 - Aired 9/21/2010

Shaun faces life on the streets after he rejects his mother, and Lol's troubles are compounded when her father Mick reveals his true colours. Meanwhile, a game of football at the park descends into chaos, Meggy comes close to meeting the son he never knew he had, and a familiar face returns to the fold.

Directors: Shane Meadows
Watch Now:Amazon
'86 - Episode 1
star
8.13
457 votes

#6 - '86 - Episode 1

Season 1 - Episode 1 - Aired 9/7/2010

Shaun is about to leave school and enter the adult world. All he wants to do is enjoy his freedom while he still can, but his mother and the local bullies have other ideas. Meanwhile, Woody and Lol nervously anticipate their wedding, but one of them is getting cold feet - before a medical emergency places the big day in jeopardy.

Directors: Tom Harper
Watch Now:Amazon
'86 - Episode 2
star
7.67
272 votes

#7 - '86 - Episode 2

Season 1 - Episode 2 - Aired 9/14/2010

With Shaun firmly back with his old gang, life appears good, but trouble brews among his friends. With Milky and Woody competing for her affections, Lol returns home to find her father has resurfaced. Meanwhile, Gadget harbours an unrequited love for Kelly, and Cynth continues to pursue a relationship with Mr Sandhu, much to her son's distaste.

Directors: Tom Harper
Watch Now:Amazon
'90 - Spring
star
0.00
0 votes

#8 - '90 - Spring

Season 3 - Episode 1 - Aired 9/13/2015

Lol, Woody, Shaun, Milky, Smell, Gadget, Harvey, Kell, Trev and Combo are back for the final chapter of Shane Meadows' landmark series. The gang become part of the loved-up masses with new brothers and sisters in the fields, forests and factories of England during the summer of love.

Directors: Shane Meadows
Watch Now:Amazon
'90 - Summer
star
0.00
0 votes

#9 - '90 - Summer

Season 3 - Episode 2 - Aired 9/20/2015

It's summer: the BBQs are out and the raves are on. While Lol, Woody and Milky revel in domestic bliss, the rest of the gang embark on a journey they will never forget.

Directors: Shane Meadows
Watch Now:Amazon
'90 - Autumn
star
0.00
0 votes

#10 - '90 - Autumn

Season 3 - Episode 3 - Aired 9/27/2015

Life begins to take a darker turn as autumn draws in and honesty, loyalty and forgiveness are tested to the limit among the group of young friends in the penultimate episode of Shane Meadows' 1990-set drama. Lol finds herself confronted with a seemingly impossible task and is forced to face up to some uncomfortable truths. Kelly continues on her downward spiral, while Shaun escapes the troubles of the present with a trip down memory lane

Directors: Shane Meadows
Watch Now:Amazon
'90 - Winter
star
0.00
0 votes

#11 - '90 - Winter

Season 3 - Episode 4 - Aired 10/4/2015

As winter arrives, there is a promise of new beginnings for Combo, Woody and Lol, but nothing is ever as simple as it seems. Shaun has grown into the man he was always meant to be, and Milky must deal with demons from his past. Meanwhile, Kelly strays drastically from the path, and only she can decide whether she will ever get her life back on track.

Directors: Shane Meadows
Watch Now:Amazon