Jimmy McGovern attacks the lack of drama on television

Jimmy McGovern, creator of dramas such as The Street and Cracker, has blasted the lack of drama on television and the opportunities for young writers to break through into the genre.

 

Jimmy McGovern, creator of dramas such as The Street and Cracker, has blasted the lack of drama on television and the opportunities for young writers to break through into the genre. Speaking to Broadcast the acclaimed writer was also critical of ITV’s decision to axe The Bill which he argues will have a lasting impact. McGovern isn’t the only writer or broadcaster to criticise ITV’s decision to cancel the series. Following the news earlier this year several high profile figures in the drama genre spoke out against ITV for axing The Bill.

 

“The Bill was a tough place for new writers but the less drama there is, the fewer opportunities there are. Ideally I’d like to see a Play For Today take its place, but that’s not going to happen. It will probably be a reality show.” – McGovern quoted in Broadcast.

 

ITV has stated that it will replace The Bill with a series of new dramas it hopes will be successful but while the channel has had successes with Whitechapel and Above Suspicion shows like Married, Single, Other, Monday Monday and Harley Street don’t inspire confidence. Amongst the dramas to replace The Bill will be new medical drama Monroe starring James Nesbitt. McGovern’s daytime drama series Moving On was a ratings and critical success last year for the BBC prompting the corporation not only to repeat it in a later slot but also to order a second series.