The Lakes

The Lakes is a mystery drama created and written by Jimmy McGovern for BBC1. The first series – comprised of four episodes – broadcast from 14 September to 5 October 1997. A second series of ten episodes ran from 10 January to 14 March 1999. Danny Kavanagh leaves Liverpool for the Lake District, finding work at a hotel and love with a local girl named Emma. Yet Danny remains an outsider in the close-knit community, and through the machinations of fate, he finds himself implicated in a tragedy. The secrets, lies, and crimes, of the seemingly tranquil community continue to be revealed.

Directed by Jimmy McGovern, The Lakes leans on a strong ensemble — John Simm, Charles Dale, Kaye Wragg — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The series landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about mystery titles of 1997.