Empire Road
Series Overview
Empire Road was a British television series, made by the BBC in 1978 and 1979. Written by Michael Abbensetts, the show ran for two seasons of eight episodes each. The series was the first British television series to be written, acted and directed predominantly by black artists. A soap opera, similar in format to Coronation Street, Empire Road depicted life for the African-Caribbean, East Indian and South Asian residents of a racially diverse street in the city of Birmingham. Prominent cast members included Norman Beaton, Corinne Skinner-Carter, Wayne Laryea, Joseph Marcell and Rudolph Walker. The programme also provided early TV exposure for Julie Walters who appeared in a few episodes. The series was made at BBC Pebble Mill with location work in the Handsworth area of Birmingham. The eponymously named theme song was recorded by Matumbi and also released as a single in 1978.
Broadcast Schedule & Network Information
Airing status, episode counts, upcoming schedule, and network syndication.
2 Seasons • 15 Episodes
30 min per episode
1978 – 1979
Premiered: Tue, Oct 31, 1978
Creative Production Team
Latest Aired Episode
Season 2, Episode 10: “Wedding”
Ranjanaa and Marcus are getting married today, and Empire Road sets out to celebrate the wedding of the year.
Seasons & Episodes Breakdown
Cast & Creators
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Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Empire Road.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Empire Road
Key facts, seasons breakdown, and credits for search engines and AI assistants.
What is Empire Road about?
Empire Road was a British television series, made by the BBC in 1978 and 1979. Written by Michael Abbensetts, the show ran for two seasons of eight episodes each. The series was the first British television series to be written, acted and directed predominantly by black artists. A soap opera, similar in format to Coronation Street, Empire Road depicted life for the African-Caribbean, East Indian and South Asian residents of a racially diverse street in the city of Birmingham. Prominent cast members included Norman Beaton, Corinne Skinner-Carter, Wayne Laryea, Joseph Marcell and Rudolph Walker. The programme also provided early TV exposure for Julie Walters who appeared in a few episodes. The series was made at BBC Pebble Mill with location work in the Handsworth area of Birmingham. The eponymously named theme song was recorded by Matumbi and also released as a single in 1978.
How many seasons does Empire Road have?
Empire Road comprises 2 seasons available to explore.
Who stars in Empire Road?
Key cast members in Empire Road include Meg Johnson, Rudolph Walker, Joseph Marcell, Norman Beaton, Wayne Laryea.
Who created or directed Empire Road?
Empire Road was developed and directed by Not specified.