Tenko
Series Overview
Based on real-life experiences, Tenko remains one of the most fondly remembered and acclaimed BBC dramas of the early 1980s. It follows a group of women, formerly comfortably well-off ex-pats living in Singapore, as they are captured by the Japanese during World War II.
Broadcast Schedule & Network Information
Airing status, episode counts, upcoming schedule, and network syndication.
3 Seasons • 30 Episodes
50–60 min per episode
1981 – 1984
Premiered: Thu, Oct 22, 1981
Latest Aired Episode
Season 3, Episode 10: “Sayonara”
The women all prepare to leave Singapore to go back home, agreeing to have a reunion at Raffles in 1950, exactly five years after they separate. Joss dies in hospital. Bea agrees to stay on in Singapore and help Stephen run the centre. Sister Ulrica goes to visit Yamauchi, who tells her he knows he will be hanged. Maggie agrees to go and stay with Dorothy in London. Everyone reminisces about absent friends: Joss, Rose, Blanche and all the others who died, and then say their goodbyes as they all go their separate ways. Marion realises the experience is finally over as she sails for home.
Seasons & Episodes Breakdown
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Tenko | Saturday afternoons from 1pmOfficial
Type: Trailer • Published 2017-01-19
Cast & Creators
Explore Star Directory →
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Lavinia Warner
James Harpham
Department Leadership Roster
James Harpham
Original Music Composer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
NR: Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
FSK 6 — Restricted to viewers aged 6 and older.
Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Tenko.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Tenko
Key facts, seasons breakdown, and credits for search engines and AI assistants.
What is Tenko about?
Based on real-life experiences, Tenko remains one of the most fondly remembered and acclaimed BBC dramas of the early 1980s. It follows a group of women, formerly comfortably well-off ex-pats living in Singapore, as they are captured by the Japanese during World War II.
How many seasons does Tenko have?
Tenko comprises 3 seasons available to explore.
Who stars in Tenko?
Key cast members in Tenko include Stephanie Cole, Jean Anderson, Ann Bell, Emily Bolton, Claire Oberman.
Who created or directed Tenko?
Tenko was developed and directed by Lavinia Warner.