Where the Heart Is originally aired on ITV from 1997 to 2006, spanning a total of 10 seasons and 106 episodes. The series was created by Ashley Pharoah and Vicky Featherstone, and starred Sarah Lancashire, Pam Ferris, Thomas Craig, and Tony Haygarth, among others.
The show follows the lives of a group of district nurses working in the fictional town of Skelthwaite, as they provide care and support for the local community. The main character is nurse Ruth Goddard (played by Lancashire), who is newly divorced with a young son, and starts working in Skelthwaite at the beginning of the series.
Throughout the show, viewers are introduced to a variety of other characters, both in the nursing team and in the wider community, as the nurses deal with a range of medical and personal issues. Some of the storylines include a breast cancer diagnosis, the impact of immigration on the town, a fatal car accident, and the difficulties of living with dementia.
Where the Heart Is has been praised for its realistic portrayal of healthcare professionals, as well as its exploration of social issues. However, it has also been criticized for occasionally straying into soap opera territory, with some plotlines being deemed melodramatic.
Despite this, the show remains a beloved classic of British television, and is remembered for its strong performances and heartfelt storytelling.
