The Onedin Line 1971
“The wind blows free”
What is The Onedin Line?
The Onedin Line is a BBC television drama series that was created by Cyril Abraham. The series ran from 1971 to 1980 and is set in Liverpool.
- Type
- TV series
- Year
- 1971
- Status
- Ended
- Episodes
- 91
- Runtime
- 50 minutes
- First aired
- Oct 15, 1971
- Last aired
- Oct 26, 1980
- Original language
- EN
- Origin
- GB
- Networks
- ORF 1, BBC One, Das Erste
- Genres
- Drama
- Updated
Where to watch
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How long to binge?
Estimate the schedule using 91 episodes and an average 50-minute runtime.
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Find the trailer on YouTube ↗Overview
The Onedin Line is a BBC television drama series that was created by Cyril Abraham. The series ran from 1971 to 1980 and is set in Liverpool. It deals with the rise of a shipping line and the lives of the family associated with it. The series provides insight into the lifestyle and customs of the time, both at sea and ashore. The show explores the changes in business and shipping that occurred during the period in which it is set. The Onedin Line is named after its owner and the series follows the lives of his family, including his brother and partner, and his sister. The series ran for a number of years and was broadcast by the BBC. It is a drama series that explores themes related to shipping and family life in Liverpool. The show's setting and themes provide a unique perspective on the time period in which it is set.
Should you watch it?
“Follow the rise of a Liverpool shipping line and its ambitious owner from 1860 to 1886.”
- explores historical business and shipping changes
- features intricate family dynamics
- focused on a specific historical period
- deals with complex business rivalries
Watch it if you enjoy historical family dramas centered around the shipping industry.
The series deals with dramatic family and business conflicts appropriate for a television drama.
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Cast
Episode guide
Season 1 · 15 episodes
- E1 The Wind Blows Free Oct 15, 1971
- E2 Plain Sailing Oct 22, 1971
- E3 Other Points of the Compass Oct 29, 1971
- E4 High Price Nov 5, 1971
- E5 Catch as Can Nov 12, 1971
- E6 Salvage Nov 19, 1971
- E7 Passage to Pernambuco Nov 26, 1971
- E8 The Homecoming Dec 3, 1971
- E9 When My Ship Comes Home Dec 10, 1971
- E10 A Very Important Passenger Dec 17, 1971
- E11 Mutiny Dec 24, 1971
- E12 Cry of the Blackbird Jan 7, 1972
- E13 Shadow of Doubt Jan 14, 1972
- E14 Blockade Jan 21, 1972
- E15 Winner Take All Jan 28, 1972
Season 2 · 14 episodes
- E1 The Hard Case Sep 17, 1972
- E2 Pound and Pint Sep 24, 1972
- E3 A Woman Alone Oct 1, 1972
- E4 Fetch and Carry Oct 8, 1972
- E5 Yellow Jack Oct 15, 1972
- E6 Survivor Oct 22, 1972
- E7 Coffin Ship Oct 29, 1972
- E8 'Frisco Bound Nov 12, 1972
- E9 Beyond the Upper Sea Nov 19, 1972
- E10 An Inch of Candle Nov 26, 1972
- E11 Goodbye, Goodbye Dec 3, 1972
- E12 Bloody Week Dec 10, 1972
- E13 The Challenge Dec 17, 1972
- E14 Race for Power Dec 31, 1972
Season 3 · 13 episodes
- E1 The Ship Devils Oct 21, 1973
- E2 The Stranger Oct 28, 1973
- E3 Echoes from Afar Nov 4, 1973
- E4 Amazon Cargo Nov 11, 1973
- E5 Danger Level Nov 18, 1973
- E6 Black Gold Nov 25, 1973
- E7 Law of the Fist Dec 9, 1973
- E8 Ice and Fire Dec 16, 1973
- E9 A Proposal of Marriage Dec 23, 1973
- E10 Over the Horizon Jan 6, 1974
- E11 The Silver Caddy Jan 13, 1974
- E12 Port Out, Starboard Home Jan 20, 1974
- E13 The Passenger Jan 27, 1974
Season 4 · 10 episodes
- E1 Loss of the Helen May Apr 25, 1976
- E2 A Cold Wind Blowing May 2, 1976
- E3 Not Wanted on Voyage May 9, 1976
- E4 Undercurrent May 16, 1976
- E5 Quarantine May 23, 1976
- E6 Uncharted Island May 30, 1976
- E7 A Clear Conscience Jun 6, 1976
- E8 Shipwreck Jun 13, 1976
- E9 The Gamble Jun 20, 1976
- E10 Month of the Albatross Jun 27, 1976
Season 5 · 10 episodes
- E1 When Troubles Come Jun 26, 1977
- E2 Rescue Jul 3, 1977
- E3 Coffin Ships Jul 10, 1977
- E4 The Trade Winds Jul 17, 1977
- E5 The Stowaway Jul 24, 1977
- E6 Dead Man’s Cargo Jul 31, 1977
- E7 A Hard Life Aug 7, 1977
- E8 The Hostage Aug 14, 1977
- E9 Uncharted Waters Aug 21, 1977
- E10 A Close Run Thing Aug 28, 1977
Frequently asked questions
When did The Onedin Line air?
The series ran from 1971 to 1980.
Who created the series?
The series was created by Cyril Abraham.
Where is the series set?
The series is set in Liverpool.
What is the central theme of the show?
The central theme is the rise of a shipping line named the Onedin Line.
Who are the key family members featured alongside James Onedin?
His brother and partner Robert, and his sister Elizabeth, are featured prominently.