Psychos (TV series)

Psychos
GenreMedical drama
Written byDavid Wolstencroft
Directed byJohn McKay
Andy Wilson
Danny Hiller
StarringDouglas Henshall
Neve McIntosh
Alastair Mackenzie
Alison Peebles
Iain Fraser
Indira Varma
Jenny McCrindle
Elaine Collins
Country of originUnited Kingdom
Original languageEnglish
No. of series1
No. of episodes6 (list of episodes)
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Production
ProducerChrissy Skinns
CinematographyPeter Robertson
EditorFergus MacKinnon
Running time50 minutes
Production companyKudos
Original release
NetworkChannel 4
Release6 May (1999-05-06) –
10 June 1999 (1999-06-10)
Infobox instructions (only shown in preview)

Psychos is a six-part British television drama series, first broadcast on 6 May 1999, that aired on Channel 4. The series focuses upon a manic-depressive psychiatrist, Dr. Daniel Nash, and the hospital in Glasgow where he works. The series was written by David Wolstencroft and directed by John McKay and Andy Wilson. Douglas Henshall starred as Dr. Daniel Nash, with Neve McIntosh, Alastair Mackenzie and Indira Varma also appearing in lead roles.[1] The series was nominated for the BAFTA Television Award for Best Drama Series,[2] and its writer, Wolstencroft, won the RTS best newcomer award for off-screen talent.[3]

The series was strongly criticised by Ofcom which upheld 28 complaints made by viewers, and stated that, following an investigation, the series "reinforced stereotypes and prejudice towards people involved in mental health". Ofcom also ruled that "a sexual relationship between a doctor and a patient was trivialised and gave the wrong signal about the seriousness of such a breach of trust".[4] In light of the investigation, a planned second series was cancelled and the series was not released on home video.[citation needed] The complete series has since been available to view on All4.[5]

  1. ^ "Douglas Henshall". The Guardian. Retrieved 23 October 2011.
  2. ^ "Bafta TV awards: The winners". BBC News. 15 May 2000. Retrieved 23 October 2011.
  3. ^ "Dame Thora's awards double". BBC News. 22 March 2000. Retrieved 23 October 2011.
  4. ^ "Channel 4 criticised on Psychos". TheGuardian.com. 30 September 1999.
  5. ^ "Psychos: Episode 1 - All 4".