Heartbeat (1992–2010) User Reviews (33)

All good things...

[studioAT · 6/10 · 15 March 2011]

So Heartbeat is to leave us after so many years of memorable moments. Some will say it should have gone years ago but for millions it is as much of the furniture as the Sunday roast.

Sure the story lines are a little far-fetched and the cast is barely recognisable from those group of people who we first welcomed into our homes in 1992 but the spirit of the show remains the same and the mix between drama and comedy is as alive as it was when Nick Berry first donned the motorbike and uniform.

We need these type of shows on TV but sadly for the network bosses it's all about ratings and keeping things fresh for the young people and Heartbeat it seems does not meet this criteria.

GoodSunday evening entertainment!

[ladybug_16 · 8/10 · 27 August 2008]

This is my very first comment on IMDb...and I think Heartbeat deserves the honour! I've watched Heartbeat on and off for many years now. Mind you, I'm only in my 20s, and most viewers that I know tend to be older than me so it was nice to see younger people posting on the boards. While Heartbeat could have easily lost viewers on a number of occasions, particularly with the loss of favourites, such as Phil Bellamy, it's still going strong. This is due, I think, to a constant stream of good characters, including many decent guest appearances. Although the plots can be a tad predictable (don't we know that the motor-bike riding policeman is bound to fall in love with the local doctor?!), this familiarity, as others have pointed out, add to the appeal. You sit down to watch Heartbeat and while there are certain things you can expect from it, it never disappoints. I prefer it to other British soaps as it has a certain innocence in comparison to the loudmouth filled casts of Eastenders or Coronation Street, and the '60s music, style and way of life is just charming.

Hopefully there can be a reunion ?

[baduurhamid · 6/10 · 4 January 2021]

Hopefully the rumors that a reunion is in the works are true. Perhaps a twenty episodes mini-series that can clearify what happened to the town and it's habitants.

I can't stop watching this!

[barbapapa-2 · 10/10 · 28 June 2011]

I can't believe I just heard about this show (right after it got cancelled!). It's the perfect show to just put on and relax - it's entertaining, light (with some exceptions, such as the episode in season 16 or 17 which includes a few moments of domestic violence), funny, and has a cast full of great characters.

The show began with a focus on the star role, a police officer. As time went by, the show evolved to become less a story about him than a number of stories about the various people in the town (and how they interact with one another). All of the characters are played well by the actors and are all believable - including the characters who are included as pure comedy relief. Even when a police officer leaves town (and, therefore, the show itself), a new one comes in and is instantly likable.

The stories are generally simple, such as the search for a missing watch (this was the episode which included the family violence). The story is rarely predictable, though, and even when it is, it's fun to watch the characters develop the storyline.

It's so easy to watch, I'll go through three or four a night sometimes - it's just like eating candy. I highly recommend this show to others. It's easily the most "watchable" show that I've ever seen on TV; just put it on, sit back and enjoy.

Fun program

[richteabiscuit · 25 September 2003]

"Heartbeat" is a brilliant nostalgic feel-good drama set in the 1960's. It mixes gentle story lines, beautiful scenery and hit music from the period to create a madly watchable program. Sure it is not ground breaking and certainly would not win any awards for creativity but it provides the perfect form of entertainment for a Sunday night. The light and easy to digest stories are just what anyone would want the night before an early morning start for work. What makes "Heartbeat" so good is the likeable characters and combination of humour and action. It doesn't take itself too seriously and never fails to have at least one scene were you couldn't fail to laugh or raise a smile. Even though it is on 24 times a year it hasn't deteriorated into just another soap like "The Bill" or "Where the heart is" with episodes made up of mainly stand-alone parts. It is deservedly the #1 drama on UK TV with 10 million viewers and even had a spin-off made in 2003 called "The Royle".

Clare Wille

[ari-j · 7/10 · 23 June 2020]

Rachel spoils a great TV series, an arrogant clown.

A familiar, lovable favourite

[pethoc · 10/10 · 26 October 2006]

"Heartbeat" is often criticized for its highly formulaic presentation and the fact that the makers no longer work to the realistic 1960s time-line. I can understand those concerns with the show, rolling my eyes at the fact that the show was first set in 1964 and has now been going about 14 years.

However, I think the type of program "Heartbeat" is should be taken into account before giving this show the thumbs down and negative reviews. Basically, it is meant to be that warm, enjoyable, pleasant, family-friendly, predictable and lovable show that it has become over the last 13 years. With a mixed bag of some reality, some comedy, some drama and nothing is taken too seriously.

I personally am glad they carry on making the show and did not stop after 6 years. And I look forward to when 15 and 16 are shown in Australia! :-) Ohhh and I must say - I'm not much into cars, but I quite like seeing the '60s cars on screen, hearing the '60s music and the scenery that have all been significant aspects of the show's success.

Quite innocent police series about the daily life in a small English village in the 60:th.

[harrylarssonsweden · 10/10 · 11 August 2006]

This is such a nice TV series that gives You a warm feeling of the past about a small village in England during the sixties.

Mainly stories concerning the inhabitants of the village Aidensfield - just outside Whitby - not too far from Yorkshire where the "head" characters is from the local Police-station, the pub and also the gas-station with a firm of undertaker which is a garage/funeral-service at the same time.

A "innocent" version of today You might say.

Has everything from Humor to drama calm and beautiful scenery as well as action with excellent actors indeed :-)

Ddddddd...David!

[smudgeinc-12103 · 4/10 · 24 October 2022]

I do like Heartbeat and have done for years from the start with Nick Berry , he was the best local PC .I think it has gone downhill progressively, but the one complaint is the character David . From a complete 'tard to suddenly having complete emotional and full understanding of his emotional condition and understanding of his abilities to then suddenly being a 'tard again!!!

It's also a shame the character Greengrass had to be written out ( well replaced) he was brilliant, the character Peggy is awful, with a horrible personality!

So to recap, David a simpleton then suddenly not!! Why??

Not a great actor either.

heartbeat - Dr Neil Bolton

[bb-94-458855 · 10/10 · 30 June 2011]

I love heartbeat. I was disappointed when Dr Neil Bolton left the series that was sad didn't like the ending. Why did he leave so quickly?

Other than that I think the show is great and love watching it. I love the scenery that is portrayed in the show. The antics especially with Greengrass. even though I don't know the actors names the characters they play are memorized in my mind especially the ones that I really like. I do hope that they keep playing but if it is the time that it has to end I hope that they keep playing re-runs as it is great to watch. If I get the chance I will buy the series on DVD to watch. Thanks again for a great TV show it blows all the drivel that is on TV these days out of the water. Top marks to the producers writers actors set directors etc all of you have done a terrific job.

Time for Heartbeat to be taken off life support!!

[mikedunton · 3/10 · 4 July 2007]

It really is time to bring this to a close. This is set in the sixties. It began in 1992, so the regular actors have now aged 15 years in a series that is supposed to span 10. Gina in mini skirt and boots, trying to dance in 60s style just looks ridiculous now. Alf, Bernie and Oscar are well past their sell-by dates and the whole thing is tired. Please can it now!!! By the way, I used to think it was a really good programme - especially the music. Just as an aside.......... Now that smoking is banned in places of work in England, they won't be able to smoke when making the programme. So, no smoking in the Aidensfield Arms, no more roll-ups for Alf in the police station - over 40 years before the ban came into being!!!

gives those that were too young to remember the sixties a second chance

[joeagnes · 17 September 2003]

If you were a young child living in England during any period of the 1960's, then this show is for you. If you miss the sixties, the live sounds of The Beatles, Donovan, Dusty Springfield together with many cult bands in those times of magic when we felt like as if life took you beyond your dreams, then this television series will help you reminisce and relate to such times more than any other television show ( to my knowledge) that is set in that era which contains the British atmosphere. The plot and theme enriches much of the simple life of a Beautiful English country town somewhere in Yorke, initially focusing around the interaction of a local Bobby - Nick Rowan ( played by Nick Berry) with the characters that make up the village community. Nearly all of the characters play a unique and important role, creating a new and interesting episode which leads the viewer enticed to want more. The episodes are beautifully supported by background music made popular by artists of that era and sometimes earlier (as the title tune `Heartbeat' was made famous by Buddy Holly in the late fifties) all depending on the scenes, bringing the sixties as alive as possible.

Every episode can be identified by it's title as most series are and each has it's own merit. It would be next to impossible to comment on all of them here, but two particular episodes which have strongly impacted me were; firstly, when Dr Ferrenby (played by Frank Middlemass) departs the series during a fishing trip and gets swamped into the river by the waves of water. It is a very moving scene superbly supported by the background music`Windmills of your mind' (soundtrack to the original 1968 `Thomas Crown Affair') resulting in an exceptionally directed scene. The news is then conveyed to Dr, Kate Rowan (played by Niamh Cusack) who is a colleague of Dr Ferrenby where she is naturally devastated by the news. Dr. Kate Rowan (who later departs the series when she dies from Leukemia) is a beautiful and empathetic character full of charm which the community get to love, underpinning the village morale. The other impressive episode titled `Baby Blues' is again well directed and filmed with a lovely scenery of the beautiful greenery of the Yorke country landscape which is well blended with the background music `Catch the wind' made famous by Donovan back in 1965. The echoes in this background music is well blended giving me goosebumps, hence giving a perfect sixties feel. This episode is one that demonstrates the teething problems that were associated with the typical stereotypes (highly contrasted to today) in the prejudices of judging a book by it's cover, where a group of hippies are accused by snobby upper middle class people for the disappearance of a baby. Cutting a long story short, it is the Hippies that eventually lead to successfully locating the missing baby. The snobby lady then swallows her pride with gratitude and wishes to offer them a reward, which they refuse to take, hinting to her that she had misjudged them. It is a powerful statement of the times which in turn is still valid by todays standards on a different platform

Other characters include the the village Sargent, Oscar Blaketon ( brilliantly performed by Derek Fowlds) who is overly obsessed with catching in the act another semi-comedy scruffy couch potato character Claude Greengrass (brilliantly performed by Bill Maynard) who is one of the village petty rogues who has never being caught for any of his scams. Greengrass is always accompanied by his shaggy dog - Alfred. It also has moments of comedy where one episode has Greengrass with his dog in the local pub and someone complains about fleas. Greengrass is immediately on the defence to claim that his dog is clean, but is soon corrected that it isn't the dog they were complaining about, but of him instead.

The only unrealistic component of this series is that almost every episode that I am aware of has a crime occurring, making this Yorkeshire village one of the most unsafest villages in the world which would obviously not be the case. However, this is probably purposely plotted to avoid the series from tarnishing to boredom which is a nightmare faced by anyone responsible for maintaining successful ratings of any television series.

This series have been running for some 10 years and naturally has changed so much in it's story lines with different characters coming and leaving the series, but the atmosphere and setting has remained unchanged. I have never seen anything like it as it is uniquely focused on a time and life that makes the show what it is and it is superbly cast and filmed.

"Heartbeat, why do you miss when my baby kisses me?"

[allmoviesfan · 8/10 · 24 January 2023]

I'm speaking purely of the Nick Berry and Jason Durr years as Nick Rowan and Mike Bradley respectively, police constables with fictional Aidensfield in the Yorkshire Moors as their patch. The show, so named, because Rowan's first wife was a doctor - "Heart" - and he was a cop "Beat".

With the perpetually grumpy Sergeant Oscar Blaketon in command and odd couple officers the chain-smoking veteran Alf Ventress and younger Phil Bellamy as support and quirky folks like Claude Jeremiah Greengrass - both comedic relief and a wonderful foil for Blaketon, brilliantly portrayed by Bill Maynard, plus, occasionally, definitely on the shady side of things - in the village and some pretty decent mysteries in each episode, plus a tremendous soundtrack of 1960's rock and the spectacular Moors as a backdrop to all the action, Heartbeat's early seasons were brilliant television, dealing with some pretty serious issues before like drugs, misogyny and the medical treatments of the time, before, as I understand it, it all became a little more folksy and harmless.

Heartbeat was a staple of Saturday night TV as a kid growing up in Australia, watching Heartbeat then The Bill with my parents. And one thing is for sure: the episode where Nick loses his first wife is an hour of television that will stick with me for a long time. The Christmas episodes were always good, too.

fantastic

[rossrobinson · 10/10 · 4 November 2003]

Heartbeat is a great series. This all started in 1992 and is set in a place i have been before 'Whitby'. It is a fantastic place to visit in the North Yorkshire area. The actors and actresses that star in Heartbeat are fantastic. I give the series 10 out of 10.

Like going back to the 60's in a time machine

[mjanssens26 · 9/10 · 26 April 2022]

I was a 1980's-90's kid but for some reason, I discovered this gem of a show streaming on Tubi in 2022. It only has six seasons on Tubi (even though the show ran for 18 years) but this show is like a comforting old blanket and cup of tea. It's a program that takes place in small town 1960's England and all the characters are wonderful and colorful. If you're going through a tough time in life, I suggest watching Heartbeat. It's like being in the company of a warm friend. Hopefully Tubi will stream Heartbeat's other seasons soon.

This is awful

[mckashbash · 1/10 · 29 October 2006]

This programme is absolutely awful. the plot is very boring and they should just abandon making new series. the characters are dull and even though it may be trying to create a retro feeling, it is out dated and no longer pleasant to the tastes of viewers. also considering th ratings of many other soaps/dramas, for example east-enders, coronation street and more recent ones such as torch wood, heartbeat does not really compare. this time slot would be well used for a variety of other programmes, and could give a chance for new directors to test out material. the only positive point i can pull from heartbeat is that it is on a Sunday, at a time where many people are doing other things, so they can be spared the embarrassment of watching this.

I wish it was still running

[emmasharris · 8/10 · 22 June 2016]

I love this series. Nick berry was brilliant in this series it was a pity he left in series 7. The theme song was so catchy. I didn't like Niamh Cusack I found her a pain in the neck. It was a horrible way of killing her off. Nick's new wife Jo was such a pain in the neck. Never understanding a thing. God I don't know why he even married her. Derek Flowds should cool off when he retires from been a sergeant . Mike who took over from Nick seemed nice enough however I find all the things that happen in HeartBeat there is never a new plot. Okay I love the TV series and the theme tune but really why make the police officers look so dumb it is not right.

encourages domestic violence

[bpoleary-2 · 1/10 · 19 May 2007]

This programme, in my opinion, encourages domestic violence against women. I saw an episode a few years ago, which was so disturbing, i still can't get it out of my mind. It was called David stockwell's ghost where a husband violently beat his wife and then afterwards it was like as if it didn't happen. She was supposed to cause bruises on their son, but butter wouldn't melt in his mouth, wife-beating husband does nothing wrong. I think that this series tells you that it is alright for men to beat up their wives which may lead to the wives beating their children, or they could be forced to admit they do by their animal husbands, but the wives should still be punished, even though they're being led to believe this is the way to treat people. And recently they showed an episode where domestic violence was not okay. But can you explain the domestic violence in the episode entitled David stockwell's ghost? In my opinion don't watch this series because it can put ideas into peoples heads about how to physically abuse women in one episode, but then confuse you by saying it's wrong in another episode. This series should be examined closely.

Enjoyable English 1960s nostalgia

[penseur · 3 April 2004]

This TV series manages to combine all the elements that make for a pleasant and at times absorbing hour in front of the TV - good varied characters, a range of occupations, although of course the policemen dominate, creative and simultaneously plausible story lines - usually one serious criminal occurrence and one lighthearted theme per episode - and all of it set in rural English village landscape (Yorkshire) which looks very nice and a contrast from urban Britain which I find mostly quite dreary and depressing. The 1960s seem a long time ago now, before Britain joined the EEC, when it still used non-decimal currency and imperial measurements, when it was still largely "monocultural", and when there were still steam trains. There are also those dinky British 60s cars, motorbikes and trucks that everyone gets around in, miniskirts and pop hits of the time on the soundtrack. What more could you ask for? Another commentator says it screens in the UK on Sunday nights - here it has always screened early on Saturday afternoons which isn't exactly prime time, a pity.

The best TV show ever.

[cbradfield-52366 · 10/10 · 5 February 2024]

I wanted to introduce you to a police drama called Heartbeat based on the novels by by Nicholas Rhea about a Police station located in north Yorkshire in the fictional Village of Aidensfield and ran for 1992/2010 usually shown on a Sunday evening it was very much family viewing and i looked forward to watching it with my Auntie.

I felt the story lines were strong and exciting with moments of humour making it an easy watch.

My favourite characters were David Lonsdale, who played David Stockwell a comlcal Village buffoon. I also liked Jonathan Kerrigan who played P. C Rob walker a young enthusiastic Police officer was in prison for theft.

In my opinion series should be 10/10 but is currently rated as a 6.9 on IMDb .

I cannot recommend it highly enough, a definite one to watch.

Another 10/10 English Winner.

[xpat-55192 · 10/10 · 3 April 2023]

Set in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales during the emergence 1963/4-onward of the soon to be worldwide early English Rhythm and Blues revolution.

The music of that time supplies a zeitgeist with the most welcome ability to enjoy the nostalgia of the music and climate of that time.

A variety of separate stories and a wonderful cast of well-drawn characters with an unforgettable comedic police nemesis in the form of Claude Greengrass (Bill Maynard), made every episode a mandatory appointment for every viewer. The cast grows over the series and the characters and the characters' idiosyncrasies grow on the viewer.

Just like other great English-setting series, this is another roaring success, and I can thoroughly recommend it as I am currently watching (Apr 2023) the lot again myself - in order on Youtube.

Please enjoy!

A Heartfelt Tribute to "Heartbeat": A Timeless British Classic

[bubblybosun · 10/10 · 9 March 2024]

Nostalgia envelops me each time I reminisce about the first time I stumbled upon "Heartbeat" back in 1992. It was an era devoid of the digital avalanche, where television held a magical allure, and "Heartbeat" became a beacon of storytelling brilliance for me. Today, amidst the cacophony of modern-day soaps, revisiting an episode of "Heartbeat" feels like a soothing balm, a testament to its enduring charm and relevance.

Set against the picturesque backdrop of the North Yorkshire Moors, "Heartbeat" captured the essence of the 1960s with impeccable authenticity, weaving stories that resonated on a deeply human level. What set it apart was its unique ability to balance the idyllic rural life with compelling narratives that delved into the complexities of human emotions and community ties. Each episode was a tapestry of life's simple pleasures and intricate challenges, making it a mirror to our own lives.

The acting prowess displayed in "Heartbeat" is, without a doubt, its crowning glory. The ensemble cast, with their nuanced performances, brought the characters to life in a manner that was both relatable and enchanting. They were not just characters but became part of our extended family, sharing their joys, sorrows, triumphs, and tribulations with a raw honesty that is hard to find in today's television landscape.

Comparatively, while contemporary soaps like "EastEnders" have their place in entertainment, often dubbed "Beastenders" for their occasionally over-the-top dramatizations, "Heartbeat" maintained a subtlety and depth in storytelling that is rare. It steered clear of sensationalism, focusing instead on the strength of its narrative and the authenticity of its characters.

The storylines in "Heartbeat" were a blend of heartwarming, humorous, and sometimes poignant narratives that touched upon social issues, personal dilemmas, and the unbreakable bonds of community. It was this blend of light and shade that gave "Heartbeat" its distinctive character, making each episode a delightful journey through the highs and lows of life.

In an age where television often leans towards the sensational and the superficial, "Heartbeat" stands as a beacon of quality storytelling, character development, and genuine emotional engagement. For those of us who have had the pleasure of experiencing its magic, "Heartbeat" remains an unparalleled classic in the pantheon of British television. It's more than just a show; it's a cherished memory, a comfort, and a reminder of the enduring power of good storytelling.

Nostalgic but doesn't justify its 60s setting

[tcecoleshaw · 5/10 · 25 March 2021]

I don't rate Heartbeat especially. It's yet one more TV series exploiting the songs of the sixties but for the most part, it Could have been set in any period. It doesn't know what it is either. Is it a police drama? Medical drama? Social drama? Seeing as it's light entertainment, it masters none and doesn't appear to explore serious era-specific issues. You might as well be watching Doc Martin. It does however enjoy high quality actors, decent writing, watchable stories (despite my criticisms), pleasant locations. For something a little more authentic and focused, try All Creatures Great and Small with it's slightly more memorable cast.

Predictable

[AMAZINGzingzing · 3/10 · 28 December 2023]

There are lots of things to enjoy about heartbeat,

decent actors, lovely panoramic countryside views, old architecture etc , beautiful women, simple storylines,

and a unique sense of old school Britishness,

there was nothing woke about heartbeat

But there's also alot to dislike,once you've seen a few episodes it quickly becomes repetitive, how many times must we see greengrass and his dimwit mate stealing something and getting chased by the plod?

Characters are Very one dimensional and you can almost always predict what they are going to say, usually something sarcastic

Or someone cheating, having an unplanned pregnancy etc

I do enjoy retro music, however it is overdone In heartbeat, it becomes cheesy and ruins the scenes.

A good show

[walfordqueen · 6 November 2005]

I've been watching Heartbeat for the past 7 years and have to say that it's a very gentle show. The show did suffer after losing the character of Greengrass but I like the way that things have picked up after a brief boring period. The character of Peggy is a bit tiresome but you can cope with her if you ignore the fact that she's supposed to be their latest replacement for Greengrass. I don't know how long this show can still continue to be set in the 60s for though when you consider the fact that soon the cast will begin to look much older than they were ten years ago. Overall it combines some great sounds of the sixties with some entertaining stories about crime.