Cameras follow some of the 5,000 residents of Jaywick in north Essex. Ex-convict Fred struggles to survive the winter in his unheated caravan. Landlords Barry and Suzy are left facing a £5,000 repair bill after a tenant does a moonlit flit.
Cameras follow "Disco Dave" who is trying to quit drinking for the sake of his grandchildren and his neighbour "Boo" who is trying to set up a soup kitchen. Local builder Danny posts videos extolling the virtues of Jaywick on Youtube.
Cameras follow Stuart and Naomi who face eviction over a £600 debt and Roger, a homeless man living in a derelict house and reliant on help from a good Samaritan. "Disco Dave" needs to stay off the booze before entering detox.
New residents JP and Sarah want a second chance to start a family, but Sarah needs to kick her heroin addiction before her baby is born. Tattooist Lou receives her strangest request yet and local councillor Dan is in for a shock.