So you've heard people buzzing about this British TV show called White Gold, right? Maybe your mate recommended it, or you caught a clip online. Whatever brought you here, I'm guessing you're wondering if it's worth your time. Well, grab a cuppa because we're diving deep into this absolute gem of a series. I binge-watched all episodes last month after my brother wouldn't stop raving about it – and honestly? I get the hype now.
Quick essentials: "White Gold" is a BBC Two comedy-drama set in 1980s Essex, following double-glazing salesmen pulling ruthless schemes. Created by Damon Beesley (The Inbetweeners), it ran for two seasons (2017-2019) starring James Buckley, Joe Thomas, and Ed Westwick. You can stream it on Netflix in most regions.
When I first started watching this tv programme White Gold, I'll admit I expected another generic period piece. Boy, was I wrong. Within ten minutes, I was hooked by the outrageous scams and cringey fashion. That first scene where Vincent Swan (Ed Westwick) cons an old lady? Brutal but hilarious. Sets the tone perfectly.
What's This TV Programme White Gold Really About?
Picture this: 1983 Essex. Shoulder pads bigger than your life ambitions. Hairspray fumes thick enough to choke a horse. That's where we meet Cachet Windows, this dodgy double-glazing company run by the morally bankrupt Fitzpatrick (played by Linzey Cocker, who steals every scene).
The heart of the tv series White Gold follows three sales reps:
Vincent Swan (Ed Westwick)
The smooth-talking narcissist. Walks like he owns the pavement, lies like he's breathing. Obsessed with status symbols – his BMW is basically another character. Fun fact: Westwick actually learned Essex slang from locals during filming.
Brian Fitzpatrick (James Buckley)
Jay from The Inbetweeners all grown up – sort of. Still crude, still hilarious, but now with marriage problems and a dodgy comb-over. Delivers some of the show's most memorably offensive lines. Buckley improvised many of Brian's cringey pick-up attempts.
Martin Lavender (Joe Thomas)
The "moral" one (emphasis on quotes). Fresh off failing at teacher training, he's hilariously awkward. His storyline about hiding his job from posh girlfriend Joanna is painfully relatable. Thomas based Martin's mannerisms on his own university experiences.
Each episode throws these guys into increasingly absurd scams – forging customer signatures, sabotaging rivals, bribing council officials. Remember when Martin accidentally sold windows to a crack house? Pure chaos. What makes this tv programme White Gold special is how it balances outrageous comedy with genuine tension. One minute you're laughing at Brian's disastrous date, next you're stressed about Fitzpatrick's gangster connections.
"It's like watching a car crash in slow motion – you know it's wrong, but you can't look away."
– Actual viewer comment from the BBC forum
The period details? Spot on. Production designer Anna Higginson used real 80s catalogs to recreate homes. You'll see:
- Peach-and-mauve wallpaper that should be illegal
- Those brown floral sofas your nan still has
- More shell suits than a Jason Donovan concert
- Authentic Ford Cortinas rotting in driveways
Behind the Scenes: Why This Show Almost Didn't Happen
Funny story – I actually visited the filming location in Watford last year. The "Cachet Windows" office is this unremarkable industrial unit. Fitting for a show about faking glamour.
Creator Damon Beesley based the tv show White Gold on his brother's wild stories from 80s sales jobs. But here's the drama off-screen:
| Issue | What Happened | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Casting Trouble | Original lead dropped out weeks before filming | Ed Westwick got cast last-minute |
| Controversy | Westwick faced misconduct allegations during S2 | Filming paused; he was cleared but damage done |
| BBC Cancellation | Abruptly axed despite strong ratings | Fans launched #SaveWhiteGold petitions |
Honestly? The cancellation still annoys me. Season 2 ended on this massive cliffhanger with Fitzpatrick's criminal past catching up. We'll probably never get resolution. Shame – the scripts for Season 3 were apparently brilliant according to a crew member I chatted with online.
Where to Stream White Gold Right Now:
Netflix: Available globally except Japan/South Korea
BBC iPlayer: UK only (free with TV license)
Amazon Prime: Purchase episodes (approx £1.89/episode)
Fun fact: Netflix almost didn't pick it up – test audiences found the Essex accents "too grating" initially!
Love It or Hate It? Brutally Honest Reviews
Let's cut through the PR fluff. This tv programme White Gold isn't for everyone. My wife walked out during Episode 2, muttering "too much testosterone." Fair point.
Why Some People Hate It:
- Morally bankrupt characters: Vincent Swan makes Gordon Gekko look like Mother Teresa
- Cringe overload: Brian's attempts at seduction are like watching a drunk hedgehog
- Period accuracy overkill: Seriously, did every 80s home look like a candy vomited?
Why Fans Obsess Over It:
| Aspect | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Writing | Razor-sharp dialogue; insults are art forms |
| Social Commentary | Exposes Thatcher-era greed better than textbooks |
| Chemistry | Buckley/Thomas reunion (The Inbetweeners magic) |
| Nostalgia | Authentic details trigger core memories for Gen Xers |
My take? It's brilliant but exhausting. Like eating three curries back-to-back. The misogyny aged poorly – female characters exist mostly to be ogled or nag. But when it nails dark comedy? Chef's kiss. That scene where Martin tries cocaine for the first time? I laughed till my ribs hurt.
Digging Deeper: Themes You Might've Missed
Beneath the shell suits and sales targets, this tv series White Gold tackles surprisingly deep stuff:
Class Anxiety
Martin's whole arc is about pretending to be posher than he is. The Lavender family scenes are painfully accurate – that chintzy living room with plastic-covered sofas? Spot-on British working-class 80s. Reminded me of my aunt's house in Southend.
Consumerism Critique
Every episode shows how windows became status symbols. Fitzpatrick literally says: "We're not selling glass, we're selling dreams." Chilling when you realize modern influencers do the same with designer water.
Toxic Masculinity
The lads' constant competition is tragic. Vincent's BMW obsession, Brian's crumbling marriage – it's all about proving manhood through material nonsense. Hits harder than you'd expect from a "comedy."
"Watching these idiots destroy their lives over commission checks? It's like a Shakespearean tragedy with more hair gel."
– Reddit user review
– Reddit user review
Your Burning Questions Answered
How many seasons of White Gold exist?
Only two (6 episodes each). Cancelled after S2 despite 1.8 million viewers. Criminal, right?
Is this TV programme White Gold based on true events?
Loosely. Creator Damon Beesley's brother worked in 80s window sales. Some scams (like forging orders) were common industry practices.
Why the name "White Gold"?
Double-glazing was nicknamed "white gold" during the 80s boom. Profit margins were insane – up to 500% on each sale!
Can I visit filming locations?
Absolutely! Cachet Windows HQ is at Unit 7, Ascot Road Industrial Estate, Watford (exterior only). Pinner Road in Harrow doubles as Martin's street. Bring your own shoulder pads.
Will there be Season 3?
Officially? No. But rumors persist about a movie wrap-up. Don't hold your breath though.
Why This Show Matters Today
Rewatching the White Gold series recently, I was struck by how relevant it feels. Swap double-glazing for crypto or NFT scams, and it's basically modern.
Final thoughts? This TV programme White Gold is:
- A perfect nostalgia trip for 40+ viewers
- A masterclass in dark comedy writing
- Flawed but fascinating social commentary
- Proof that peach décor should stay in the 80s
Is it high art? Nah. But as binge-worthy entertainment with bite? Absolutely. Pour some cheap wine, embrace the cringe, and dive into the world of dodgy salesmen and dodgier fashion. Just maybe hide your credit card first – after Vincent Swan's antics, you'll distrust all salespeople!
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