TV series
John Thaw dons the silks as barrister James Kavanagh Q.C., one of the most highly respected criminal advocates in London, commanding admiration from colleagues and opponents alike. However, all this has come at a price as his dedication to work has taken its toll on his private life… Going beyond traditional courtroom dramas, “Kavanagh Q.C.” uncovers the pressures of legal battles and the problems of defining the truth, providing a compelling representation of the euphoric ups and costly downs of success and failure in the legal world.
Streaming, rental and purchase options
Checked Sep 3, 2026
Kavanagh Q.C. is available to stream on Britbox, Britbox (Via Amazon Prime), Prime Video, The Roku Channel, Amazon Freevee, Fawesome, Pluto TV, and Tubi in United States. Use the direct links below to open the provider.
John Thaw dons the silks as barrister James Kavanagh Q.C., one of the most highly respected criminal advocates in London, commanding admiration from colleagues and opponents alike. However, all this has come at a price as his dedication to work has taken its toll on his private life… Going beyond traditional courtroom dramas, “Kavanagh Q.C.” uncovers the pressures of legal battles and the problems of defining the truth, providing a compelling representation of the euphoric ups and costly downs of success and failure in the legal world.
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 1
Kavanagh is called upon to defend an alleged rapist, David Armstrong, a young labourer accused of attacking the housewife he works for in her home.
Directed by Colin GreggWritten by Russell LewisGuest stars Jenny Jules, Tom Brodie, Robin Bailey, Rosalind Bailey, Daisy Bates, Stephen Bent, Joan Blackham, Philip Bowen
Episode 2
Kavanagh is asked to prosecute an ex-police officer turned vigilante when he is the driver of a car which hits a teenager.
Directed by Colin GreggWritten by Russell Lewis, Michael ChaplinGuest stars Jenny Jules, Tom Brodie, Daisy Bates, Anna Chancellor, Oliver Ford Davies, Lisa Harrow, Nicholas Jones, Cliff Parisi
Episode 3
Kavanagh represents a determined father in a bitter custody battle, but finds himself having to persuade the eager dad not to take matters into his own hands after learning of his previous kidnappings.
Directed by Renny RyeGuest stars Dougray Scott, John Shrapnel, Phyllis Logan
Episode 4
Kavanagh defends a prostitute accused of murdering a wealthy and prominent businessman who was also a client. Everything points to her guilt except her own passionate protestations of innocence. Meanwhile, Kavanagh's daughter, Lizzie, has an interview for her dream job in Brussels, and Kavanagh's junior, Julia, takes part in a cricket match.
Guest stars Mark Strong, Jesse Birdsall, Edward Holmes
Episode information updated Sep 3, 2026
John ThawJames Kavanagh Q.C.
Anna ChancellorJulia Piper
Dougray ScottTerry Fisher
Richard JohnsonLord Justice Fenwick
Peter FirthCharlie Beck
Lena HeadeyNatasha Jackson
Jon GloverQuizmaster
Haydn GwynneMary Armstrong QC
ITV1United Kingdom
Carlton TelevisionUnited Kingdom
