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 defends a doctor accused of murdering his wife. Although the prosecution has several witnesses who provide evidence, the accused maintains his innocence. After the verdict, however, Kavanagh learns of an ironic twist.
Guest stars Jon Glover, Caroline Harker, Donald Douglas, Matyelok Gibbs, Janet Maw
Episode 2
Kavanagh heads to his hometown of Bolton to defend a man who, together with his partner, is accused of murdering their 14-month-old daughter. Kavanagh's tactics have to change however when it becomes clear that the young couple are telling quite different stories.
Directed by Jack GoldGuest stars Haydn Gwynne, Sean Harris, Conor Ryan, Steven O'Neill
Episode 3
Kavanagh defends a woman accused of killing her husband. Although she admits to killing him for repeatedly beating her, Kavanagh urges her not to admit it in court. Meanwhile,a colleague of Kavanagh's asks him to represent him before the Conduct Committee when he's accused of looking at the wrong brief.
Directed by Peter SmithWritten by Charles WoodGuest stars Rebecca Front, Barry Jackson
Episode 4
Kavanagh represents a Jehovah's Witness mother when a hospital wants her 13-year-old son to have a blood transfusion that will save his life. When the mother refuses, Luke is made a ward of court and the hospital seeks judicial permission to go ahead with the transfusion. The hospital wins its action, and Luke is given a transfusion.
Directed by Peter SmithWritten by Edward Canfor-DumasGuest stars Julian Wadham, Richard Cordery, Deborah Findlay, Andrew Havill
Episode 5
Kavanagh is asked to defend a Reverend accused of sexual harassment by a recently widowed parishioner. When Kavanagh begins to make inquiries regarding the death of the victim's husband, she mysteriously withdraws her complaint against the Reverend and the case collapses. Later Kavanagh discovers that she has become engaged to the vicar and finds himself defending her against charges that she murdered her husband.
Guest stars Teresa Churcher, Geraldine James, Rita Davies, Peter Eyre
Episode 6
When a trawler sinks off the coast of North Yorkshire, taking the lives of five people, an enquiry establishes that the boat was in disrepair. Kavanagh is on the team prosecuting the boat owner and father of one of the victims, charged with five counts of manslaughter. He must counter the owner's defence that a Royal Navy submarine surfaced near the trawler and capsized her.
Guest stars Rebecca Front, Kenneth Cranham, Julian Fellowes
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
