TV series
We are the small axe.
An anthology series of five stories looking at the lives of a group of friends and their families in London’s West Indian community from the late 1960s to the early 80s.
Streaming, rental and purchase options
Checked Jul 22, 2026
Small Axe is available to stream on Prime Video in United States. You can also buy it from Apple TV and Fandango at Home. Use the direct links below to open the provider.
An anthology series of five stories looking at the lives of a group of friends and their families in London’s West Indian community from the late 1960s to the early 80s.
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 1
The true story of The Mangrove Nine, who clashed with London police in 1970. The trial that followed was the first judicial acknowledgment of behaviour motivated by racial hatred within the Metropolitan Police.
Directed by Steve McQueenWritten by Alastair Siddons, Steve McQueenGuest stars Letitia Wright, Shaun Parkes, Malachi Kirby, Rochenda Sandall, Jack Lowden, Sam Spruell, Gershwyn Eustache Jnr, Nathaniel Martello-White
Episode 2
A single evening at a house party in 1980s West London sets the scene, developing intertwined relationships against a background of violence, romance and music.
Directed by Steve McQueenWritten by Steve McQueen, Courttia Newland, Steve McQueenGuest stars Amarah-Jae St. Aubyn, Micheal Ward, Shaniqua Okwok, Kedar Williams-Stirling, Ellis George, Francis Lovehall, Daniel Francis-Swaby, Alexander James-Blake
Episode 3
Spotlights the true story of Leroy Logan, who at a young age saw his father assaulted by two policemen, motivating him to join the Metropolitan Police and change their racist attitudes from within.
Directed by Steve McQueenWritten by Steve McQueen, Courttia NewlandGuest stars John Boyega, Steve Toussaint, Joy Richardson, Antonia Thomas, Seroca Davis, Liam Garrigan, Tyrone Huntley, Nadine Marshall
Episode 4
Alex Wheatle follows the true story of award-winning writer, Alex Wheatle, from a young boy through his early adult years. Having spent his childhood in a mostly white institutional care home with no love or family, he finally finds not only a sense of community for the first time in Brixton, but his identity and ability to grow his passion for music and DJing. When he is thrown in prison during the Brixton Uprising of 1981, he confronts his past and sees a path to healing.
Directed by Steve McQueenWritten by Alastair Siddons, Steve McQueenGuest stars Sheyi Cole, Robbie Gee, Jonathan Jules, Elliot Edusah, Ashley McGuire, Asad-Shareef Muhammad, Leah Walker, Johann Myers
Episode 5
The coming of age story of 12-year-old Kingsley, who has a fascination for astronauts and rockets. When Kingsley is pulled to the headmaster's office for being disruptive in class, he discovers he's being sent to a school for those with "special needs." Distracted by working two jobs, his parents are unaware of the unofficial segregation policy at play, preventing many Black children from receiving the education they deserve, until a group of West Indian women take matters into their own hands.
Directed by Steve McQueenWritten by Courttia Newland, Steve McQueenGuest stars Kenyah Sandy, Sharlene Whyte, Tamara Lawrance, Daniel Francis, Josette Simon, Ryan Masher, Naomi Ackie, Jairaj Varsani
Episode information updated Jul 23, 2026
Letitia WrightAltheia Jones
Shaun ParkesFrank Crichlow
Malachi KirbyDarcus Howe
Rochenda SandallBarbara Beese
Jack LowdenIan MacDonald
Sam SpruellPC Pulley
Gershwyn Eustache JnrEddie LeCointe Jnr
Nathaniel Martello-WhiteRhodan Gordan
BBC OneUnited Kingdom
Lammas ParkUnited Kingdom
Turbine StudiosUnited Kingdom
EMU FilmsUnited KingdomMore shows like Small Axe.
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