Episode 1
Diagnosis
1h8.5 / 10
At Joe's birthday party, tensions rise when it's suggested he has communication problems.
Episode credits
Directed by Peter CattaneoWritten by Peter BowkerGuest stars Mina Anwar, Siri Ellis
TV series
The A Word
2016TV-143 seasons7.9 / 10
The various generations of the Hughes family, who all love, work and fight like any other clan, find they must learn to communicate all over again when the youngest member is diagnosed with autism.
Availability
Not streaming in United States
Checked Sep 5, 2026
The A Word premiered March 22, 2016. We don't have a confirmed streaming, rental or purchase option yet.
Synopsis
The various generations of the Hughes family, who all love, work and fight like any other clan, find they must learn to communicate all over again when the youngest member is diagnosed with autism.
Season 1 episodes
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Where to watch The A Word
Episode 2
Home School
1h9.0 / 10
Following Joe’s diagnosis, Alison wants to protect her son and takes him out of school without telling Paul. He and Rebecca believe that Joe shouldn’t have to change to fit into the world.
Episode credits
Directed by Peter CattaneoWritten by Peter BowkerGuest stars Rhashan Stone
Episode 3
Therapy
1h8.5 / 10
Alison has to deal with a blast from her past after Maggie, a speech and language therapist, shows up to assess Joe.
Episode credits
Directed by Peter CattaneoWritten by Peter Bowker
Episode 4
Sleepover
1h9.5 / 10
An impromptu attempt to win Joe some friends leads to a breakthrough moment for Alison, but how long can it last? Maurice and Louise come to blows over Joe, while Rebecca turns to Eddie for relationship advice.
Episode credits
Directed by Dominic LeclercWritten by Peter BowkerGuest stars Gemma Paige North
Episode 5
Goodbye
1h9.5 / 10
Alison is hit hard when Joe's helper Maya looks set to be deported. As Paul and Eddie discover their wives both want different things, Maurice is left kicking himself for letting Louise go.
Episode credits
Directed by Dominic LeclercWritten by Peter Bowker
Episode 6
Lost
1h9.5 / 10finale
Alison brokers a peace with Paul in time for the gastropub opening, but Joe goes missing.
Episode credits
Directed by Susan TullyWritten by Peter Bowker
Episode information updated Sep 18, 2026
Available now in United States
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More about The A Word
Cast
Max VentoJoe Hughes
Molly WrightRebecca Hughes
Matt GreenwoodTom Clarke
Thomas GregoryLuke Taylor
George BukhariTerry
Adam WittekDavid Nowak
Julia KrynkeMaya Petrenko
Vinette RobinsonNicola DanielsCredits
- Created by
- Keren Margalit
- Written by
- Peter Bowker
Production details
- Status
- Ended
- Series type
- Scripted
- Episodes
- 18
- Original language
- English
Networks & production
BBC OneUnited Kingdom
Fifty FathomsUnited Kingdom
Keshet ProductionsUnited Kingdom
Themes
autismdysfunctional familyfamily dramafamily relationships