Episode 1
Home Alone
28m
Seizing their chance to be free of grown-up supervision, the Young People take charge of the Dumping Ground... driving Gus to breaking point.
Episode credits
Directed by Craig LinesWritten by Elly Brewer
TV series
The Dumping Ground
201313 seasons7.5 / 10
Following the exploits and antics of children living in a care home. Growing up in a care home brings all sorts of tough challenges, but the kids know that if they stick together, they can get through anything life throws at them.
Availability
Not streaming in United States
Checked Jul 25, 2026
The Dumping Ground premiered January 4, 2013. We don't have a confirmed streaming, rental or purchase option yet.
Synopsis
Following the exploits and antics of children living in a care home. Growing up in a care home brings all sorts of tough challenges, but the kids know that if they stick together, they can get through anything life throws at them.
Season 1 episodes
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Where to watch The Dumping Ground
Episode 2
Liberty in the DG
28m
Still home alone, the young people go hungry, having spent all the money. For her own secret purpose, Elektra takes advantage of the ensuing fallout.
Episode credits
Directed by Craig LinesWritten by Emma Reeves
Episode 3
Baby
28m
When her dad's pregnant girlfriend moves into their flat, Lily rebels, telling Mike she wants to come back to the Dumping Ground.
Episode credits
Directed by Craig LinesWritten by Dawn Harrison
Episode 4
SOS
28m
Jody is back with her family and on the surface all seems well, but when she turns up at the Dumping Ground with a bag full of swag it’s clear that her brother, Kingsley, has been out stealing. When Kingsley comes to collect her, terrified Jody is forced to return home. So it’s up to a worried Carmen to mount a rescue mission for her friend.
Episode credits
Directed by Craig LinesWritten by Dawn Harrison
Episode 5
What Would Gus Want?
28m
The Dumping Ground is divided when a same-sex couple show an interest in fostering Gus. As Johnny and Elektra come to blows about whether gay couples should be allowed to adopt, Gus is in turmoil about leaving the Dumping Ground and father figure Mike behind.
Episode credits
Directed by Stewart SvaasandWritten by Elly Brewer
Episode 6
The Real Faith Davis
28m
When the police turn up at Elm Tree House looking for Faith, wicked whispers fly. But Faith won’t give anything away, preferring to focus on her training for a charity run. The Young People are shocked to learn the brutal truth and rally round to support Faith, while the new girl in the house, Floss, wonders where on Earth she’s been dumped.
Episode credits
Directed by Stewart SvaasandWritten by Heather Imani
Episode 7
The Truth Is Out There
28m
After getting bad exam results Frank denounces school and gets a job in the local café. He develops a full-blown crush on the waitress, Jade, and when she introduces him to a psychic medium it seems like Frank has finally found some answers about his future. But his Dumping Ground friends worry that he’s been taken for a ride.
Episode credits
Directed by Stewart SvaasandWritten by Emma Reeves
Episode 8
Dreamland
28m
Rick gets a huge shock when he finds his dad, disguised as a boiler man, right inside the Dumping Ground. Gerry insists that he's above board now and promises Rick a happy family future, but it quickly becomes clear that Gerry still loves the buzz of a hustle, and Rick is distraught. Meanwhile, Tee takes a shine to Gina's mum, Hattie, and is furious to hear Mike suggest that Hattie should move into a care home for the elderly, However, all is not what it seems, as Tee soon finds out.
Episode credits
Directed by Stewart SvaasandWritten by Mark Burt
Episode 9
A Day In The Past
28m
It's the Dumping Ground annual trip out and the Young People finds themselves living like Edwardians for the day in the country estate, to learn about history by experiencing it. Resentment and tensions build as they split off into servants and masters, and soon boundaries between real life and make-believe become very blurred. A class war begins between the slaves and the Earl, Johnny, who begins to take his power way too seriously. Meanwhile, Elektra knows a secret...
Episode credits
Directed by Diana PatrickWritten by Elly Brewer, Steve TurnerGuest stars Rachel Teate
Episode 10
Oh, Mo!
28m
Mo is the Dumping Ground’s new eccentric resident and everyone thinks he’s a bit strange, especially Tyler - who has to share a room with him. Tee takes pity on him and helps him with his arty creations, but poor Mo has never had a real friend before and it’s not long before Tee starts to feel suffocated. Mo can’t take a hint and pushes Tee right to her limit, with dangerous consequences.
Episode credits
Directed by Diana PatrickWritten by Elly Brewer
Episode 11
Seriously Funny
28m
A classic Tyler practical joke backfires, causing irreparable damage and Tyler is forced to re-evaluate himself; maybe it’s time he grew up. Without his comedy to fall back on, he finds himself in a dark and scary place. It’s up to his friends to try their best to convince him to be himself but will they succeed? Lily, Carmen and Tee fall out at an unsupervised sleepover at Lily’s flat.
Episode credits
Directed by Diana PatrickWritten by Elly Brewer, Matt Evans
Episode 12
Esme
28m
A beautiful stranger named Esme visits Elm Tree House and soon Carmen's head is turned by tales of a glamorous live in Rio. However, the rest of The Dumping Ground is more divided, with many kids thinking she's a snob. However, Mike soon falls ill and now Carmen has a choice: stay at Elm Tree, or run away to Rio?
Episode credits
Directed by Diana PatrickWritten by Elly Brewer, Nimer RashedGuest stars Selina Giles
Episode 13
Scary Beasts
28mfinale
A face from the past comes back to haunt Faith, and brings danger right inside the Dumping Ground. Mo buys a magic egg which hatches… into a snake! Elektra thinks it’s cool and decides to keep it as a pet.
Episode credits
Directed by Diana PatrickWritten by Elly Brewer, Dawn Harrison
Episode information updated Jul 25, 2026
Available now in United States
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More about The Dumping Ground
Cast
Daniel PearsonRick Barber
Kia PeggJody Jackson
Sarah RaysonFloss GuppyStacy LiuMay-Li Wang
Connor ByrneMike Milligan
Miles Butler-HughtonTyler LewisRuben ReuterFinn
Carma HyltonCandi-RoseCredits
- Written by
- Elly Brewer, Dawn Harrison, Emma Reeves, Julie Dixon, Sarah-Louise Hawkins, Jeff Povey, Davey Jones, Matt Evans, Mark Burt, Debbie Oates, Steve Turner, Richard Lazarus, Nimer Rashed, Matthew Leys, Sophie Petzal, Heather Imani
Production details
- Status
- Returning Series
- Series type
- Scripted
- Episodes
- 233
- Original language
- English
Networks & production
CBBCUnited Kingdom
Themes
bullyingcare homechildren'schildren's homechildren's programmingchildren's servicesfoster carefoster parents