The Royal is a British period medical drama television series that aired on ITV from 2003 to 2011. Set in the 1960s, the show was a spin-off from the popular series Heartbeat, which itself was based on the Constable Nicholas Rhea novels by Peter Walker.
The series is set in the fictional St. Aidan's Royal Free Hospital in Elsinby, a small Yorkshire village. The backdrop of the series is the evolving landscape of the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK during the 1960s, capturing the changes and challenges faced by the medical profession at the time.
The storyline follows the lives of the hospital staff, including doctors, nurses, and administrative personnel, as they navigate through medical cases, personal dramas, and the societal shifts of the era. Key characters include Dr. Gordon Ormerod, portrayed by Robert Daws, and Sister Brigid, played by Michelle Hardwick.
The Royal was produced by Yorkshire Television, later known as ITV Studios, which is part of the ITV Network. The series was known for its attention to historical detail, with much of the set designed to reflect the period accurately, from the decor to the medical equipment used.
The show received mixed reviews. While some praised its nostalgic portrayal of medical history and character development, others criticized its slow pacing and perceived lack of dramatic depth compared to other medical dramas. However, it maintained a loyal viewer base and was popular enough to run for eight seasons.
While The Royal concluded in 2011, it remains a notable example of British period television, capturing a specific moment in medical history. It has been syndicated internationally and is occasionally rerun on various channels. The show's depiction of the 1960s NHS also serves as an educational tool for viewers interested in the history of healthcare in the UK.