FeatureDrama

The Onedin Line (1971): cast, story & where to watch

1971 · Series · ★ 7

The Onedin Line poster

Released in 1971, The Onedin Line is a drama series.

What it’s about. The Onedin Line is a BBC television drama series which ran from 1971 to 1980. The series was created by Cyril Abraham. The series is set in Liverpool from 1860 to 1886 and deals with the rise of a shipping line, the Onedin Line, named after its owner James Onedin. Around this central theme are the lives of his family, most notably his brother and partner, shop owner Robert, and his sister Elizabeth, giving insight into the lifestyle and customs at the time, not only at sea, but also ashore. The series also illustrates some of the changes in business and shipping, such as from wooden to steel ships and from sailing ships to steam ships. It shows the role that ships played in affairs like international politics, uprisings and the slave trade.

Who’s in it. The Onedin Line stars Jessica Benton as Elizabeth Frazer, Peter Gilmore as James Onedin, Howard Lang as Captain Baines and Anne Stallybrass as Anne Onedin, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 7.0/10, The Onedin Line has been warmly received by audiences.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Onedin Line page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Onedin Line tend to enjoy Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba and Attack on Titan.

Frequently asked

Where can I watch The Onedin Line (1971)?
Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Onedin Line change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
Is The Onedin Line worth watching?
The Onedin Line holds an audience score of 7.0 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy drama. Most viewers rate it highly.
Who stars in The Onedin Line?
The Onedin Line stars Jessica Benton, Peter Gilmore, Howard Lang, Anne Stallybrass and Philip Bond.
When was The Onedin Line released?
The Onedin Line was released in 1971.