The A Word

The A Word is based on the Israeli television series Yellow Peppers, adapted for a British setting.

Writer Peter Bowker drew on his own experiences and observations as a teacher and with his family to write The A Word.

Autism advocate Deborah Brownson served as an advisor on the production to help ensure an authentic portrayal.

Filming for the first series took place from October 2015 at locations in the Lake District, including Keswick, Broughton-in-Furness, Coniston, and Thirlmere Reservoir, as well as at The Space Project studios in Manchester.

Returning cast members for the third series included Christopher Eccleston, Morven Christie, Lee Ingleby, Max Vento, Molly Wright, Greg McHugh, Pooky Quesnel, Matt Greenwood and Leon Harrop, joined by newcomers Julie Hesmondhalgh, Sarah Gordy and David Gyasi.

The first episode was watched by 4.7 million viewers overnight with a 23% audience share, later rising to a consolidated figure of 5.91 million according to BARB.

On Rotten Tomatoes, the show's critical reception improved with each series: 75% for series one, 93% for series two, and 100% for series three.

A spin-off series titled Ralph & Katie, following the married life of two of the show's protagonists, was commissioned by the BBC and broadcast in October and November 2022, with a writing team made up predominantly of people with disabilities.