Kavanagh Q.C.: Story, Cast and Series Facts

Story and premise

Kavanagh Q.C. is a British television series made by Central Television for ITV between 3 January 1995 – 25 April 2001.

The series starred John Thaw as barrister James Kavanagh QC who comes from a working-class upbringing in Bolton, Greater Manchester. This is only discovered in later episodes as his parents' health deteriorates and through an exchange with a colleague who presumed that Kavanagh was actually a Yorkshireman. The series dealt with his battles in the courtroom as well as his domestic dramas which include the death of his devoted and affectionate wife. Later he begins dating a fellow barrister.

In court Kavanagh is usually seen to be defending a client who seems likely to be convicted until a twist in the case occurs, but occasionally Kavanagh is seen in a prosecuting role. The main plot often features Kavanagh confronting cases with a subtext of racism, sexism or other prejudice. In sub-plots comedy came from the pomposity and self-absorption of Jeremy, a posh barrister in chambers. Kavanagh will not stand for injustice and is never bullied by threats or bribes from those whom he is up against in the courtroom.

Series details

• Title: Kavanagh Q.C.
• Format: Scripted
• Language: English
• Genres: Drama, Crime, Mystery
• Premiere date: 1995-01-03
• Final broadcast date listed: 2001-04-25
• Status in TVmaze: Ended
• Network listed by TVmaze: ITV1
• Network country: United Kingdom
• Typical episode runtime: 90 minutes
• TVMaze ID: 8456
• IMDb ID: tt0108826
• TVDB ID: 77006

Cast and credited roles

• John Thaw — James Kavanagh QC

Seasons in the TVmaze catalogue

• Season 1: premiered 1995-01-03; final listed air date 1995-01-24; episode order: 4.
• Season 2: premiered 1996-02-26; final listed air date 1996-04-02; episode order: 6.
• Season 3: premiered 1997-03-03; final listed air date 1997-04-14; episode order: 6.
• Season 4: premiered 1998-03-17; final listed air date 1998-04-21.
• Season 5: premiered 1999-03-08; final listed air date 2001-04-25; episode order: 4.

Source and licence

Adapted from Kavanagh Q.C. on TVmaze. The synopsis is reproduced as plain text; catalogue facts, cast and season records are selected and reformatted. This adapted text is available under CC BY-SA 4.0, following the TVmaze API licence. Network and web-channel credits identify the service listed in this source; they do not establish current streaming availability.