It’s A Sin: A Complete Beginner’s Guide To Russell T Davies’ Award Winning Drama

More than four decades after the beginning of the AIDS crisis and several years after its television debut, It’s A Sin remains one of the most powerful British dramas ever made.

Created by Russell T Davies for Channel 4, the five-part series follows a group of young friends as they leave home, move to London and build new lives during the 1980s. What begins as a story about friendship, freedom, ambition and first love gradually becomes something much bigger, charting the devastating impact of HIV and AIDS on a generation.

The series was an immediate success when it premiered in 2021. Critics praised its writing and performances, viewers connected deeply with its characters, and charities reported a significant increase in HIV awareness and testing following its broadcast.

Yet perhaps the most remarkable achievement of It’s A Sin is that it never loses sight of the people at the centre of the story. While the drama explores one of the most painful chapters in modern LGBTQ+ history, it is also filled with humour, hope, friendship and love.

For many viewers, it was their first introduction to the realities of the AIDS epidemic. For others, it was a reminder of friends, family members and communities who lived through it.

Here’s everything you need to know about It’s A Sin.

What Is It’s A Sin About?

At its heart, It’s A Sin follows a group of young friends whose lives become intertwined over a ten-year period between 1981 and 1991.

Russell T Davies described the drama simply as: “It’s the story of the 1980s.”

Expanding on that idea, he explained: “It’s the coming of age story of five 18-year-old people who all converge on one flat in London, leaving home, growing up together.”

The story begins as Ritchie Tozer, Roscoe Babatunde and Colin Morris-Jones leave their homes and move to London in search of opportunity, independence and excitement. Joining them are Jill Baxter and Ash Mukherjee, who become central figures within the friendship group. As the decade unfolds, a new virus begins affecting communities around the world. At first, little is understood about HIV and AIDS. Rumours spread, fear grows and lives are changed forever.

Davies described the series as a story about survival and resilience, explaining: “It’s about how they celebrated each others’ lives in the face of such darkness.” That balance between joy and heartbreak is one of the reasons the drama has remained so highly regarded.

Who Created It’s A Sin?

The series was created and written by Russell T Davies, one of the most influential figures in British television. Long before It’s A Sin, Davies had already transformed LGBTQ+ representation through dramas including Queer As Folk.

His career has also included:

• Doctor Who
• Torchwood
• Years and Years
• A Very English Scandal
• Cucumber
• Banana
• Bob & Rose
• Casanova

By the time It’s A Sin arrived, Davies had spent decades building a reputation for character-driven storytelling. The project was particularly personal for him. In Channel 4 interviews released alongside the series, Davies explained that much of the inspiration came from people he knew and experiences he witnessed during the 1980s.

He described writing the drama as: “An act of remembering, because I was actually there and I saw those people and knew those people and loved those people.” That emotional connection can be felt throughout the series.

Why Did Russell T Davies Make It’s A Sin?

One of the most remarkable aspects of the drama is how carefully researched it was. Speaking to Channel 4, Davies revealed that he worked closely with charities, medical professionals and people who had lived through the epidemic.

He specifically referenced Manchester’s George House Trust, one of the UK’s leading HIV charities. Davies also said: “I talked to loads of friends, I talked to lots of doctors as well. For the facts and for the anecdotal stuff too.” The result is a drama that feels deeply authentic while remaining accessible to viewers who may know little about the period.

Meet The Main Characters:

Ritchie Tozer (Olly Alexander)

Ritchie is the character through whom many viewers first enter the story.

Ambitious, charismatic and full of confidence, he leaves the Isle of Wight dreaming of a larger life in London. Speaking to Channel 4, Olly Alexander described Ritchie as: “One of those kids who wants to get out of his small town and escape to London as soon as he can.”

Alexander added: “He’s very ambitious, likes to be the centre of attention and the life of the party.” Ritchie quickly becomes one of the most memorable characters in the series.

Roscoe Babatunde (Omari Douglas)

Roscoe is fiercely independent and determined to live life on his own terms. His storyline explores family relationships, identity and resilience while also providing some of the show’s most uplifting moments. Omari Douglas received widespread acclaim for his performance.

Colin Morris-Jones (Callum Scott Howells)

Colin moves from Wales to London to begin an apprenticeship on Savile Row. Quiet and kind-hearted, he is one of the most gentle characters in the drama. His journey becomes one of the most emotional and talked-about storylines within the series.

Jill Baxter (Lydia West)

Jill is often described as the heart of It’s A Sin. She provides support, friendship and strength to those around her. Importantly, the character was inspired by real-life HIV activist Jill Nalder, who also appears in the drama. Davies revealed that Jill was one of the people who inspired the story itself.

Ash Mukherjee (Nathaniel Curtis)

Ash is another key member of the friendship group and becomes an important source of stability and support throughout the decade. His loyalty and compassion make him one of the show’s most beloved characters.

The Cast Of It’s A Sin

The drama assembled an outstanding ensemble cast.

Alongside Olly Alexander, Omari Douglas, Lydia West, Callum Scott Howells and Nathaniel Curtis, viewers also saw performances from:

• Keeley Hawes
• Shaun Dooley
• Stephen Fry
• Neil Patrick Harris
• Tracy Ann Oberman
• David Carlisle
• Andria Doherty

The chemistry between the cast members became one of the defining strengths of the series.

What Did Olly Alexander Say About Russell T Davies?

Few people have spoken more passionately about the series than its leading actor. Discussing his experience working with Davies, Alexander said:

“I really do think he’s a genius.” The actor also praised Davies’ wider contribution to television, saying: “What I think he’s done for queer representation in this country and the world.”

Alexander explained that he was initially intimidated when meeting the writer but quickly discovered a welcoming and supportive figure behind the scenes. The admiration between creator and cast is evident throughout the interviews released alongside the drama.

Why Does It’s A Sin Still Matter Today?

Although the drama is set more than 40 years ago, its themes remain highly relevant. Olly Alexander reflected on what modern audiences might take from the series.

Alexander pointed out that viewers could connect with experiences such as growing up, falling in love and dealing with heartbreak regardless of their own background. However, he also emphasised the importance of understanding LGBTQ+ history. He described the series as: “A really important part of our queer history.”

His comments help explain why the drama connected so strongly with younger audiences who had little prior knowledge of the AIDS epidemic.

How Accurate Is It’s A Sin?

One reason the series received such praise is its commitment to authenticity.

While the central characters are fictional, the social attitudes, medical realities and emotional experiences depicted throughout the drama were informed by extensive research.

The writer’s own experiences, combined with conversations with charities, doctors and friends, helped create a drama that felt truthful without becoming a documentary. Many people who lived through the era praised the show’s portrayal of the period.

Awards And Critical Reception

It’s A Sin became one of the most celebrated television dramas of the decade.

The series received widespread critical acclaim and won numerous awards.

Reviewers praised:

• Russell T Davies’ writing
• The ensemble cast
• Historical authenticity
• LGBTQ+ representation
• Emotional storytelling

The programme also had a measurable real-world impact, with HIV charities reporting increased awareness and engagement following its broadcast. Few dramas manage to achieve both critical success and social impact on such a scale.

IMDb Rating

At the time of writing, It’s A Sin holds an IMDb rating of 8.6 out of 10, based on around 40,000 audience ratings. As IMDb scores can move over time, the figure may change as more viewers submit ratings

That places it among the highest-rated British television dramas of recent years. As with all audience-generated ratings, the figure may change over time as more viewers submit reviews.

The Legacy Of It’s A Sin

Russell T Davies hoped the series would help preserve an important chapter of history for future generations. Judging by its impact, it achieved exactly that.

The drama introduced countless younger viewers to the realities of the HIV and AIDS epidemic while celebrating the friendships, courage and resilience of those who lived through it.

Today, it is frequently discussed alongside other landmark LGBTQ+ dramas including:

• Queer As Folk
• Heartstopper
• Fellow Travelers
• Pose
• Looking

Its influence continues to be felt across television, education and public discussion.

Where Can You Watch It’s A Sin?

Streaming rights change regularly, but viewers should check:

• Channel 4 Streaming
• Amazon Prime Video
• Apple TV
• Google TV
• Other digital purchase and rental platforms

Availability may vary depending on your country.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1.Is It’s A Sin based on a true story?

No. The characters are fictional, but the series is inspired by real events, real experiences and extensive historical research.

2.How many episodes are there?

There are five episodes.

3.What years does the story cover?

The drama spans approximately ten years, from 1981 to 1991.

4.Who plays Ritchie Tozer?

Olly Alexander portrays Ritchie Tozer.

5.Is Jill Baxter based on a real person?

Yes. The character was inspired by HIV activist Jill Nalder.

6.Why is it called It’s A Sin?

The title comes from the Pet Shop Boys hit song It’s A Sin, which features prominently within the series.

7.Is It’s A Sin connected to Queer As Folk?

The stories are not connected, but both were created by Russell T Davies and are regarded as landmark LGBTQ+ dramas.

8.Did It’s A Sin win awards?

Yes. The series won multiple awards and received widespread critical acclaim.

9.Is It’s A Sin suitable for younger viewers?

The programme contains mature themes, strong language, sexual content and emotional scenes relating to illness and loss.

10.Is It’s A Sin worth watching?

Many critics and viewers regard it as one of the finest British dramas of the 2020s and an essential piece of modern television.

Final Thoughts

More than a television drama, It’s A Sin became a recent cultural landmark. Russell T Davies combined meticulous research, deeply human storytelling and unforgettable performances to create a series that continues to resonate years after its release.

As Olly Alexander put it:

“It’s a really important part of our queer history.”

For viewers discovering It’s A Sin years after its first broadcast, the series remains both a compelling drama and an accessible introduction to a period of LGBTQ+ history that should not be forgotten. Its lasting strength comes from the way it remembers people not simply through loss, but through friendship, humour, love and the lives they lived.