Common As Muck is a gritty BBC comedy drama serial focusing on the lives of a crew of bin men and their management staff. It ran for two series. The first series was screened in 1994 and the second in 1997. Both were nominated for a BAFTA for Best Drama.
Common As Muck (Season 1)
The Nose Out of Joint (Episode 1)
Air date: 1994-09-07
Runtime: 50 min
Overview: A drama series that follows the adventures of a gang of dustbin men as they face the realities of privatisation. They're a wild bunch, a law unto themselves. But with the local people thinking they would be better off with a private company, the last thing the boys should do is put a powerful nose out of joint.
Keeping the Refuse Tender (Episode 2)
Air date: 1994-09-14
Runtime: 50 min
Overview: The day of judgement approaches and the management will have to take radical action if they're going to hang on to the refuse tender. Supercrew's card is marked and they'd better watch out if they're not to run into a bin-load of trouble.
The Weekend (Episode 3)
Air date: 1994-09-21
Runtime: 50 min
Overview: It's the weekend and the council are meeting to decide who gets the refuse tender. It's Jonno's big night out and Nev comes face-to-face with a secret from his past.
Supercrew at the Job Centre (Episode 4)
Air date: 1994-09-28
Runtime: 50 min
Overview: The Belgians have taken over, in the form of Propre UK and the sleek Brian Forget. The binmen have to grit their teeth and sign on with the privatised outfit, even at lower wages. Only Ken refuses and gets himself paid off - but not for long. Working life for the 'supercrew' is looking unliveable - until Ken starts taking an interest in Euro-legislation.
Cash Bonus (Episode 5)
Air date: 1994-10-05
Runtime: 50 min
Overview: Ken receives good news from his employer and Denice has an announcement to make. Jonno finally discovers what Marie does for a living.
One More Battle to Fight (Episode 6)
Air date: 1994-10-12
Runtime: 50 min
Overview: The binmen decide to fight back against Propre UK and stage a go-slow.
