Bugs

Bugs follows a tight knit team of independent tech experts who operate outside conventional law enforcement to stop high stakes crimes tied to computers and emerging technologies. Set in Britain, the drama blends action and science fiction as the crew confronts threats ranging from hacking networks to rogue devices. Each episode puts Jan, Ros, Nicholas and Ed in tense situations where clever hardware, quick thinking and street level grit are essential to outsmart criminals who weaponize the information age. The show balances techno intrigue with character driven moments, letting the team grow closer under pressure while dealing with the personal costs of a vocation that stays in the shadows.

Produced for the BBC by Carnival Films, Bugs aired on BBC One from April 1995 to August 1999. The series was created by Brian Eastman and features a rotating team of tech specialists.

In the mid 90s Bugs stood out for a tech heavy premise at a moment when computing and networks were entering everyday life. Its practical effects and grounded storytelling helped carve space for UK cyber crime drama and set a template for later genre blends.

Reception tended to be solid rather than sensational and the show earned a 6.8 out of 10 average from viewers surveyed. It centers on teamwork and the ethics of using risky technology, the friction between privacy and security, and a brisk, high energy pace.