Cold Feet

Cold Feet follows a tight-knit group of friends as they deal with the messy realities of adult relationships. The series tracks their romantic ups and downs, shifting loyalties and awkward honesty as careers, commitments and parenthood threaten to upend long-standing bonds. Humor and sentiment sit side by side, with conversations that move from silly to serious in a single scene. The characters try to keep love alive while learning what they want from life, and the show treats ordinary mistakes and private insecurities with warmth and sharp observation, without resolving every problem neatly.

Created by Mike Bullen and first broadcast in 1998, the show introduced viewers to James Nesbitt, John Thomson, Fay Ripley, Hermione Norris and Robert Bathurst in the principal roles. It arrived as a half-hour to hour long comedy-drama blend that appealed to adult viewers, and its early episodes set the tone for an ensemble series focused on relationships.

The series picked up recognition on British television, earning nominations and award wins during its original run, particularly for writing and acting. Cast performances were singled out by critics and industry groups, helping establish Cold Feet as a notable UK production of its era.

Cold Feet landed in viewers' conversations because it treated everyday adult life as worth showing on screen, with frank discussions about sex, fidelity and emotional responsibility. Lines and scenes from the show entered popular culture in the UK, and its mix of humor and domestic drama influenced later ensemble comedies and dramas about thirtysomethings. It became shorthand for a show that was funny without ignoring the harder parts of relationships.

Critically, Cold Feet has a solid reputation, reflected in audience scores and steady fan enthusiasm over the years, including a vote average of 7.611/10 from viewers. Thematically it focuses on friendship, long-term commitment, compromise and the awkward adjustments people make as priorities shift. The tone stays wry and humane, balancing laugh-out-loud moments with quieter scenes that reveal how the characters cope with change.