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If... is a series of BBC drama-documentaries broadcast on BBC Two from March to April 2004 and December 2004 to January 2005, each of which considers the potentially catastrophic political or social consequences that might arise from current trends in the United Kingdom. Using a drama with interviews from experts, then a discussion of the programme with a panel of experts from both sides of an argument. During the show a televote of opinion is cast.
Winter 2010: Britain is struggling to generate enough electricity to cope with demand. Following a terrorist attack on a gas pipeline in Russia, south-east England is plunged into darkness. Householders have no water or electricity, traffic is gridlocked, tube trains are stranded underground, and airports closed. How do the authorities cope with the enormity of the situation?
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Now playing Season 1, Episode 1 — If... The Lights Go Out
March 10, 2004
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Season 1 • 5 episodes
Winter 2010: Britain is struggling to generate enough electricity to cope with demand. Following a terrorist attack on a gas pipeline in Russia, south-east England is plunged into darkness. Householders have no water or electricity, traffic is gridlocked, tube trains are stranded underground, and airports closed. How do the authorities cope with the enormity of the situation?
In 2014, Britain is a deeply divided society, yet there's one man who's determined to narrow the gap between rich and poor - and that's when the trouble begins.
In 2024, the older generation, whose numbers have gone up by almost half in 20 years, hold sway over the country. A massive tax rise to boost welfare for the aged leads to protest on Mother's Day, destruction and possible financial meltdown. The drama-documentary series explores the imminent choices that will have to be made as the population in Britain gets increasingly older.
Girls currently outperform boys academically and traditional male-dominated industries are on the wane - so are women better equipped for the world of the future? This drama-documentary takes a hypothetical leap to 2020, where men are becoming increasingly redundant - in the workplace, in the home, and even biologically. The first female president of the US favours dialogue over force in the fight against terrorism, while businesswoman Alice plans to have a baby on her own - at the age of 52.
By 2020, Britain is in the grip of an obesity epidemic. The consequences of diabetes, cancers and heart disease mean the NHS are finding it hard to cope. New rules are about to force hospitals to refuse treatment.