The Dumping Ground

Following the exploits and antics of children living in a care home. Growing up in a care home brings all sorts of tough challenges, but the kids know that if they stick together, they can get through anything life throws at them.

The Dumping Ground (2013-present) is a British children's television drama created for CBBC and produced as a long-running family series. Set in a children's care home, it follows a shifting ensemble of young residents, with Kia Pegg as Jody Jackson, Sarah Rayson as Floss Guppy, Stacy Liu as May-Li Wang, Connor Byrne as Mike Milligan, and Hannah Moncur as Chloe Reeves, alongside Daniel Pearson as Rick Barber in the early seasons. The engine of the show is ordinary daily life under one roof: school troubles, friendships that wobble, new arrivals, bullying, and the constant question of whether the children can trust the adults and each other. Each half hour resolves its own small crisis while the wider story of the home keeps moving. Across fourteen seasons the series has shifted its cast and format, but it remains a case of kids sticking together. The tone is warm, earnest and reassuring, with humour and emotional honesty about neglect and belonging. Viewers who enjoy Tracy Beaker Returns, Waterloo Road and Grange Hill will find resonance in its blend of youth drama and comfort.

• Waterloo Roadchildren's care home setting, found family bonds, grounded youth drama
• Tracy Beaker Returnsyoung ensemble, everyday childhood hardship with warmth and humour
• Grange Hillfamily drama about children in institutional care, gentle tone, ensemble of kids

Release Date

2013-01-04

Episode runtime

30 min

Rating

6.9 / 10 (12)

What is The Dumping Ground about?

Children living in a care home face everyday hardships and rely on one another to get through them.

What is The Dumping Ground like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Dumping Ground as brisk, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as simple.

Is The Dumping Ground violent?

No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in The Dumping Ground.

Which shows are like The Dumping Ground?

Shows with a similar feel include Waterloo Road, Tracy Beaker Returns, and Grange Hill.

How long is The Dumping Ground?

The Dumping Ground: 14 seasons, 243 episodes.

Is The Dumping Ground still running?

Yes, The Dumping Ground is still running.