The River(1988)

The River is a British comedy series centred on Davey Jackson, a charming ex-convict with a thick Cockney accent who works as a lock keeper on the canal near the village of Chumley-on-the-Water. Living a quiet life managing the waterway, Davey navigates the quirks of rural village life while keeping his colourful past at arm's length. His position at the lock draws him into the everyday dramas and eccentric characters of the community, where his street-smart humour and good nature help him stay out of trouble—mostly. The show balances gentle comedy with character-driven storytelling, exploring how a man with a criminal record finds redemption and belonging in an unlikely setting. Davey's journey from the streets to the countryside forms the heart of this offbeat British sitcom.