
The Change Channel 4: Cast, Locations and Why It Ended
Bridget Christie’s comedy-drama The Change landed on Channel 4 in 2023 with a premise that many viewers found refreshingly direct: a menopausal woman trades her settled life for a caravan in the Forest of Dean. Critics praised its sharp, feminist humour – yet after two seasons, Channel 4 decided not to renew it, leaving its future dependent on Christie’s next move.
Seasons: 2 · Network: Channel 4 · Creator: Bridget Christie · Premiere: 2023 · Cancellation: 2025
Quick snapshot
- British comedy-drama created by and starring Bridget Christie (Rotten Tomatoes (review aggregator))
- Premiered on Channel 4 on 21 June 2023 (Rotten Tomatoes (review aggregator))
- Two seasons produced (12 episodes total) (Wikipedia (user-edited database))
- Filmed in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley (Wikipedia (user-edited database))
- Whether another network or streamer will pick up the series
- Exact Rotten Tomatoes score for season 2 (not yet aggregated)
- Future international streaming availability outside the UK
- June 2023 – Season 1 premieres on Channel 4 (Rotten Tomatoes (review aggregator))
- March 2025 – Season 2 airs (Wikipedia (user-edited database))
- July 2025 – Channel 4 cancels the series (Chortle (UK comedy news site))
- December 2025 – Christie says she’s trying to make a film finish (Chortle (UK comedy news site))
- Bridget Christie is actively pursuing a film follow-up to complete Linda’s story (Chortle (UK comedy news site))
- No official announcement from any broadcaster or streaming service yet (Chortle (UK comedy news site))
Eight key facts about the show at a glance:
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Show Name | The Change |
| Creator & Star | Bridget Christie |
| Network | Channel 4 |
| Seasons | 2 |
| Episodes | 12 |
| Premiere Date | 2023 |
| Finale Date | 2025 |
| Filming Location | Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire |
What is The Change on Channel 4 about?
The series follows Linda (Bridget Christie), a mother of two who discovers she is menopausal and decides to abandon her daily routine for a caravan in the countryside. The premise is drawn directly from Christie’s own experiences and observations about middle-aged women being written off by society.
The story is set in the Forest of Dean, a real woodland area in Gloucestershire, and the fictional town of Dunclare – a name created for the show. According to Rotten Tomatoes (review aggregator), the series blends comedy with drama as Linda reinvents herself and explores a new sense of freedom.
The show’s tone has been described as feminist, funny, and unapologetic about aging. Wikipedia (user-edited database) notes that Christie wrote the series as a response to the lack of representation of menopausal women on British television.
Christie used a topic many broadcasters avoid – menopause – and turned it into a vehicle for sharp social comedy. The result is a show that feels personal and political at the same time.
The premise turns a taboo subject into an acclaimed comedy, proving there is an audience for stories about midlife reinvention.
Is The Change worth watching?
What do critics say about The Change?
Critical reception for the first season was overwhelmingly positive. Rotten Tomatoes (review aggregator) shows a high approval score for season 1. The Guardian called it “glorious” and “hysterically funny” in a review that praised Christie’s writing and performance.
The second season, which aired in March 2025, has not yet been aggregated on Rotten Tomatoes, but early reviews from outlets such as the Radio Times and iNews have been positive. Season 2 deepens Linda’s journey and introduces new characters played by Laura Checkley and others.
What is the Rotten Tomatoes score?
As of early 2025, season 1 holds a strong score on Rotten Tomatoes, though the exact number has not been widely published for this guide. The critical consensus is that The Change delivers clever comedy with heart. Both seasons are available on Channel 4’s streaming platform within the UK.
“Glorious, hysterically funny, and brilliantly observed.”
— The Guardian (review of season 2, via Rotten Tomatoes (review aggregator))
The catch: despite the acclaim, Channel 4 decided not to order a third season, which surprised many fans.
Which town is The Change filmed in?
The series was filmed on location in the Forest of Dean and the Wye Valley. The main filming hub was the town of Lydney, Gloucestershire, with additional scenes shot in the surrounding woodlands. The fictional town of Dunclare does not exist; it was created for the show.
What other locations are used in The Change?
According to Wikipedia (user-edited database), filming took place at various points in the Forest of Dean, including the Dean Heritage Centre and Puzzlewood, a popular tourist attraction known for its ancient woodland paths. The choice of location emphasizes Linda’s immersion in nature and escape from urban life.
The Forest of Dean is not just a backdrop – it’s a character in the show. The setting reinforces the theme of rebirth and independence, making the location integral to the story.
The choice of filming location deepens the show’s themes, making the forest a symbol of Linda’s transformation.
Who is in the cast of The Change?
- Bridget Christie as Linda (main character)
- Susan Lynch as ??? (supporting role in both seasons)
- Jim Howick as ??? (recurring)
- Jerome Flynn as ??? (season 1)
- Paul Whitehouse as ??? (season 1)
- Liza Tarbuck as ??? (season 2)
- Omid Djalili as ??? (season 2)
- Monica Dolan as Carmel (season 1) – per Wikipedia (user-edited database)
- Laura Checkley as Theresa (season 2) – per Wikipedia (user-edited database)
What time is The Change on Channel 4?
The first season aired at 9pm Wednesdays; season 2 shifted to 10pm in March 2025. These times have varied, so check the Channel 4 schedule for current listings.
How many episodes does The Change have?
Each season consists of 6 episodes, making a total of 12 episodes across two seasons.
How many seasons of The Change are there?
There are two seasons, premiering in 2023 and 2025 respectively. Channel 4 announced the cancellation in July 2025.
Why was The Change cancelled?
The official reason has not been detailed, but Chortle (UK comedy news site) reported that Channel 4 decided not to renew the series. Bridget Christie described the cancellation as a “huge blow” and said it prevented the show from reaching an “appropriate and satisfactory conclusion.” Christie had originally planned a three-series arc, based on her own vision for the story.
In December 2025, Chortle (UK comedy news site) reported that Christie was trying to make a film to finish Linda’s story, feeling a “duty” to end it properly. No broadcaster or streamer has announced a pickup.
The cancellation highlights the gap between critical praise and network decisions, leaving a beloved story unfinished.
Pros & Cons of The Change
Upsides
- Sharp, feminist writing praised by major critics
- Unique focus on menopause – rare in TV comedy
- Strong performances by Bridget Christie and the ensemble cast
- Beautiful Forest of Dean setting adds visual appeal
Downsides
- Cancelled after two seasons, leaving the story incomplete
- Limited streaming availability outside the UK
- Season 2 has only just aired – no definitive score or aggregated reviews yet
- Film follow-up is not guaranteed
Despite critical acclaim, the show’s cancellation highlights the challenges of sustaining niche comedy-dramas on British television.
Timeline
- 2023: Season 1 of The Change premieres on Channel 4 (21 June). (Rotten Tomatoes (review aggregator))
- March 2025: Season 2 airs on Channel 4. (Wikipedia (user-edited database))
- July 2025: Channel 4 cancels the series. (Chortle (UK comedy news site))
- December 2025: Bridget Christie announces she is trying to make a film to complete the story. (Chortle (UK comedy news site))
The timeline shows a short but impactful run, with cancellation coming just months after season 2 aired.
What’s confirmed and what’s still unclear
Confirmed facts
- The Change aired two seasons on Channel 4 (2023, 2025). (Rotten Tomatoes (review aggregator))
- The series is created by and stars Bridget Christie. (Rotten Tomatoes (review aggregator))
- Filming took place in the Forest of Dean. (Wikipedia (user-edited database))
- Cancellation confirmed by Channel 4 and reported by Chortle. (Chortle (UK comedy news site))
What’s unclear
- Whether the show will be picked up by another network or streamer.
- Exact Rotten Tomatoes score for season 2 (not yet aggregated).
- Future availability outside the UK.
While many facts are settled, the show’s future remains uncertain, pending Christie’s film efforts.
What the creator says
“It’s a huge blow that I can’t finish the story in the way I’d planned. I feel a duty to end Linda’s story for the people who love her.”
— Bridget Christie, via Chortle (UK comedy news site)
“I’ve been plotting how to revive The Change ever since announcing the cancellation.”
— Bridget Christie, December 2025, via Chortle (UK comedy news site)
Summary
The Change was a critically lauded comedy that dared to put menopause centre stage, but Channel 4 pulled the plug after two seasons. For fans of the show, the hope now rests on Bridget Christie’s determination to make a film conclusion. For UK viewers, the two seasons remain available on Channel 4’s streaming service. For international audiences, the clear action is to wait for a distribution announcement – or hope that Christie’s film finds a backer.
Frequently asked questions
Is The Change based on a true story?
No, it’s a fictional comedy-drama, but Bridget Christie has said it draws on her own experiences and observations about menopause.
Who plays Linda in The Change?
Bridget Christie plays Linda, the central character.
What is the Forest of Dean?
The Forest of Dean is a real woodland area in Gloucestershire, England, where the series is filmed.
Can I watch The Change outside the UK?
Currently, the show is available only via Channel 4’s streaming service, which is geo-restricted. International availability may change in the future.
Does The Change have a soundtrack?
A soundtrack has not been officially released, but the show features a curated selection of songs.
Will there be a third season of The Change?
No – Channel 4 cancelled the series after season 2. However, Bridget Christie is trying to make a film sequel.
How long is each episode of The Change?
Each episode runs approximately 30 minutes.