Bleasdale's first success came with a series of stories presented on Radio Merseyside in 1971. The stories were based on the character of a young Francis Scully and his adventures were developed into a popular television series broadcast in 1984.

Boys From The Black Stuff set amongst the grim depression and desperation of unemployment remains one of Bleasdale's finest examples of powerful, thought provoking drama which captured the public mood at the time. The five part television play captured every possible human emotion, superbly executed by the actors faced with the task of taking off Bleasdale's characters.

The fourth play, 'Yosser's Story' is one of the most powerful and memorable of the five. The overwhelming performance from Bernard Hill as Yosser Hughes made particular scenes some of the most harrowing and moving ever seen on British Television. Deprived of his dignity and then robbed of his children, he lashes out with a disturbing yet understandable ferocity. Despite it's bleak vision, the series created a sense of solidarity with viewers who recognised the problems of the portrayed characters.

Originally screened on BBC2, the play had such a massive impact that it was repeated on BBC1 only nine weeks later and went on to win a BAFTA for the best drama series of that year. It established Bleasdale as a leading writer and key figure in 1980's British Television. Bleasdale followed Black Stuff with other popular television series such as 'The Monocled Mutineer', 'GBH', 'Jakes Progress' and 'Oliver Twist'.