Kotikatu

Kotikatu is a Finnish television drama series produced by Yleisradio (YLE) and broadcast on Yle TV1. Premiering in 1995, it became one of Finland's longest-running and most widely watched drama series. The title translates roughly as Home Street, reflecting its focus on the lives of people living on a single street in Helsinki.

The narrative centers on a core group of families and residents of Kotikatu. Through interwoven storylines, the show explores everyday life, including family relationships, work, education, health, aging, and social issues such as poverty, immigration, and community support. The tone is grounded in realism and character-driven storytelling.

Produced by YLE within its public-service remit, Kotikatu features a rotating cast that changes as the series progresses, mirroring shifts in Finnish society. It attracted a broad audience across generations and became a cultural touchstone in Finnish television.

In addition to entertainment, the series is noted for its portrayal of ordinary people facing real-life challenges and for spurring public discussion about domestic life and social issues. It later streamed on Yle Areena, allowing on-demand viewing.

Kotikatu's longevity and popularity have left a lasting imprint on Finnish popular culture, cited as a landmark example of long-form, ensemble-driven drama on Finnish television.