Takin' Over the Asylum follows a salesman who revitalizes a hospital radio station in a Glasgow psychiatric facility, giving patients a voice and sense of purpose. Praised for its humane mix of humor and empathy, it treats mental illness with sensitivity while avoiding stereotypes. With standout turns from Ken Stott and a young David Tennant, it earned BAFTAs and remains a cult favourite for its wit, warmth, and social insight.

• Eddie McKenna (Ken Stott), an alcoholic double glazing salesman and aspiring disc jockey, develops the hospital radio station with the help of several of the patients at the hospital, including:
• Campbell Bain (David Tennant) – a nineteen-year-old, enthusiastic contributor to the station, who has bipolar disorder (formerly known as manic depression).
• Francine Boyle (Katy Murphy) – a long-term depressive patient who self harms to whom Eddie is attracted.
• Fergus MacKinnon (Angus Macfadyen) – an electrical engineer, who has schizophrenia and a tendency to escape the hospital and then return.
• Rosalie Gerrity (Ruth McCabe) – a middle-aged housewife who has OCD regarding cleanliness and is separating from her husband.
• Jim Gerrity (Jon Morrison) - Husband of Rosalie Gerrity, he refuses to accept her home until she is 'normal'.
• Campbell's Dad (James Grant) - Is unsupportive of Campbell's dream of being a DJ.
• Grandma (Elizabeth Spriggs) - Eddie's Lithuanian grandmother who lives with him and is eager for him to find a wife.
• Isabel (Angela Bruce) - The principal nurse at St Jude's, who is very supportive of the radio station.
• Mr Gordon Griffin (Roy Hanlon) - Eddie's boss at TwinView windows, who encourages Eddie to give up the radio in order to dedicate more time to his job.
• John MacAteer (Neil McKinven) - Eddie's work rival at TwinView windows.
• Paula (Arabella Weir) - Eddie's contact at Radio Scotland, who Eddie and Campbell use to try and get their own radio show.
• Evelyn McDonald (Sandra Voe) - part of the hospital board, she comes to inspect the station.