33 new British TV period drama series to watch in 2019
2019 looks set to be another incredible year for period dramas on British television.
Here, in alphabetical order, are the new British period drama series, mini-series and TV movies you need to see!
Beecham House – Season 1
What’s it about?
Created by Gurinder Chadha (Viceroy’s House, Bend It Like Beckham), ITV’s new six-part drama is set on the cusp of the 19th century in India.
The story is based in Delhi, before the British ruled the region, and follows the residents of Beecham House, an imposing mansion surrounded by acres of exotic woods and pristine lawns.
The cast of Beecham House includes Lesley Nicol (Downton Abbey), Adil Ray (Citizen Khan), Marc Warren (Hustle), Leo Suter (Victoria) and Dakota Blue Richards (Endeavour).
What did the reviews say?
“Although a world away from the likes of Downton Abbey in terms of setting, the series shares many themes including family drama and romance with the backdrop of a monumental time in history. While its truly magical and enchanting setting will leave you wanting to book a holiday to India, the element of mystery will leave you hungry for more.” ★★★★ – Metro
“Beecham House is a feast for the eyes … [Tom] Bateman as Beecham has everything a Sunday-night hero needs…” ★★★ – The Times
Beecham House is available on DVD on Amazon.
Black Mirror: Bandersnatch (TV movie)
What’s it about?
The 20th instalment of British writer Charlie Brooker’s anthology series Black Mirror is far more than just another episode.
Set in the early 1980s and starring Fionn Whitehead (Dunkirk), Will Poulter (The Revenant) and Craig Parkinson (Indian Summers), Netflix’s interactive TV movie follows a young programmer as he adapts a choose-your-own-adventure fantasy novel into a video game.
Then it all gets weird and very, very dark – in an almost infinite number of ways – as viewers are asked to decide what happens next and choose the direction of the story.
What did the reviews say?
“In just one episode, Charlie Brooker’s interactive adventure has upended everything we relied on for entertainment and sanity. What a rush.” ★★★★ – The Guardian
“The show has entered another dimension, but time will tell whether we’ll view it as a one-off experiment or a groundbreaking moment for online video. It’s all too new, too exciting, and frustratingly mind-bending to process in the moment.” – Den of Geek
Britannia – Season 2
What’s it about?
Sky’s British historical fantasy series set in 43AD returns for a second season, exploring the life of the Celts and Druids now living under Roman rule.
David Morrissey is back as General Aulus, romanising willing Celt tribes with the help of Celtic Queen Amena (Annabel Scholey), and crushing those who try to resist.
What did the reviews say?
“The Roman romp so radical it must be revered. Jez Butterworth’s trippy retelling of the Romans deserves a laurel wreath for having the cheek to even exist. Make mine a mouthful of hallucinogenic bark!” ★★★★ – The Guardian
Call the Midwife – Season 8
What’s it about?
BBC One’s long-running period drama series returns with eight new episodes, set in 1964.
The eighth season will introduce two new sisters; Sister Hilda, played by Fenella Woolgar (War & Peace), and Sister Frances, played by Ella Bruccoleri (The Last Kingdom). They’ll be joined by Georgie Glen (Waterloo Road) as the surgery’s new receptionist, Miss Higgins, and Harry Potter actress Miriam Margolyes as Sister Mildred.
What did the reviews say?
“January can be a depressing month so thank the televisual deities for Call the Midwife, which was back to beam some period East End warmth into our living rooms.” ★★★★ – The Telegraph
“It was good, solid Sunday night stuff and writer Heidi Thomas is keeping the quality control steady.” ★★★ – iNews
Season 8 is available on DVD on Amazon.
Carnival Row
What’s it about?
Orlando Bloom and Cara Delevingne star in Amazon Prime’s original series, Carnival Row, set in a Victorian fantasy world filled with mythological immigrant creatures.
Feared by humans, they are forbidden to live, love, or fly with freedom. But even in darkness, hope lives, as a human detective and a faerie rekindle a dangerous affair. The city’s uneasy peace collapses when a string of murders reveals a monster no one could imagine.
What did the reviews say?
“Clanging parables abound as an Irish-accented Cara Delevingne ferries migrants to a Dickensian wonderland in Amazon Prime’s spectacularly silly fantasy tale … It’s great fun.” – The Guardian
“A compelling fantasy with satisfying themes … [It’s about] weaving together mystery, tragedy, and romance in a world reminiscent of Victorian London with the potential complexity of Middle Earth.” – Den of Geek
Carnival Row is available to watch on Amazon Prime.
Catherine the Great (mini-series)
What’s it about?
HBO and Sky’s upcoming four-part mini-series is set against the lavish backdrop of the politically ruthless 18th century Russian court.
The Queen star Helen Mirren will play the titular Empress of Russia, who wielded supreme power throughout Russia for 34 years.
Written by Nigel Williams (Elizabeth I) and directed by Philip Martin (The Crown), Catherine the Great will follow Catherine towards the end of her reign and her passionate affair with Grigory Potemkin, played by Jason Clarke (Zero Dark Thirty).
What did the reviews say?
“Catherine the Great is the historical drama series I’ve been waiting for; massive, lush, beautiful, and with an element that’s so often missing in big dramas about major figures: incredibly human.” ★★★★ – The Telegraph
“The lavish new costume drama Catherine the Great stars Helen Mirren, who is marvellous in the title role … it’s fun, it’s sexy, has a clever script and covers a period in history that hasn’t been done to death.” ★★★★★ – The Daily Mail
Catherine the Great is available to watch on Amazon Prime.
Chernobyl (mini-series)
What’s it about?
Jared Harris (The Crown), Stellan Skarsgård (River), Emily Watson (Apple Tree Yard) and Jessie Buckley (Taboo) head the cast of this five-part mini-series.
Chernobyl dramatises the true story of the most disastrous nuclear power plant accident in history which occured in April 1986 in Ukraine, revealing how and why it happened and telling the shocking, remarkable stories of the heroes who fought and fell.
What did the reviews say?
“Timely, bleak, intelligent and compelling, Chernobyl is a triumph of a disaster.” ★★★★ – The Independent
“The five-part miniseries is an unmissable television event, but it is one that will harrow you, a horror story in the guise of a historical docudrama.” – Mashable
A Christmas Carol (mini-series)
What’s it about?
BBC One’s new three-part mini-series sees Peaky Blinders writer Steven Knight adapt Charles Dickens’ classic festive novel.
As the miserly Ebenzer Scrooge is visited by ghosts from the past, present and the future on a freezing Christmas Eve, he must face up to how his self-interested behaviour has impacted his own life and those around him.
Australian actor Guy Pearce (Mary Queen of Scots) leads the cast as Ebenezer Scrooge, alongside Andy Serkis (The Lord of the Rings) as the Ghost of Christmas Past, and Stephen Graham (Line of Duty) as Jacob Marley.
What did the reviews say?
“Tweeness and whimsy have made way for psychological realism. The result is A Christmas Carol for our times, and for many times to come.” ★★★★★ – The Guardian
“…this grisly, gritty take on such a well-loved seasonal staple will surely prove divisive. But then what would be the point of doing it at all, if it turned out to be just another cosy re-tread?” ★★★★★ – Radio Times
The Crown – Season 3
What’s it about?
Netflix’s award-winning period drama about the reign of Queen Elizabeth II returns for a third season with an all-new cast as the story moves further into the second half of the 20th Century.
Broadchurch star Olivia Colman will take over the role of Elizabeth from Claire Foy.
She’ll be joined by Josh O’Connor (The Durrells) as Prince Charles, Tobias Menzies (Outlander) as Prince Philip and Helena Bonham Carter (Harry Potter) as Princess Margaret.
What did the reviews say?
“Olivia Colman struggles to rule over an increasingly strained brood and a fractured nation as Netflix’s regal epic resumes. One is not amused, but you’ll be hooked.” ★★★★ – The Guardian
“Olivia Colman dazzles, but the jewel in Netflix’s tiara has lost its shine.” ★★★ – The Independent
The Crown is available on DVD on Amazon.
The Durrells – Season 4
What’s it about?
Concluding ITV’s family drama series based on Gerald Durrell’s classic trilogy of Corfu memoirs, The Durrells returns to 1930s Corfu for a final season on ITV.
Bodyguard star Keeley Hawes, who plays Louisa, has promised that the last ever episodes will provide “a fitting and fabulous farewell.”
What did the reviews say
“A welcome vacation from our own island of nightmares.” ★★★★ – The Guardian
“So writer Simon Nye has done it again – expanded skillfully on the books while retaining their elegiac yet earthy tone. The resulting blend of character comedy and pathos is as warm and relaxing as a Greek sunset.” ★★★★ – iNews
Season 4 is available on DVD on Amazon.
Endeavour – Season 6
What’s it about?
Shaun Evans is back as the young Inspector Morse with a new look for 1969 as he begins his new role as a uniformed officer at the Woodstock police department in the sixth season of ITV’s crime drama series.
Returning Endeavour cast members include Roger Allam as DI Fred Thursday, Anton Lesser as CS Reginald Bright, Sean Rigby as DS Jim Strange, James Bradshaw as Dr Max DeBryn, Sara Vickers as Joan Thursday, Abigail Thaw as Dorothea Frazil and Caroline O’Neill as Win Thursday.
What did the reviews say?
“As comforting as cheese on toast … Russell Lewis’s Inspector Morse prequel – a clever, well-crafted whodunnit oozing with period detail – gets better and better. ” – The Guardian
“Now equipped with a moustache, Shaun Evans is in complete command of the younger Morse’s array of tics and traits.” – The Arts Desk
Season 6 is available on DVD on Amazon.
Father Brown – Season 7
What’s it about?
Harry Potter actor Mark Williams is back as the crime-solving Roman Catholic priest in 10 new episodes of BBC One’s hit daytime crime drama.
Based on the stories by GK Chesterton, Father Brown is set in the Cotswolds in the early 1950s.
The seventh season sees Lady Felicia (Nancy Carroll) return from Northern Rhodesia in need of help, while a familiar face returns to Kembleford, putting Sergeant Goodfellow (John Burton) in grave danger.
What did the reviews say?
“…comic actor Mark Williams as the wise and wily Father Brown is one of the best things currently on television.” – Daily Mail
Season 7 is available on DVD on Amazon.
Game of Thrones – Season 8
What’s it about?
After a two-year break, the long-awaited final season of Game of Thrones concludes George R.R. Martin’s epic fantasy saga.
What did the reviews say?
“…it does something new, too: Hitting the accelerator and delivering major plot developments, hurriedly, in its home stretch.” – Variety
“The truth the hype industry can’t acknowledge is that Game of Thrones has grown less interesting as it has increased in size. Like anyone after sufficient feasting it is both bloated and cramped.” ★★★ – The Independent
Season 8 is available on DVD on Amazon.
Gentleman Jack – Season 1
What’s it about?
From the creator of Last Tango In Halifax and based on a true story, BBC One’s eight-part drama is a remarkable and unlikely love story, set in the 1830s in the complex, changing world of Halifax, West Yorkshire – the cradle of the industrial revolution.
Doctor Foster star Suranne Jones plays Regency landowner Anne Lister and Sophie Rundle (Peaky Blinders) plays Ann Walker, the wealthy heiress who Anne Lister soon sets her sights on marrying.
What did the reviews say?
“Gentleman Jack brightly but also quietly investigates Anne’s unusual life with a winning mixture of humor and charm, giving context to modern gender politics by looking to a pioneer from the past.” ★★★★ – Collider
“The 19th-century locutions of Jack feel lively and lived-in; the tone is neither starchy nor nostalgic but sardonic, playful and abundantly funny.” – The New York Times
Gentleman Jack is available to watch on Amazon Prime.
Grantchester – Season 4
What’s it about?
Based on James Runcie’s novels and set in the 1950s in Cambridgeshire, the fourth season of ITV’s period crime drama features the final episodes with original star James Norton, as Sidney Chambers departs the village.
Outlander and Call the Midwife actor Tom Brittney has joined the Grantchester cast as Geordie’s new crime-solving partner, Reverend Will Davenport.
What did the reviews say?
“Don’t write this crimebusting clergy drama off as cosy, it’s much deeper than that.” ★★★★ – The Telegraph
“That’s always been the thing about Grantchester, though. It’s an unassuming little drama that boasts a brilliant cast who never fail to deliver.” ★★★★ – Metro
Season 4 is available on DVD on Amazon.
Harlots – Season 3
What’s it about?
Set in a brothel 18th-century England, Hulu’s period drama series stars Jessica Brown Findlay (Downton Abbey), Samantha Morton (Fantastic Beasts) and Lesley Manville (Maleficent).
Season 3 sees Margaret Wells struggle to reconcile her roles as brothel owner and mother to daughters Charlotte and Lucy. When her business comes under attack from Lydia Quigley, a rival madam with a ruthless streak, Margaret must fight back even if it means losing her family and possibly her life.
What did the reviews say?
“Liv Tyler and Lesley Manville chew the scenery with glee as TV’s hidden gem deftly juggles the humorous and the heinous … [Harlots] gamely ruts on for a third series on Starzplay despite its ruinous reputation as the finest show no one is tuning into…” ★★★★ – The Guardian
“Georgian-era Harlots has consistently been one of TV’s top dramas of the last few years, a thrilling, brainy bodice-ripper that combines the epic wordplay of Shakespeare, the ruthless political survivalism of Machiavelli and the gutting sentimentality of Mario Puzo. ” – The Hollywood Reporter
Harlots is available to watch on Amazon Prime.
Jamestown – Season 3
What’s it about?
Written and created by Bill Gallagher (Lark Rise to Candleford, The Paradise) and made by the producers of Downton Abbey, Sky One’s period drama series follows the first English settlers as they establish a community in 17th century America.
In the third and final season of Jamestown, with trade booming and the tobacco farms established, the settlers’ pioneering aspiration soon clashes with reality as they begin to strive for more than new lives – now they crave control and power.
What did the reviews say?
” This was definitely the best season and it showed how much potential the show really had. Nevertheless, the ending was fitting and satisfying. I enjoyed it greatly.” – Reel Mockery
“This is certainly not the Jamestown I remember from history class, is what I’m saying. But it’s also impossible, ridiculous fun if you can embrace it for what it is, and ignore the – admittedly many – historical inaccuracies.” – Telly Visions
Season 3 is available on DVD on Amazon.
Les Misérables (mini-series)
What’s it about?
Andrew Davies (Pride and Prejudice, Mr Selfridge) has adapted Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel about Jean Valjean, a former convict unable to escape the shadow of his past life, and his relentless pursuit by the chilling police officer Javert.
BBC One’s six-part drama stars Dominic West (The Affair, The Hour) as Jean Valjean, David Oyelowo (Selma, Spooks) as Javert and Lily Collins (Tolkien) as Fantine, alongside Josh O’Connor (The Durrells), Adeel Akhtar (Victoria & Abdul) and Olivia Colman (The Crown).
What did the reviews say?
“There are strong performances from famous actors, gorgeous cinematography and perfectly assembled period sets. If you like that sort of thing, sit down with the family and tuck in.” ★★★ – Financial Times
“Some powerful performances suggest this BBC series will be worth the investment of time and concentration.” ★★★★ – The Mirror
Les Miserables is available on DVD on Amazon.
Martin’s Close (TV movie)
What’s it about?
Written and directed by Sherlock co-creator Mark Gatiss, this adaptation of James’ classic 1911 short story stars Peter Capaldi (Doctor Who).
This year’s Christmas ghost story on BBC Four is set in 1684 and sees John Martin on trial for his life. Facing him, the infamous ‘hanging judge’, George Jeffreys. But this is not a cut and dried murder case. Because the innocent young girl Martin is accused of killing has been seen after her death…
What did the reviews say?
“Martin’s Close was a listless, uninspiring affair. Hairs on the back of one’s neck refused to bristle. The spine remained obstinately un-tingled.” – The Arts Desk
“This MR James ghost story was eerie, rather than flat-out scary.” ★★★ – The Telegraph
M.R. James’ original story is available on Amazon.
Outlander – Season 4
What’s it about?
Based on the fourth novel in Diana Gabaldon’s series of historical time travel novels, The Drums of Autumn, the latest season of Outlander concluded in January.
Star Caitriona Balfe described the season: “It’s interesting to watch how all of these characters embrace the new land and all of the trials and tribulations that come along with that as well as the excitement, and that kind of new beginning is really exciting to get on board with.”
What did the reviews say?
“The show is still at its best when it focuses on the character dynamics at the core of the story, and it’s refreshing to finally get a look at Claire and Jamie as a settled couple with their future ahead of them.” – IGN
“In short, this season of Outlander is still highly Outlander-y, which will be heartening for its many fans to hear.” – Vulture
Season 4 is available on DVD on Amazon.
Peaky Blinders – Season 5
What’s it about?
Cillian Murphy (Dunkirk) is back as Tommy Shelby in six new episodes of BBC Two’s hit drama series about a crime family in Birmingham, England in the 1920s.
The fifth season of Peaky Blinders finds the world thrown into turmoil by the financial crash of 1929, with opportunity and misfortune everywhere.
When Tommy is approached by a charismatic politician with a bold vision for Britain, he realises that his response will affect not just his family’s future but that of the entire nation.
What did the reviews say?
…”it’s shaping up to be looked back on as one of the strongest crime dramas ever staged, and remains the only British show that can hold a candle to the big-budget box-set shows of the US.” – NME
“…everything that makes Peaky so great is right back in there for fans to enjoy.” ★★★★★ – Daily Express
Peaky Blinders is available to watch on Amazon Prime.
Plebs – Season 5
What’s it about?
ITV2’s hit sitcom is back, as Marcus (Tom Rosenthal), Grumio (Ryan Sampson) and Jason (Jon Pointing) continue their adventures in ancient Rome.
Guest stars in the new season include Amanda Holden (Britain’s Got Talent), Tracy Ann Oberman (EastEnders), John Thomson (Cold Feet), Tony Robinson (Blackadder) and Christopher Biggins (I Claudius).
What did the reviews say?
“The writing is brilliantly revolting and sharp as what’s come before, performances from likes of Sampson serve up more belly laughs than ever and the comedy’s string of standout guest stars are perfectly cast.” – Radio Times
“Series 5 hit our screens in typically hilarious fashion … Ryan Sampson retains the role that he’s made his own over the past four series and brings Grumio back to our screens in typically lethargic and food-hunting style.” – HITC
Poldark – Season 5
What’s it about?
Based on the series of historical novels by Winston Graham, BBC One’s Cornish period drama series returns.
Set during the 10 year time gap that occurs between the seventh book, The Angry Tide, and the eighth, The Stranger from the Sea, the final season of Poldark sees Ross resolve to spend more time with his loved ones and put Westminster behind him following the tragic death that concluded Season 4, while George gets involved with corrupt powers whose influence spans the British Empire.
What did the reviews say?
“Our departing hero becomes even more heroic.” ★★★★ – The Times
“How I have missed this beautiful, honest and charming television.” – The Guardian
Season 4 is available on DVD on Amazon.
Sanditon (mini-series)
What’s it about?
Mr Selfridge creator Andrew Davies has adapted Jane Austen’s unfinished final novel as a new mini-series for ITV.
Written only months before Austen’s death in 1817, Sanditon tells “the story of the transformation of a sleepy fishing village into a fashionable seaside resort, with a spirited young heroine, a couple of entrepreneurial brothers, some dodgy financial dealings, a West Indian heiress, and quite a bit of nude bathing.”
The cast includes Theo James (Downton Abbey), Anne Reid (Last Tango in Halifax), Kris Marshall (Death in Paradise) and Rose Williams (Curfew).
What did the reviews say?
“Sanditon is a thoroughly entertaining, light, and refreshingly loose period drama which feels unshackled from its past … with Anne Reid stealing every scene she’s given as the straight-talking, protective, ruler of the roost.” ★★★★ – Metro
“Every box is ticked off to great satisfaction or dull predictability depending on where you stand on the period drama tolerance scale … The top-notch ensemble cast including Anne Reid as Lady Denham … The stunning locations, all craggy clifftops and Regency elegance, and similarly chiselled and reserved hero.” ★★★ – The Guardian
Sanditon is available on DVD on Amazon.
The Spanish Princess (mini-series)
What’s it about?
Starz’s follow-up to The White Queen and The White Princess is based on historical novelist Philippa Gregory’s books The Constant Princess and The King’s Curse.
Starring Charlotte Hope (Game of Thrones) and Laura Carmichael (Downton Abbey), The Spanish Princess dramatises the story of Catherine of Aragon and Henry VIII’s love affair and marriage after the death of his brother Arthur.
What did the reviews say?
“With sumptuous costumes and a cast including a couple of familiar and beloved costume-drama players, Starz’s The Spanish Princess, about the travails of Catherine of Aragon, seems designed to appeal to lovers of broadly drawn historical romance.” – Variety
“The Spanish Princess continues the anthology’s dedication to sweeping cinematic beauty, spot-on casting and smart storytelling while introducing a fresh culture, language and religion to drab old England.” – Los Angeles Times
The Spanish Princess is available to watch on Amazon Prime.
Summer of Rockets (mini-series)
What’s it about?
Written and directed by Stephen Poliakoff (Dancing on the Edge, The Lost Prince), BBC Two’s new six-part Cold War thriller stars Keeley Hawes (The Durrells) and Toby Stephens (Lost In Space).
Summer of Rockets is set in the UK during the tumultuous year of 1958, as Britain tests its first hydrogen bomb and the Soviets launch their first ballistic missile, beating the Americans by successfully sending a Satellite into space.
What did the reviews say?
“This Cold-War drama has Stephen Poliakoff’s trademark stilted dialogue, odd acting and overload of posh houses – but this time, I want to watch more.” ★★★★ – The Guardian
“Stephen Poliakoff’s Cold War drama brilliantly combines espionage with the mundane … What could be seen as the series’ weakness is also its virtue: it mixes storylines of debutante balls and confiscated toys with secret agents and shoot-outs at airfields.” ★★★★ – iNews
Traitors (mini-series)
What’s it about?
Keeley Hawes (Bodyguard, The Durrells) stars in this new six-part Netflix/Channel 4 spy thriller from Boardwalk Empire writer Bash Doran.
Set in 1945 London, Traitors is the dangerous, enthralling story of Feef, who is seduced by a rogue American spy into spying on her own country. Her task? To uncover a Russian agent in the heart of the British Government.
What did the reviews say?
“Doran’s script weaves politics, history, laughs and espionage thrills into a satisfying first episode that bodes well for what’s to come.” – Den of Geek
“Latest recruit to the spy drama game looks great but struggles to convince The period details and cast were top-notch, but credibility-straining plot twists and an unsympathetic main character are severe drawbacks.” – iNews
Victoria – Season 3
What’s it about?
Jenna Coleman (Doctor Who) and Tom Hughes (The Game) reprise their roles as Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in eight new episodes of Victoria.
Starting in 1848, the third season will depict a turbulent and uncertain time for both Europe and the monarchy. With revolutions on the continent and the Chartist movement reaching its peak in London, Victoria is under pressure from the government to leave London for her own safety.
What did the reviews say?
“Sit back and enjoy the soapy ride. As light Sunday-night entertainment, the endlessly unsubtle Victoria does the trick … just don’t even think about fact-checking the plot.” ★★★ – The Guardian
“Anyone who has followed Victoria knows that it puts history through a soap opera wash with exotic floral fabric conditioner. Yet what comes out at the end is usually entertaining, if often perfumed and melodramatic.” ★★★ – The Times
Season 3 is available on DVD on Amazon.
Vienna Blood – Season 1
What’s it about?
Set in 1900s Vienna, BBC Two’s crime drama series stars Matthew Beard (The Imitation Game), Conleth Hill (Game Of Thrones), Charlene McKenna (Ripper Street) and Amelia Bullmore (Gentleman Jack).
Sherlock writer Steve Thompson has adapted the best-selling Liebermann novels by Frank Tallis for television, with the three feature-length episodes following brilliant young English doctor Max Liebermann as he studies under the famed psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud.
What did the reviews say?
“It’s a cop show, a police procedural, and it combines in a formulaic way the usual characteristics of all such stories and series … When it is done well, as here, the results are exceptional and make for compelling viewing.” ★★★★★ – The Independent
“High intrigue slicked with high budget, this detective duo are a perfect match … This lavish period drama rivals any of Netflix’s offerings.” – Evening Standard
Vienna Blood is available on DVD on Amazon.
Vikings – Season 6
What’s it about?
Inspired by the sagas of Viking Ragnar Lothbrok, History’s hit historical drama returns for a final season.
After years of turmoil and tragedy, Vikings reaches its biggest climax yet with the Vikings traveling to never-before-seen locations thousands of miles from Kattegat, meeting vicious rivals worthy of their strategic combat and finally facing the consequences of Ragnar’s death.
When will it air?
The first half of Season 6 kicks off on Wednesday 4th December on History in the US and will premiere in the UK on Amazon Prime Video shortly after its US broadcast.
Vikings is available on DVD on Amazon.
The War of the Worlds (mini-series)
What’s it about?
Wallander writer Peter Harness’s sci-fi period drama series is the first ever British television adaptation of H. G. Wells’s classic sci-fi novel – and the first to be set in the book’s original Victorian time period.
Horsell Common in Surrey is struck by a huge meteor, and the inhabitants of Earth slowly fall victim to a vicious invasion. The three-part drama follows one man’s attempt to escape the ruthless Martians – but they are determined to destroy all human life as they attempt to conquer the earth…
What did the reviews say?
“Despite bits of sculpting here and there, [writer Peter] Harness is not ripping up the novel and starting again. This War of the Worlds is thoroughly and entirely respectful … when the Downton flourishes turn into Doctor Who, it kicks into life.” ★★★★ – The Guardian
“…the BBC’s long-awaited, lavishly mounted three-parter does [the story] full justice, capturing its mounting sense of awestruck fear while skilfully expanding on elements only hinted at in the original.” ★★★★ – iNews
World on Fire – Season 1
What’s it about?
Helen Hunt (As Good As It Gets), Sean Bean (Lord Of The Rings), Blake Harrison (A Very English Scandal) and Lesley Manville (River) will lead the cast of BBC One’s new seven-part World War II drama from the makers of Parade’s End.
Set during the first year of the Second World War, World on Fire begins with the German invasion of Poland in September 1939 and ends with the Battle of Britain.
What did the reviews say?
“A striking, witty wartime drama that feels startlingly new … World on Fire is just what we need as Autumn ambles in and makes huddling on the sofa appealing once again.” ★★★★ – iNews
“Ordinary lives caught up in extraordinary times … Peter Bowker’s second world war drama is a beautifully turned ensemble piece starring Lesley Manville and Sean Bean … and far from standard wartime fare.” ★★★★ – The Guardian
World on Fire is available on DVD on Amazon.
Year of the Rabbit – Season 1
What’s it about?
From Emmy Award-winning Veep writers Andy Riley and Kevin Cecil, Year of the Rabbit is “irreverently and profanely inspired by the unhinged chaos of Victorian-era London.”
Channel 4’s new six-part crime-solving comedy series stars Matt Berry (The IT Crowd), Freddie Fox (Parade’s End), and Susan Wokoma (Chewing Gum), with Keeley Hawes (The Durrells).
Whats did the reviews say?
“Year of the Rabbit is best thought of as a sitcom concoction comprising one part Ripper Street, one part The Sweeney, plus a dash of Murder in Successville and a few crumbs of Toast of London.” ★★★★ – The Independent
“It’s a strange kind of comedy – but it is also brilliant.” – Radio Times
Year of the Rabbit is available to watch on Amazon Prime.
Take a look at our list of 2018’s best British TV period dramas here.