1890s Yorkshire drama ‘The Hardacres’ coming from ‘All Creatures’ makers
Channel 5 has ordered a brand new period drama series!
Based on CL Skelton’s best-selling The Hardacre Saga novels, the show will be made by the producers of All Creatures Great and Small.
Titled The Hardacres, Channel 5’s upcoming six-part drama will chronicle the sweeping rags to riches story of a working class family in 1890s Yorkshire.
Described as “a bold, gutsy ensemble family drama full of heart,” the series follows “the lives, loves and fortunes of the Hardacre family as they move from a grimy fish dock to a vast country estate.”
The series is created by Call the Midwife writer Loren McLaughlan with Amy Roberts (Doc Martin, Cold Feet), with the pair serving as lead writers and executive producers on the show.
The writing team also includes Emma Reeves (The Worst Witch) and Liz Lake (Waterloo Road).
Production company Playground has made All Creatures Great and Small for Channel 5 since 2020, with a fourth season on the way.
Channel 5 will be hoping for another Yorkshire-based hit with The Hardacres!
“We’re thrilled to be further extending our fantastic partnership with Channel 5 to bring CL Skelton’s glorious novels to the screen,” said Playground’s executive producer David Stern.
“The Hardacres is a life affirming rags to riches story about a family overcoming all odds, but in their quest for financial success they rediscover that community, friendship and family are the most precious things in life,” he added.
“Amy and Loren have done a brilliant job adapting the novels into a television series filled with humour, poignancy and a timely spirit that will resonate greatly with today’s Channel 5 audience,” teased Stern.
We expect The Hardacres will premiere on Channel 5 in the UK in 2024.
A broadcaster in the US hasn’t yet been announced, but Paramount+ or PBS looks most likely.
In the meantime, the new season of All Creatures Great and Small is set to launch on Channel 5 next month!
The Hardacres is going to begin filming in Ireland later this year.
Its official synopsis reads: “When an accident at work on the docks lands Sam and Mary Hardacre – along with their three kids Joe, Liza and Harry, and Mary’s inimitable mother Ma – unemployed and destitute, they have to think fast.
“In a bid to avoid the workhouse, the driven and determined Hardacres put their last penny into a radical business venture they hope will free them from their harsh existence on the quays of the North Yorkshire coast.
“The Hardacres places an ordinary family in an extraordinary position and explores the age-old question – can money ever buy true happiness?”
CL Skelton’s The Hardacre Saga books are available on Amazon.