From 1837 to 1901, the Victorian era was a historic time marked by massive leaps in industrial progress and social change, as well as being known as one of the finest times of the British Empire.
It has served as a near-infinite source of inspiration for writers, and TV creators, as well as giving us some of the most iconic books in history – we mean, any era that gave us Charles Dickens was definitely something special.
With so much opulence, focus on the classes, and the stirrings of women’s liberation, we decided to see what the TV landscape looks like for Victorian-era England.
From the mysterious investigations of Sherlock Holmes to the supernatural intrigue of Penny Dreadful, these shows bring the Victorian era to life, showcasing the opulence, societal constraints, and intricate character dynamics that defined the time.
So let’s stroll down the cobblestoned streets of London, peak into the parlors of the noble houses, don our corsets, and settle a duel or two with the best TV shows set in Victorian Era England.
Victoria, ITV (2016 – 2019)
The namesake of the Victorian Era, Queen Victoria has a chance to shine in this well-produced TV show.
Each season is dedicated to a different era in her life as we see her go from newly crowned monarch at the young age of 18 to mother, powerful queen and wife.
We get to witness her balance being a royal force to be reckoned with against her family life, as well as dealing with her relatives and advisors who are often only looking out for their own needs.
The show has been heavily praised for the meticulous attention it paid to the historic accuracy of the time, especially the societal customs and costumes.
It is a lavish love letter to the Victorian era that celebrates an iconic royal figure who reigned remarkably.
North & South, BBC One (2004)
Based on the novel by Elizabeth Gaskell, the show follows Margaret Hale, a young woman who moves from Southern England to the North when her father decides to leave the clergy after losing trust in the doctrines of the Church of England.
For the Hale family, this is quite the adjustment, and their new home is an industrial town where they hope to avoid being the topic of gossip – after all, leaving the clergy isn’t done lightly.
As her father makes a small income through tutoring, she and the family become acquainted with the Thorntons, a local family of cotton mill owners who seem a bit snobby at first.
As Margaret finds herself grappling with her attraction to John Thornton, she is also torn by the sympathy she has developed for the mill workers of the town who toil under the classism of the time.
Will she fall in love or will she stand up for her rights and those of the men and women who work in this industrial little town?
Bleak House, BBC One (2005)
As one of the definitive voices of the Victorian Era, this is not the only adaptation of a Charles Dicken novel, we will be talking about today.
Originally printed as a serial and now brought to the small screen as a 15-part serial, Bleak House effortlessly weaves together multiple storylines that all intersect in one way or another regarding a never-ending conflict between heirs investigating multiple wills.
At the core of the story, we meet Esther Summerson who has been appointed the housekeeper and companion for two orphaned cousins – Ada Clare and Richard Catstone – who may be the heirs to this long-standing estate battle.
The expansive plot covers so many aspects that it would be a disservice to spoil it here, all we can say is to watch it and set in for the 8 hours it takes to absorb this new adaptation.
The show’s tone certainly lives up to the name of the show with its dark and atmospheric design, purposely done to emphasize how unjust the Victorian legal system was at the time, especially where societal differences arose.
The English Game, Netflix (2020)
As the most popular sport in the world, soccer has its origins all over the globe and remarkably had an impact on the Victorian Era.
Before it became a sport for all, soccer in the UK was solely for the wealthy upper classes, but when a working-class football star and society gentlemen team up, the game changes in more ways than one.
Viewers get to see the sport evolve from a fun pastime to a serious and professional sport with monetary gains to be had!
Of course, everyone is going to want to get in on the game, and thus we see the birth of what we now know as the football association in England.
With its immersive period setting, authentic costumes, and dynamic football sequences, The English Game is a visual fear for history buffs and sports enthusiasts alike.
The Nevers, HBO (2021 – 2023)
And now we take our first trip into the fantastical as we see a Victorian Era where a portion of the population, mostly women, develop extraordinary abilities and become known as “the touched” following a mysterious event.
This is where we meet a group of people known as The Nevers who try and get a grip on these new powers, all while dealing with the social fallout of stepping out of the norm.
While some want to exploit these people, Amalia True, a witty widow with a mean fist, steps up to lead them and protect them from the prejudice and abuse that the world wants to thrust upon them.
Some of our Victorian proto-superheroes have abilities like seeing glimpses of the future, seeing electrical patterns and even having the power to heal.
The show is a marvelous blend of period pieces blended with the supernatural elements of a good superhero show and murder mystery. A very unique must-watch!
The Irregulars, Netflix (2021)
The first of many adaptations of the great novels by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle on this list, The Irregulars delves into the world of Sherlock Holmes, introducing us to the Baker Street Irregulars.
This group of Victorian-era teenagers is employed by John Watson in his quest to track down Sherlock Holmes.
As their investigations deepen, the group comes across increasingly supernatural crimes that plague the city.
Here instead of the legendary detective taking center stage, we see the network of people who work behind the scene with their unique talents and struggles.
With its wonderfully dark atmosphere, the show captures the grit of Victorian London through a mystery horror lens and inventive take on the legend of Sherlock Holmes.
Fans of the great detective will delight in the easter eggs dappled throughout the show, while newcomers don’t need any lore knowledge to get stuck in.
Sherlock Holmes, ITV (1984 – 1994)
Widely regarded as one of the most faithful adaptations of the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle novels, this classic TV show takes on many cases and stories from the original works while perfectly capturing what life in Victorian London was like for a master consulting detective like Sherlock Holmes.
Of the 60 tales the author gave the world, the show adapted 43 including favourites like “A Scandal in Bohemia” and “The Final Problem”.
In the show, we meet Sherlock Holmes working as the world’s only consulting detective, seeing a mix of private clients and assisting the police often at the request of Inspector Lestrade.
His loyal friend and assistant Dr. John Watson is often key in solving his cases, even though Sherlock himself is a wealth of knowledge that ranges from chemistry to anatomy, and of course his penchant for deductive reasoning.
Together the two men share rooms at 221B Baker Street – one of the most famous literary addresses ever.
This is the perfect show for purists of the Sherlock Holmes lore catalog and stays true to the character the author envisioned. A classic in every sense of the word.
Young Sherlock: The Mystery of the Manor House, ITV (1982)
Meet a young Sherlock Holmes as he finds himself embroiled in a deep mystery surrounding a mysterious manor house – his former childhood home.
Even as a typhoid epidemic rages and he is sent home early from school, Sherlock’s curiosity can’t keep him away from an investigation, and along with a young John Watson, he sets out to hone his deductive skills and uncover the truth behind this mystery.
As soon as our young protagonist sets foot on the manor grounds, he is met with deceit, greed and dishonorable intentions.
As the suspense builds over the 9 episodes of the show, we witness a 17-year-old genius detective come into his own.
Miss Scarlet and The Duke, Alibi (2020 – present)
In this Victorian crime drama, we meet our titular protagonists – Miss Scarlet, a female private investigator, and William “The Duke” Wellington, a detective inspector of Scotland Yard.
It is 1882, and Eliza Scarlet finds her world upturned when her father dies and leaves her nearly penniless – leaving her with no choice but to take over his detective agency.
As she sets out to make a name for herself in a male-dominated world, she often calls in a favor with William.
Determined and independent, Miss Scarlet does not allow herself to be silenced by the patriarchy of the time and quickly shows her peers that she is a detective to be reckoned with.
Year of the Rabbit, Channel 4 (2019)
Heading in a more comedic direction, we follow Detective Inspector Eli Rabbit – a man hardened by years of drinking who is burnt out on all he has seen – and his new partner, the hapless but hopeful Detective Sergeant Wilbur Strauss.
The show tends to take a humorous and irreverent approach to the detective genre, blending it with elements of satire and absurdity turning the whole genre on its head.
We follow our foul-mouthed detective across London as he takes on numerous bizarre and sometimes grotesque cases along with his team, the goofy rookie and the first black policewoman who despite knowing more than anyone else in the room, is often disregarded.
The Year of the Rabbit is a sleazy, gruff, gritty, and even slightly smutty sitcom that definitely subverts our ideas of distinguished Victorian Era England.
The Essex Serpent, Apple TV+ (2022)
Leaning into the gothic atmosphere of Victorian London, The Essex Serpent is based on the Sarah Perry novel of the same name.
Here we meet the widow Cora Seaborne who moves to Essex to investigate sightings of a mythical serpent in the area.
In the course of her investigation, she forms a bond with the local pastor who shares her interest in science and skepticism – surprising for a man of the cloth!
However, soon the town is besieged by a tragedy and the local population begins to accuse her interest in the creature of attracting it and the destruction that follows.
Is the serpent real and will she and the vicar follow through on their forbidden romance? What will Cora uncover if she continues to pull on the thread that keeps this town together?
Quacks, BBC Two (2017)
Life as a doctor in the Victorian era wasn’t easy or glamorous, and Quacks we take a lighthearted and irreverent look at the lives of four doctors simply trying to make a difference and pioneer the science of medicine despite their flaws… like performing surgeries in public in bloody clothes.
The dark humor in the show is used to show how misguided some 19th-century medical practices were as we follow the misadventures of a surgeon, dentist, anesthetist, and psychiatrist as they dispense quackery and questionable techniques.
The show is wildly absurd and uses slapstick humor to deliver the point at times and it definitely deserved more than one season – however it is a season we could watch again and again.
Bramwell, ITV (1995 – 1998)
In Bramwell, we meet Dr. Eleanor Bramwell who runs a free hospital for the poor situated in the East End of London.
As it’s set in the Victorian era, Eleanor faces tremendous challenges as it was at the time a predominantly male profession – and of course, women were meant for the kitchen and home.
Eleanor does not let that detract her, and she valiantly continues her pursuits at The Thrify, her own infirmary.
In the show, we are given a careful study of the inequality of the time, not only in terms of economic class, but gender too, and at the core we follow a strong female lead who will do her best to advance women’s rights one patient at a time.
Daniel Deronda, BBC One (2002)
Adapted from the George Elliot novel of the same name, Daniel Deronda is set in the 1870s and follows two narratives that ultimately overlap.
On the one hand, we have our titular protagonist Daniel and on the other end is Gwendolen Harleth.
Daniel is compassionate and idealistic, whereas Gwendolen is headstrong and spirited – and as each discovers their ambitions and identity, they meet and form a connection.
Through their narratives, we learn about life as a Jewish person at the time and the pressure of societal expectations.
Do you marry the man you love or marry the man on your level?
Doctor Thorne, ITV (2016)
Based on the novel by Anthony Trollope, this mini-series follows the lives of the residents of Greshamsbury, a small English village, as well as the story of Dr. Thomas Thorne.
As a kind and respected country doctor, he does not often wander into scandals, however, he soon finds himself embroiled in the romantic and social shenanigans of the locals – including the forbidden romance between his orphaned niece and Frank Gresham, the heir to the Greshamsbury estate!
Will the penniless Mary Thorne and her love be enough for the wealthy Greshams or will their own woes tear this relationship apart?
The show deftly navigates the prevailing classism of the time and asks what moral choices we would make in the same situation.
Lark Rise to Candleford, BBC One (2008 – 2011)
Adapted from the semi-autobiographical novels of Fora Thompson, we are transported to the English countryside to the small Oxfordshire hamlet of Lark Rise and the market town of Candleford.
Here we meet Laura Timmins as she leaves her small village of Lark Rise to work at the post office in Candleford as an apprentice postmistress.
Through her new adventure we are given the inside scoop on the daily lives of the inhabitants, the societal differences between the gentry and locals, and the rivalries and friendships within the town.
The show feels like a love letter to the English countryside and the simple life of Victorian times and we are treated to a healthy dose of nostalgia, humor, and lavish costume design.
The Paradise, BBC One (2012 – 2013)
Based on the novel Au Bonheur des Dames by Émile Zola, The Paradise is set in a fictional department store of the same name in Newcastle, England.
Here we meet Denise Lovett, a 19th-century woman with ambition who takes on a job at the store.
Through her time at the shop, we see the inner workings of The Paradise and get to know the endearing cast of characters and nearby shopkeepers who are struggling to overcome the shadow cast by the behemoth of a store.
As she rises among the ranks of employees, she not only encounters her fair share of competition but also embarks on a very complicated romance.
Will she remain a humble shopgirl forever, or will she rise to the top of the modern world?
Ripper Street, BBC One (2012 – 2016)
If there is one historical figure who took on the role of a Victorian boogeyman, it is Jack the Ripper, one of the worst killers in history.
In Ripper Street, we head to Whitechapel to investigate the aftermath of the infamous Jack the Ripper murders.
With a neighborhood reeling from the trauma of his murderous reign, we meet a team of law enforcement officers including Detective Inspector Edmund Reid who try and maintain order in this gritty area, while always on the lookout for signs that Jack may be back.
Set five months after the murders, the poor and dispossessed inhabitants of Whitechapel live on the edge when new victims appear and rumors circulate.
Can the members of the H Division solve this one and create peace in the neighborhood?
Dickensian, BBC One (2015 – 2016)
Dickensian is a very ambitious show that took numerous characters from the novels of Charles Dickens and put them all together in a shared alternate Victorian world and neighborhood.
Who thought you would see Scrooge and Miss Havisham in the same universe?
As a work of fiction, the show creates a fictional world that takes place before the events of the novels and presents unique relationships between the characters.
We get to sympathize with a villain as we learn about their childhood, or even see a hero in a new light.
The show does an amazing job of capturing the world of Dickens whether it is the characterization, costumes, and plots that weave together so easily, it is hard to believe these beloved characters didn’t actually all grow up together.
Cranford, BBC One (2007 – 2010)
Set in the 1840s, Cranford is the story of the fictional village of Cranford with a focus on the single or widowed female members of the community.
The show, which is based on Elizabeth Gaskell novels, creates a cozy feel as these ladies enjoy their traditional way of life and have a close-knit relationship with their neighbors and friends.
Of course, even within such an idyllic setting, there is drama too.
The show is a love story of the simpler way of life and the picturesque romanticized idea of living in the Victorian English countryside, and with the one and only Dame Judi Dench cast in the lead, the show is a masterclass in period dramas.
Return to Cranford, also known as the Cranford Christmas Special, is a two-part special follow-up to the show where this beloved community must learn to accept the approach of modernity with the arrival of the railway.
Jane Eyre, BBC One (2006)
This four-part mini-series is a faithful adaptation of the much-beloved novel by Charlotte Brontë which follows the orphaned Jane Eyre who works as a governess for the brooding and enigmatic Mr Rochester at Thornfield Hall.
Jane had a hard upbringing, living with a cruel aunt and attending a harsh boarding school, so the position is a welcome reprieve for her.
However, soon she and her employer start developing feelings, which in itself is a complicated matter – not to mention the woman locked away in the attic.
However, at its heart, it is a timeless love story with emotionally complex characters in an opulent setting.
It should be noted that there have been many other adaptations of the novel including a 1973 drama serial.
Middlemarch, BBC Two (1994)
Based on the George Elliot novel of the same name, Middlemarch follows the lives of the residents of the titular fictional town, focusing on the intertwining stories of various characters from different social classes.
As the industrial revolution ramps up around them, the quiet provincial life of these folks is on the precipice of tremendous change as they struggle to find meaning in this new world.
The show paid meticulous detail to the novel and tried to bring as much authenticity as possible to the small screen, beautifully capturing the intricate character and social commentary of the novel it is based on.
Tess of the D’Urbervilles, BBC One (2008)
Follow the story of Tess Durbeyfield, a young woman from a poor rural family who discovers her connection to the aristocratic D’Urberville family.
Based on the classic novel by Thomas Hardy, this adaptation sees Tess sent off to visit her newly discovered wealthy cousin, Alec D’Urberville.
However, once she gets there, she quickly learns that life among the aristocracy isn’t all champagne and charms, and after a horrible event, she returns home the victim of prejudice and misdeeds.
It is only when she rekindles an old relationship that she finds happiness back in her home village.
We do not want to give away too much about what happens to her, but it should be noted that Tess is a character known for her strength and resilience that still resonates today.
Penny Dreadful, Showtime (2014 – 2016)
Penny Dreadful is an ode to the enigmatic experience that is gothic horror and Victorian literature and weaves together various iconic characters from classic literature, including Dracula, Frankenstein’s Monster, and Dorian Gray, as well as original characters.
The title of the show actually refers to the popular 19th-popular British publishing trend called Penny Dreadfulls – paperbacks known for their lurid and sensationalized stories.
In the show, we follow the enigmatic Vanessa Ives who unites a group of individuals to take on the supernatural threats in the city.
Each character grapples with their own inner demons and haunted pasts, while simultaneously dealing with the external forces that threaten their lives and sanity – we mean, imagine being haunted by Lucifer or dating Dorian Gray?
Dark, atmospheric, and full of unique settings, Penny Dreadful is a supernatural powerhouse that perfectly captures the darker side of Victorian London.
The Mystery of Edwin Drood, BBC Two (2012)
A mystery in a mystery, The Mystery of Edwin Drood has long tickled scholars who want to know how Charles Dickens’s unfinished work ends.
In this 2012 adaptation, we explore the mysterious disappearance of our titular character who vanishes under very suspicious circumstances.
Here we begin to see the aftermath of his disappearance including the effect it has on his beloved Rosa Bud and other members of the small town of Cloisterham.
While his disappearance is at the forefront, it also makes way for darker secrets and relationships to come to the fore.
What makes the show unique is that it seeks to find some closure on The Mystery of Edwin Drood by giving the story an original ending, perhaps offering some closure to viewers and the inhabitants of this fictional universe alike.
Great Expectations, BBC One (2011)
Told over three parts this adaptation of the classic Charles Dickens novel is widely considered a faithful telling of the story.
In the mini-series, we follow the journey of Pip, an orphan who transforms himself into a gentleman.
Upon hearing that the reclusive Miss Havisham needs a young boy for a job, his sister puts him forward for the job.
He discovers that his role is that of a playmate for her adopted daughter, a job he enjoys and hopes will lead to a fruitful future.
Sadly he is betrayed by the adults around him, and seven years later he gets a mysterious offer from an unknown benefactor who will pay for him to live as a gentleman in London.
He believes this to be Miss Havisham, but we the audience can’t be sure.
From here, he goes on a whirlwind journey of debts, betrayal, societal drama, and of course, at the heart of it all, romance.
Wives and Daughters, BBC One (1999)
Another TV show inspired by the works of Elizabeth Gaskell, here we follow the life of Molly Gibson, the young daughter of a country doctor.
This coming-of-age story takes us on Molly’s journey through love, family conflict, and the constraint of living life as a woman in the Victorian Era.
After her mother’s death, her father remarries, introducing a new dynamic to her family life.
At the same time, she also begins to feel the first stirrings of love as she falls for a local man, who may not feel the same way about her.
Of course, it doesn’t help that her worldly stepsister is a catch in her own right and a fast friend to her.
As more secrets come out, Molly becomes determined to secure her happiness, and we can’t help but root for her.
The Forsyte Saga, ITV (2002 – 2003)
As the name implies, The Forsyte Saga is an expansive story of several generations in the Forsyte family, based on the novel series by John Galsworthy.
The family is wealthy, influential, and complex, as most dynasties are of course.
At the center of the saga is Soames Forsyte, a wealthy and possessive man who marries Irene Heron, creating a marriage that clashes against their different views on life.
As the story unfolds, the younger generation of Forsytes, including Irene’s son Jon and his cousin Fleur, become entangled in their own passionate and tumultuous relationships.
The show is a tapestry of interwoven storylines that showcase the life of a wealthy family in Victorian-era England.
Dracula, BBC One (2013)
Prepare to be enthralled by Dracula, as this adaptation brings Bram Stoker’s iconic vampire to life with a fresh twist.
As Count Dracula, an immortal creature of the night, navigates the shadows of Victorian London, he ensnares unsuspecting victims in his web of seduction and horror.
Dracula explores the eternal struggle between good and evil by delving into the enigmatic vampire’s insatiable thirst for blood, as well as his intense battles of wits with those who seek to destroy him.
This is a suspenseful and macabre journey that exposes the depths of Dracula’s evil and the resilience of those who dare to stand against him.
The show delivers a chilling narrative that will leave you captivated and on the edge of your seat.
This re-imagination of the timeless vampire legend will plunge you into a world of gothic Victorian horror and supernatural intrigue, where the line between darkness and redemption is blurred.
Oliver Twist, BBC One (2007)
Probably one of the most famous novels by Charles Dickens, this 2007 adaptation of Oliver Twist remains faithful to the source material.
The story follows young orphan Oliver Twist as he navigates the harsh realities of Victorian London.
Sold into apprenticeship to an undertaker after famously asking for more gruel, Oliver escapes his harsh employment and goes to the city, where he falls in with a group of pickpockets led by the manipulative Fagin and encounters various colorful characters, including the Artful Dodger.
As Oliver triumphs over poverty, betrayal, and the search for his own identity, we can’t help but fall in love with the resilient spirit that has made this story a true classic.
Hetty Feather, CBBC (2015 – 2020)
Based on the children’s book series by Jacqueline Wilson, we follow Hetty Feather, a spirited and imaginative young girl growing up in Victorian England.
Abandoned as a baby at the Foundling Hospital, Hetty enjoyed a brief stay with a foster parent before returning to the hospital at the age of 5.
Here we join her on her journey navigating the challenges of growing up in an institution under the strict rules and discipline of Matron Bottomly and gang leader Sheila.
As Hetty grows older, she leaves the Foundling Hospital and embarks on a quest to find her place in the world and hopefully to find her birth mother.
Desperate Romantics, BBC Two (2009)
Settle in for this fictionalized account of the lives and relationships of a group of Victorian-era artists known as the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, tracing their passionate but unconventional lives as they challenge the artistic norms of Victorian England through their bohemian spirit and rebellious natures.
We get to see the lives of artists such as Dante Gabriel Rossetti, William Holman Hunt, and John Everett Millais, as well as their models and muses while witnessing their artistic ambitions, personal relationships, and the social and political climate of the time.
Ideas and inspiration for the show were largely derived from the factual book about the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood – Desperate Romantics: The Private Lives of the Pre-Raphaelites by Franny Moyle.
Our Mutual Friend, BBC One (1998)
In this adaptation of the Charles Dickens novel of the same name, we see how an inheritance can bring people together, cross paths and even spur betrayal.
Here we meet John Harmon, who returns to London disguised as John Rokesmith to observe the reactions of his potential beneficiaries.
Whether money-hungry relatives, kind-hearted people, or even people with secrets of their own, we follow along as loyalties are put to the test and romances develop.
At the center of it the drama, the inheritance becomes a catalyst for the manipulations and unexpected twists that challenge the characters’ beliefs and desires.
The Way We Live Now, BBC One (2001)
Based on the Anthony Trollope novel of the same name, in this show, we meet the ambitious Augustus Melmotte, a foreign financier who arrives in London with grand plans to secure his social standing and wealth, involving a mysterious railway and stock options.
With these intentions and promises of wealth, he quickly becomes the hot new attraction and draws the attention of nobles, politicians, and ladies looking to marry into a good position.
However, where money is involved, greed is soon to follow, and we see how seedy the underbelly of upper-crust Victorian London could be.
Even his daughter can’t escape this and is soon pursued for her alleged dowry – but is Melmotte himself too good to be true or is he an unwitting participant in Victorian social class games?
The Crimson Petal and the White, BBC Two (2011)
Moving away from the affairs of the aristocracy, we take on this adaption of the Michel Faber novel.
Meet Sugar, a young prostitute in Victorian London who yearns for a life beyond her current circumstances.
Fortune throws a penny her way when she becomes embroiled in an affair with a very powerful patriarch, William Rackham, which seems like a path to power for her.
Using her intellect she secures an influential place in his life, allowing her to rise above her status.
The show is an incredibly honest look at the seedy underbelly of Victorian London, especially where sexuality, class, and gender were concerned.
Despite her social climbing, we can’t stop ourselves from rooting for Sugar and her journey.
A Little Princess, BBC One (1986)
Enter the enchanting world of A Little Princess.
This heartwarming series follows the extraordinary journey of Sara Crewe, a young girl who navigates adversity with resilience and kindness.
Set in Victorian-era London, the story captures the power of imagination, friendship, and the indomitable spirit of the human heart.
Join Sara as she faces the challenges of her new life at Miss Minchin’s boarding school, where her vibrant imagination becomes her solace.
Through acts of compassion and unwavering optimism, she touches the lives of those around her and leaves an enduring impact.
A Little Princess is a timeless tale that celebrates resilience, friendship, and the strength of staying true to oneself in the face of adversity.
The Barchester Chronicles, BBC Two (1982)
The Barchester Chronicles invites you into the enchanting world of 19th-century Barchester, where scandal, ambition, and love intertwine.
At the heart of the series is the power struggle within the clergy hierarchy, focusing on the Cathedral Close and its surrounding community.
The plot follows the newly appointed Bishop Proudie and his domineering wife as they navigate the intricate world of church politics.
The show eloquently weaves a tapestry of Victorian England as tradition clashes with progress and personal dramas unfold.
With its compelling storytelling and memorable characters, The Barchester Chronicles offers a captivating glimpse into a bygone era, filled with wit, charm, and social commentary.
Prepare for a sweeping narrative that captures the essence of author Anthony Trollope’s timeless work, dazzling viewers with its intricate dynamics and timeless themes.
The Mill, Channel 4 (2013 – 2014)
In The Mill we delve into the struggles of Victorian-era mill workers in England.
Set against the backdrop of Quarry Bank Mill, this captivating series unveils the harsh realities of industrialization and the fight for justice.
Follow the lives of apprentices and journeymen as they navigate grueling working conditions and social inequalities.
With its authentic portrayal of the working class and powerful storytelling, The Mill offers a compelling glimpse into a chapter of history often overlooked.
Witness the resilience and camaraderie of those who strive for a better future, shedding light on a time when the clatter of machinery echoed the quest for dignity and change.
The Living and the Dead, BBC One (2016)
Uncover the chilling secrets of The Living and the Dead.
In this haunting series, we follow Nathan Appleby, a troubled psychologist, as he investigates paranormal phenomena that plague his ancestral home.
Follow a suspenseful narrative where the line between the living and the dead blurs, and supernatural forces lurk in the shadows.
With its atmospheric setting and psychological twists, the series immerses you in a world where eerie encounters and unsettling mysteries abound.
As Nathan confronts his own inner demons and grapples with spectral entities, the haunting beauty of the English countryside becomes the backdrop for his profound journey of discovery.
Prepare for a captivating exploration of the supernatural, where reality intertwines with the inexplicable in chilling and unexpected ways.
Fingersmith, BBC One (2005)
In the captivating world of Fingersmith, we get entangleg in a web of secrets and betrayals.
Set in Victorian-era England, this mesmerizing series follows Sue Trinder, a skilled thief, and Maud Lilly, a wealthy heiress, whose lives become intertwined in a tale of mystery and deception.
Delve into a suspenseful journey filled with unexpected twists and hidden desires.
With its atmospheric setting and intricate plot, Fingersmith immerses you in a world where loyalties are tested and identities are concealed.
This thrilling narrative keeps you on the edge of your seat, revealing the true power of trust and the consequences of manipulation.
Tipping the Velvet, BBC Two (2002)
Settle in for a captivating journey with Tipping the Velvet.
Follow Nancy Astley as she explores her identity and desires in Victorian-era London’s music halls.
Here she falls in love with a male impersonator named Kitty Butler while working at the local oyster parlor.
As Nancy becomes infatuated with Kitty and captivated by the world of music hall performances, she leaves her quiet hometown behind to join Kitty on stage in London.
With its evocative blend of passion and personal growth, Tipping the Velvet celebrates the freedom to love and be true to oneself, especially the lesbian subculture of Victorian London.
Join Nancy on her transformative journey as she finds her own voice and embraces her true desires in a world that demands conformity.
Around the World in 80 Days, BBC One (2021 – present)
Set off on an adventure with Around the World in 80 Days where the audacious Phileas Fogg and his trusty valet Passepartout race against time to travel the globe in just 80 days.
Join along on this whirlwind journey filled with breathtaking landscapes, daring exploits, and unexpected encounters.
From bustling cities to treacherous terrains, our heroes face thrilling challenges and meet eccentric characters along the way.
Whether stopping assassins on an exhilarating train ride, daring hot air balloon escapades, or the joy of exploring exotic destinations this is a delightful and fast-paced escapade that will leave you breathless and yearning for more.
The Onedin Line, BBC One (1971 – 1980)
In The Onedin Line we follow Captain James Onedin as he charts a course through the challenges of Victorian ers England’s shipping industry.
This thrilling series immerses you in a world of high-seas drama, where ambition and personal trials collide.
Experience the beauty of vast ocean horizons, fierce maritime battles, and the complexities of love and ambition.
The Onedin Line delivers an enthralling blend of romance and seafaring adventure, as he navigates the treacherous waters of success and discovers the cost of building his shipping empire.
He Knew He Was Right, BBC One (2004)
Based on Anthony Trollope’s novel, He Knew He Was Right explores the destructive power of jealousy and suspicion.
As Louis Trevelyan’s marriage unravels, the lives of diverse characters become entangled in a web of love, pride, and misplaced certainty.
With thought-provoking storytelling, the series delves into the consequences of mistrust, highlighting the fragility of human emotions and the profound impact of choices.
Prepare for a compelling exploration of complex relationships and the lasting effects of unchecked jealousy.