Call the Midwife fans have found a new obsession in the period drama 'Home Fires', a WWII series that has been called a 'masterpiece' and is currently streaming for free on Channel 4 and UKTV. The show, based on Julie Summers' book 'Jambusters', first aired in 2015 and has garnered a devoted following, with viewers awarding it '20 stars' and praising its compelling storytelling.
What Is 'Home Fires' About?
Created by Simon Block and co-directed by Robert Quinn and Bruce Goodinson, 'Home Fires' is set in the rural Cheshire village of Great Paxford between September 1932 and early 1940. The series follows the lives of Women's Institute members on the Home Front during World War II. The official synopsis states: 'The story follows a group of women living in a rural Cheshire village during World War II. With the war occupying their husbands, fathers, sons and brothers, the women are forced to cope with the pressures of living with limited resources in a nation of disarray. Through their difficulties the ladies find strength by forming the Great Paxford Women's Institute, which helps them maintain hope and order in their community as Britain crumbles around them.'
Cast and Critical Acclaim
The series features an all-star female cast including Francesca Annis, Daisy Badger, Leanne Best, Samantha Bond, Clare Calbraith, and Ruth Gemmell, alongside male actors Mark Bonnar, Mark Bazeley, and Chris Coghill. 'Home Fires' holds a perfect 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. One critic described it as 'British drama that's as satisfying as a warm cup of tea,' while another said it is 'more uplifting and affirming than challenging or surprising, and it is handsomely made with convincing period detail and a fine cast delivering top notch performances.'
Viewer Reactions and Cancellation
Fans have been effusive in their praise. One IMDB reviewer wrote: 'I absolutely cannot believe that this absolutely incredible series has been cancelled by ITV. It is a major favorite in our household and we miss it terribly. For anyone who has not seen it, go find it and watch. It's the best TV has to offer so it needs to continue.' Another viewer awarded the show '20 stars' and added: 'A real tear jerker. I don't think there was one episode I didn't tear up. This is a touching heartwarming series.'
Despite the acclaim, ITV axed the show after just two series in May 2016, a decision that continues to frustrate fans. One viewer lamented: 'It's been 4 years since this series was cancelled and I still think about the characters and their lives. I was devastated when I found out, so much so, I signed a petition to get it back on, to no avail. I only have the books to console me now.' Another fan fumed: 'This series should never have been cancelled - one of best series of the last 10yrs!'
Where to Watch
'Home Fires' is available to stream for free on Channel 4 and UKTV. Creator Simon Block continued the story through a novelisation, resolving the cliffhangers left at the end of series 2.
