BBC iPlayer has become a major destination for drama, offering extensive box-set options that allow viewers to binge entire series. Among its popular dramas are Happy Valley, Taboo, Wolf Hall, and Normal People. However, one series has caught viewers' attention as a revenge story, love story, and Western epic rolled into one.
What Is 'The English' About?
Set in 1890, the BBC series follows Lady Cornelia Locke (Emily Blunt), an Englishwoman who journeys to the American West in pursuit of the man she believes is responsible for her son's death. Her journey brings her into the path of Eli Whipp (Chaske Spencer), a former cavalry scout and member of the Pawnee Nation seeking to claim land promised to him for his military service. As their paths converge, the pair form an unlikely alliance while navigating the violence and lawlessness of the American frontier.
Created and directed by Hugo Blick, The English transports viewers to the dying days of the Old West over six hours, according to the Express. The series debuted on BBC Two in 2022 and is still available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
Fans Compare It to 'American Primeval' and 'Yellowstone'
Audiences have described the drama as an underappreciated gem alongside American Primeval and Yellowstone. Despite its parallels to Yellowstone, devotees of The English have questioned why it doesn't attract the same recognition as other contemporary shows, despite being 'Western in all the right ways.'
One IMDB reviewer wrote in a 10-star review: 'Instantly, The English has made my top 10. I have seen a lot of movies and series over the many many years I've walked this earth. And seldom have I been struck so profoundly. Every scene, every word, each gesture, to a person reaches out, aiming for the heart. Relentlessly uncovering a story that weaves beauty and horror in equal measure.'
Emily Long of Screen Rant wrote: 'Fans of American Primeval should watch The English. Both are great Westerns featuring a strong female lead. Though each of the shows have their own stories and unique characters, The English and American Primeval are surprisingly similar. Both shows centre on a woman trying to make her way across the American West with a travelling partner, encountering numerous challenges along the way.'
Critical Acclaim and Awards
The show has won over Reddit's 67,000-strong r/Western community, with user apswim22 remarking: 'This was an amazing under-the-radar series. One of the better Western series in a while.' Another user, BeautifulDebate7615, told the Western subreddit: 'We did not see the twist coming but kept wondering why things weren't developing the way we expected. Then the twist perfectly explained things.'
Both Chaske Spencer and Emily Blunt earned nominations for Best Actor at the British Academy Television Awards and Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series at the Screen Actors Guild Awards, respectively. Stephen Rea earned an Irish Film and Television Award for his portrayal of Sheriff Robert Marshall. Arnau Valls Colomer's cinematography is complemented by Federico Jusid's classical score, creating an utterly compelling atmosphere.
Some critics have taken issue with the show's tempo, with the opening episode labelled a slow burner, though such gripes quickly fade once the second episode hits its stride. The English is available to stream on both BBC iPlayer and Amazon Prime.
