Fans of period dramas have been devouring a cherished series that's based on a "must-read" book. TV audiences are being urged to watch an American romance series that serves as a sequel to William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.
Still Star-Crossed was developed by Heather Mitchell and based on the 2013 novel of the same name by Melinda Taub. The series was produced by Shonda Rhimes's Shondaland, the production company behind TV hits like Grey's Anatomy, Station 19, Scandal, and How to Get Away with Murder.
The drama premiered in May 2017 but was cancelled by ABC after one season, leaving fans distraught. The official synopsis reads: "Following the deaths of Romeo and Juliet, Rosaline Capulet is betrothed against her will to Benvolio Montague. As the two try to prevent the marriage and the destruction of their warring families, a secret society known as 'The Fiend' attempts to depose the beleaguered Prince Escalus by inciting war between the two families."
Lashana Lynch plays Rosaline Capulet, joined by Grant Bowler, Wade Briggs, and Sterling Sulieman as Lord Damiano Montague, Benvolio Montague, and Prince Escalus, respectively. The cast also includes Torrance Coombs, Dan Hildebrand, Ebonée Noel, Medalion Rahimi, Zuleikha Robinson, Susan Wooldridge, and Anthony Head, who sadly died last week at the age of 72.
Despite the show's cancellation, TV viewers have continued to share their love for the characters and storylines, branding Melinda Taub's novel "the best ever." To mark the show's 9th anniversary on Instagram last month, the official Shondaland account urged fans to start rewatching the series. A fan replied in the comments: "Ahead of its time," while another wrote: "A masterpiece!! Bring it back!"
An IMDb user wrote: "Omg I never thought that a period piece would be so exciting and exhilarating, it made me have white knuckles. I lost all feelings in my extremities waiting to see the next episode." Another added: "The best Shakespeare adaptation ever," while a third said: "I LOVE this show! I am a sucker for period dramas. If you love Downton Abbey, then this is perfect for you."
A fourth viewer echoed the sentiment: "Absolutely amazing! This show is one of the most phenomenal medieval shows ever. Honestly, I hope they don't cancel it. So far, there are only three episodes, and I am hooked! Rosaline always has me wanting more. Can't wait to see what the future holds for her love story. I'm hoping she ends up with Benvolio, and her sister gets a happy ending. WATCH THIS SHOW, IT'S AN ABSOLUTE MUST (for drama and romance lovers!)."
Another commented: "This is the show I've been waiting for, seriously," with someone else sharing: "The story is well written and one of the best shows on TV. Amazing. 10 stars. Absolutely phenomenal."
Still Star-Crossed is available to purchase via Google Play.
