Fans of The Other Bennet Sister have been left craving more period dramas, and they are in luck. The smash-hit BBC series, starring Ella Bruccoleri, has reignited an appetite for Jane Austen classics and other novel-based dramas. Devotees of the record-breaking drama have been frantically searching for other period dramas to devour.
A Must-Watch Period Drama
Viewers are being urged to watch another 'delightful' drama: The Paradise. This former BBC production originally aired back in 2012 and is now available to stream completely free of charge. The series ran for two seasons and is set in 1875, depicting the lives and loves of those who work, shop, and trade in and around England's first department store.
What Is The Paradise About?
The Paradise is an adaptation of Émile Zola's 1883 novel Au Bonheur des Dames, relocating the narrative to the North East of England. Zola's novel itself is a reimagining of the life of Aristide Boucicaut, the founder of Le Bon Marché. The synopsis reveals the series tells 'the story of a young woman who works in a department store and gets caught up in the charms of the modern world'.
The show was filmed at Lambton Castle, which was transformed into an 1870s upmarket department store for the production. Several recognisable faces featured in the period drama, including Mark Bonnar from Shetland and Adrian Scarborough from Killing Eve.
Critical Acclaim and Viewer Reactions
Two seasons were broadcast before the BBC opted to axe the programme to make way for further period dramas. Viewers took to IMDb to voice their opinions on the series. One wrote: 'This is a terrific show to binge watch on a weekend.' Another remarked: 'Loved it!! This was a thoroughly delightful series to watch. Stunning costumes. Outstanding performances.'
They continued: 'The Paradise has it all: love, hate, greed, rivalries, betrayals, intrigue, secrecy, control, manipulation and redemption.' A third enthusiast revealed: 'What a gem! I love these types of shows and I was not disappointed. The relationships between the characters are wonderful.' A fourth praised it as 'brilliant', noting: 'Absolutely captivated by the brilliance of Denise and the charm of Mr Murray. The setting, time frame and romance draws you in leaving you wanting for more after each episode.'
A fifth supporter characterised it as a 'tale of love, control, manipulation and redemption'.
Where to Watch
The Paradise is available to stream on U.
