The BBC period drama Outrageous is captivating audiences on iPlayer, with fans calling it 'magnificent in every way' and insisting 'everyone needs to watch' the show, which rivals hits like Bridgerton and Downton Abbey.
What Is Outrageous About?
Available free on BBC iPlayer, Outrageous is a six-episode drama that premiered in June 2025. It is adapted from Mary S Lovell's biography of the Mitford sisters, The Mitford Girls (known as The Sisters in the USA). The series is written by Sarah Williams and co-directed by Joss Agnew and Ellie Heydon.
The official synopsis reads: "Based on the story of the Mitford sisters, six sisters who refused to play by the rules and whose often-scandalous lives made headlines around the world. Set in the 1930s, it is a tale of betrayal, scandal, heartache and even imprisonment."
Cast and Locations
The six sisters are played by Bessie Carter, Isobel Jesper Jones, Joanna Vanderham, Shannon Watson, Zoe Brough, and Orla Hill. The ensemble cast also includes Toby Regbo, Anna Chancellor, James Purefoy, Joshua Sasse, and Jamie Blackley.
Filming took place across the UK, including St Mary the Virgin's Church in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, and Tring Park Mansion in Hertfordshire.
Critical and Audience Acclaim
The drama holds an 88% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. One critic said: "It is a fun romp packed with delicious 1930s fashions, illicit affairs, and sibling feuds. But it's also a harrowing chronicle of the rise of fascism in Europe."
Another reviewer noted: "Outrageous conjures up an impressive feat by balancing multiple acts. It's a historic drama that speaks to the here and now, a serious exploration of politics that's also full of fluff, and a classic British drama that feels young and cool."
An audience review praised the series: "Superbly written series and authentic presentation of the period. Wonderful ensemble performances with great direction of difficult scenes often involving sharp banter and wit between seven or more characters. Gorgeous production design, costume and make-up. Well done to all the cast and crew - it's rare to see a period drama that captures an era without making the mistake of modern and anachronistic comment and judgment."
Viewer Reactions
One IMDB user wrote: "Best series I've seen in a while! I thoroughly enjoyed season 1 of Outrageous. I was hooked straight from episode one and had to binge all the rest! The actress who plays Diane (Joanna Vanderham) is especially enthralling. The storyline is very relevant for today and I think everyone should watch this show."
Another fan added: "Please give us another season of Outrageous! The first season was magnificent in every way. The story is compelling and made more so by the fact that it's based on a crazy but true story. The acting is superb and the filming, locations, and costumes are perfect."
One viewer simply said: "Every single person needs to watch this! Especially with what's going on in the world."
Outrageous is streaming now on BBC iPlayer.
