The BBC period drama Outrageous, streaming free on iPlayer, has won over audiences with its tale of the Mitford sisters, earning praise as 'brilliantly addictive' and 'impossible not to binge'.
A Hidden Gem in the Genre
Period dramas have long held a devoted following, from lavish productions like Bridgerton to class-conscious series such as Downton Abbey and historical epics like The Crown. Now, Outrageous is being hailed as a hidden gem that can rival these favourites.
The six-episode series first aired in June 2025 and is adapted from Mary S Lovell's biography The Mitford Girls. Written for television by Sarah Williams and co-directed by Joss Agnew and Ellie Heydon, it charts the lives of the six headline-grabbing Mitford sisters.
Plot and Cast
The official synopsis states: "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."
The cast includes Bessie Carter, Isobel Jesper Jones, Joanna Vanderham, Shannon Watson, Zoe Brough, and Orla Hill as the sisters, with Toby Regbo, Anna Chancellor, James Purefoy, Joshua Sasse, and Jamie Blackley in supporting roles.
Production and Reception
Filmed across UK locations including St Mary the Virgin's Church in Aylesbury and Tring Park Mansion in Hertfordshire, Outrageous holds an 88% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
One critic noted: "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 said: "Outrageous conjures up an impressive feat by balancing multiple acts. It's a historic drama that speaks to the here and now."
Audience reviews echo this enthusiasm. One viewer wrote: "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."
An IMDB user added: "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!" Another fan pleaded: "Please give us another season of Outrageous! The first season was magnificent in every way."
Outrageous is available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer.
