A critically acclaimed BBC costume drama from 2004, often overlooked by critics but beloved by fans, is now streaming for free. The four-part miniseries 'North and South' is being hailed as one of the best period dramas the BBC has ever produced.
Where to Watch
Despite airing on BBC One in 2004, the series is not available on iPlayer. However, the free streaming platform U has added it to its library, allowing fans to enjoy this epic historical drama based on Elizabeth Gaskell's novel.
Plot and Setting
Set in 1851 in the fictional industrial town of Milton, the story follows Margaret Hale (Daniela Denby-Ashe), a young woman from a middle-class family in southern England who moves north after her father leaves the clergy. The family must adapt to the harsh conditions and customs of the North, while Margaret becomes involved in a factory workers' strike and develops feelings for the factory owner, John Thornton (Richard Armitage). Although Milton is a stand-in for Manchester, the series was largely filmed in Edinburgh, West Yorkshire, and Burnley, Lancashire.
Critical Reception and Legacy
Initially met with mixed reviews, 'North and South' has since gained a cult following and is now regarded as a masterpiece. It holds a 90 percent audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Richard Armitage's performance as Thornton was particularly praised, drawing comparisons to Colin Firth's Mr. Darcy in the 1995 adaptation of 'Pride and Prejudice'. The series was voted Best Drama of 2004 in an online BBC poll, with Denby-Ashe and Armitage winning Best Actress and Best Actor respectively. Armitage was also named Most Desirable Drama Star.
Fan Reactions
Fans have expressed their admiration online. One IMDb user described it as 'spectacular' and 'even better than the BBC's legendary Pride and Prejudice'. Another called it a 'gorgeous adaptation' and 'the best historic fiction on screen I've ever seen'. A Redditor admitted they were 'so engrossed I couldn't stop watching' and now considers 'North and South' their favourite period piece. Another viewer raved: 'The Best Drama the BBC has ever Produced.'
For those who enjoyed recent hits like 'The Other Bennet Sister', this classic series is now available to stream for free on U.
