Viewers are calling it the BBC's best period drama of all time. More than two decades ago, the BBC unveiled one of its most cherished historical drama miniseries, which continues to receive widespread acclaim to this day.
North and South, adapted from Elizabeth Gaskell's 1855 Victorian novel, chronicles the journey of Margaret Hale (Daniela Denby-Ashe), who finds herself compelled to abandon her picturesque existence in the South of England. After her father steps down from his position as a clergyman, he moves his family from their comfortable rural surroundings to an industrial town in Milton. As Margaret grapples with adjusting to the hardship of northern factory life, her world is turned upside down upon meeting cotton mill proprietor John Thornton (Richard Armitage).
While the two initially lock horns, a gradual romance develops between them, which devotees believe rivals Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, reports Wales Online.
Richard Armitage Reflects on 20th Anniversary
Two years ago, marking the 20th anniversary of the period drama, Richard Armitage reflected on how portraying John Thornton transformed his life. Posting a photograph on Instagram of his character tenderly touching Margaret's face, the actor paused to express gratitude to the show's devoted following. He wrote: "I'm giving all of the 2004 BBC adaptation of 'North and South' family, friends, and fans, a big smacker on the lips today to say thank you for the last 20 years of love and support. Thornton was a career-changing role and one that I'll never forget."
Fans Rave About the Series
Heaping praise on the show online, one viewer remarked: "It is amazing...acting, scenery, story, etc. It is simply mesmerising. I read the book after watching the series and personally liked the series better." Echoing this sentiment, another shared: "This is one of the best, if not the best period miniseries to come out of Britain in recent years. Being an avid Pride and Prejudice (and Colin Firth fan), this is better."
A further viewer enthused: "Fantastic. Absolutely gorgeous period drama! As a huge fan of the BBC's Pride and Prejudice, this has quickly become my favourite! Accurate casting, fantastic costumes, authentic settings and the soundtrack really add to the quality of the series. It has all the passion that Pride and Prejudice (Bless it!) lacks."
Yet another commented: "I love it! I absolutely adore 95 Pride and Prejudice, but the kiss at the end always slightly disappointed me. It must be a bit tricky in a moving carriage. North and South kisses are just heaven!" In wholehearted agreement, a fellow viewer declared: "THAT KISS LIVES RENT FREE IN MY HEAD. The North and South one, the Pride and Prejudice one, is just okay."
North and South is available to watch on Channel 4 and U.
