BBC viewers have been left reeling after the corporation made a surprise decision to pull a cherished period drama from its iPlayer streaming service. The removal of the 2001 adaptation of Anthony Trollope's 'The Way We Live Now' has ignited a firestorm of criticism from loyal fans.
The four-part series, which boasted an all-star cast including David Suchet, Matthew Macfadyen, and Shirley Henderson, disappeared from the platform without warning. The drama, critically acclaimed for its biting satire of Victorian society and financial corruption, had been a popular fixture for period enthusiasts.
Where Did It Go? The Mystery of the Missing Drama
The disappearance was first noted by sharp-eyed viewers who took to social media to express their confusion and disappointment. Many had been mid-binge or had saved the series to watch later, only to find it had vanished from their libraries.
While the BBC has remained tight-lipped about the specific reasons for the removal, such decisions are typically down to expiring licensing agreements. Unlike wholly-owned BBC productions, acquired shows or co-productions often have limited windows for digital availability on iPlayer.
A Stellar Cast and Timeless Story
First airing over two decades ago, 'The Way We Live Now' remains a standout production. David Suchet received widespread praise for his portrayal of the formidable and corrupt financier, Augustus Melmotte. The series was lauded for its prescient themes of greed and moral decay, which critics noted felt remarkably relevant to modern audiences.
The supporting cast, including a young Matthew Macfadyen and Cillian Murphy, further cemented the drama's status as a classic of its genre.
Can You Still Watch It?
For fans desperate to revisit the series, hope is not entirely lost. While it's no longer on iPlayer, physical copies can be found on DVD through retailers like Amazon. Additionally, the series is available for digital purchase on platforms such as Apple TV+, allowing viewers to own it permanently.
This incident has sparked a broader conversation about the ephemeral nature of content on streaming platforms, where even acclaimed shows can disappear at a moment's notice, leaving subscribers frustrated.
