A viewer has praised the 'splendid' lesser-known period drama 'Cranford' as combining elements of Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and George Eliot's finest work - arguably the ultimate accolade one could bestow upon its excellence.
Fans have reported that people in their lives 'can't stop watching' this period drama gem, and fortunately, it's currently available to stream on Netflix.
What is Cranford?
'Cranford' is a British period drama which first aired in the UK across five instalments on BBC One during November and December 2007. The programme launched in the United States in May 2008, broadcast over three episodes as part of PBS's Masterpiece Theatre series, and quickly gained momentum.
Despite maintaining a relatively low profile within the period drama landscape, 'Cranford' has attracted the sort of enthusiastic acclaim that productions can only dream of achieving.
Star-Studded Cast
Co-helmed by directors Simon Curtis and Steve Hudson, the series was adapted by Heidi Thomas from three Elizabeth Gaskell novels: 'Cranford' (1851-1853), 'My Lady Ludlow' (1858), and the novella 'Mr Harrison's Confessions' (1851). 'The Last Generation in England' also provided source material for the television version.
A sequel, 'Return to Cranford', arrived on screens in 2009, similarly captivating audiences upon broadcast. 'Cranford' boasts an extraordinary ensemble of Britain's most celebrated actresses, featuring luminaries including Judi Dench, Imelda Staunton, Julia McKenzie, Lisa Dillon, Deborah Findlay, Barbara Flynn, and Celia Imrie amongst others.
The stellar line-up is completed by the talents of Alex Etel, Alex Jennings, Andrew Buchan, and Jim Carter, delivering some of the nation's finest performances.
Plot Synopsis
The official synopsis reads: 'In the 1840s, Cranford is ruled by the ladies. They adore good gossip, and romance and change is in the air, as the unwelcome grasp of the Industrial Revolution rapidly approaches their beloved rural market-town.'
Critical Acclaim
This exceptional period drama has garnered universal acclaim, with one IMDB reviewer saying: 'A female who's who of British acting! Not a dry eye in the house as this came to a close last night. Absolute perfection. Never has a better cast been assembled for a TV drama. Everyone I know has been watching this and all would rate this as the best thing on TV this year.'
Another fan added: 'Just wonderful in every way. I cannot believe that anyone could miss this wonderful piece of work. I have just watched the final episode with tears streaming down my face! I cannot praise the whole thing enough (perhaps you may have noticed)!! It would be unfair to single out one of the actors for special praise as they were all so exemplary and masters of their craft. I want to see it again!!'
Meanwhile, one fan said: 'Absolutely delightful! As a typically boofheaded Aussie bloke, it is very hard to admit that I have found myself weeping like a child, during each episode. My wife and I have been keen viewers of BBC drama over a period of 25 years or so and both agree that this must be the most incredibly beautiful series that we have seen! The right mix of humour and pathos will make this a memorable series for years to come.'
An IMDB reviewer lauding the programme and declaring it the 'best of the best' wrote: 'Splendid, best of the best. This was Austen, Dickens and a bit of George Eliot all together and then some. What makes this a tour de force is the cast. Every performance is exceptional beyond words, Jewels both from the women and the men. This production is among the finest of what BBC can do. It is rich beyond measure in its script, direction, decor and costume. Visually and Intellectually a Feast.'
While another said: 'Simply divine! Cranford is one of the best period drama/comedy series of all time. While there are some poignant moments, there are some truly funny ones as well, I mean the whole drama sparkles with constant wit and subtlety. And of course the acting, what a divine cast. All in all, a truly brilliant piece of television. Whenever it is on, it always makes my week. 10/10'
'Cranford' is available to stream on Netflix.
