Period drama enthusiasts are praising the BBC series Death Comes to Pemberley, with some claiming it is "10 times better than Downton Abbey". The show, which originally aired on BBC One 13 years ago, is now available to stream on Channel 4.
A murder mystery at Pemberley
Set six years after the wedding of Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet, the three-part series follows the couple's tranquil domestic life being thrown into turmoil ahead of their annual autumn ball when a shocking murder investigation turns everything upside down.
Based on the 2011 historical mystery novel by PD James, the series was filmed extensively across Yorkshire, including at Castle Howard, which doubled as Pemberley's interior and ballroom scenes, Harewood House, Beverley Guildhall and Strang End Cottage at the Ryedale Folk Museum. Other notable filming locations included York Minster cathedral, St William's College and Fountains Abbey.
Fan reactions and cast
Viewers have shared their enthusiasm on IMDb. One remarked: "A truly thrilling mystery that pays tribute to Miss Austen", adding that they binge-watched the entire series in three days with "no regrets". Another said: "Beautiful screening of the PD James novel which borrows characters from Pride and Prejudice. Won't disappoint."
Someone else described it as "absolutely wonderful" while a fourth believed that "Jane Austen would approve". A fellow viewer commented: "Of course, it isn't Austen. If it hurts to think that it is, then imagine it as a 100-year prequel to Downton Abbey, 10 times better acted and 50 times better written."
The cast includes Anna Maxwell Martin as Elizabeth Bennet, Matthew Rhys as Mr Darcy, Matthew Goode as George Wickham, James Norton as Henry Alveston and Jenna Coleman as Lydia Wickham.
Death Comes to Pemberley is available to stream on Channel 4.
