The BBC period drama Outrageous, streaming free on iPlayer, has been hailed by viewers as 'brilliantly addictive' and 'impossible not to binge-watch', with many comparing it favourably to hits like Bridgerton and Downton Abbey.
A Hidden Gem on BBC iPlayer
The six-episode series, which first aired in June 2025, is adapted from Mary S Lovell's biography of the Mitford sisters, The Mitford Girls (titled The Sisters in the USA). Written for television by Sarah Williams and co-directed by Joss Agnew and Ellie Heydon, it chronicles the lives of the six headline-making siblings.
The official plot states: 'Based on the story of the Mitford sisters, six sisters who refused to play by the rules and whose often-scandalous lives made headlines around the world. Set in the 1930s, it is a tale of betrayal, scandal, heartache and even imprisonment.'
Cast and Filming Locations
Bessie Carter, Isobel Jesper Jones, Joanna Vanderham, Shannon Watson, Zoe Brough, and Orla Hill star as the six sisters, with Toby Regbo, Anna Chancellor, James Purefoy, Joshua Sasse, and Jamie Blackley rounding out the ensemble cast.
Filmed across the UK, the drama used iconic locations including St Mary the Virgin's Church in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, and Tring Park Mansion in Hertfordshire.
Critical and Audience Praise
With an 88% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Outrageous has earned glowing reviews. One critic described it as 'a fun romp packed with delicious 1930s fashions, illicit affairs, and sibling feuds. But it's also a harrowing chronicle of the rise of fascism in Europe.'
Another reviewer noted: 'Outrageous conjures up an impressive feat by balancing multiple acts. It's a historic drama that speaks to the here and now, a serious exploration of politics that's also full of fluff, and a classic British drama that feels young and cool.'
Audience reviews echo the praise, with one viewer writing: 'Superbly written series and authentic presentation of the period. Wonderful ensemble performances with great direction of difficult scenes often involving sharp banter and wit between seven or more characters. Gorgeous production design, costume and make-up. Well done to all the cast and crew - it's rare to see a period drama that captures an era without making the mistake of modern and anachronistic comment & judgment.'
An IMDB user added: 'Best series I've seen in a while! I thoroughly enjoyed season 1 of Outrageous. I was hooked straight from episode one and had to binge all the rest! The actress who plays Diane (Joanna Vanderham) is especially enthralling. The storyline is very relevant for today and I think everyone should watch this show.'
Another fan pleaded: 'Please give us another season of Outrageous! The first season was magnificent in every way. The story is compelling and made more so by the fact that it's based on a crazy but true story. The acting is superb and the filming, locations, and costumes are perfect.'
Outrageous is available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer.
