Fans of lavish period dramas are in for a treat as the acclaimed BBC adaptation of Anthony Trollope's The Way We Live Now becomes available to stream for free. This four-part miniseries, originally aired in 2001, offers a scathing critique of Victorian society's greed and corruption that still resonates today.
A Stellar Cast Brings Trollope's Masterpiece to Life
The production boasts an impressive ensemble cast including David Suchet (Poirot) as the cunning financier Augustus Melmotte, Shirley Henderson (Harry Potter) as his ambitious daughter Marie, and Matthew Macfadyen (Succession) as the charming but flawed Sir Felix Carbury.
Why This Adaptation Stands the Test of Time
Set against the backdrop of 1870s London high society, the story follows Melmotte's meteoric rise as he manipulates investors in a dubious railway scheme. The series brilliantly captures Trollope's sharp social commentary on:
- Financial speculation and fraud
- Class mobility and social climbing
- Marriage markets and gender politics
With its sumptuous costumes and biting wit, this adaptation remains one of the most faithful and entertaining translations of Trollope's work to screen.
Where to Watch This Classic Drama
Viewers can currently stream all episodes through select platforms offering free trials. The series makes for perfect weekend viewing for fans of:
- Literary adaptations
- Historical dramas
- Complex character studies
At just four episodes, this miniseries delivers all the romance, intrigue and social commentary of a longer series in a perfectly paced package.
