Outrageous, a six-episode period drama streaming free on BBC iPlayer, has been hailed as 'fascinating' and 'brilliant' by viewers. Based on Mary S Lovell's biography of the infamous Mitford sisters, it brings to life real events from the 1930s.
A True Story of Scandal and Betrayal
Penned by Sarah Williams and co-directed by Joss Agnew and Ellie Heydon, the series charts the lives of the six headline-grabbing Mitford sisters — Nancy, Pamela, Diana, Unity, Jessica, and Deborah. The official summary 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."
Starring Bessie Carter, Isobel Jesper Jones, Joanna Vanderham, Shannon Watson, Zoe Brough, and Orla Hill as the sisters, the cast also includes Toby Regbo, Anna Chancellor, James Purefoy, Joshua Sasse, and Jamie Blackley.
Critical and Audience Acclaim
The historical drama holds an 88% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. One critic noted: "Inspired by Mary S. Lovell’s 2001 book The Mitford Girls, Sarah Williams has crafted a thoroughly entertaining and engrossing period drama that boasts a surprising contemporary resonance." Another added: "If you’re looking for a historical drama with some absolutely stellar performances – Carter, Watson, and Vanderham are so good – Outrageous is well worth your time."
Fans have also been effusive. One wrote: "Everything about this series was brilliant!!! Fantastic acting, great story telling and a joy to watch." Another commented: "Excellent. The acting is superb, the story chilling. Looking forward to a second season - fingers crossed."
Why It's a Must-Watch
A user review on IMDB reads: "Loved the characterizations of the Mitford girls. This show is Downton Abbey, only less proper. Wonderful that it is based on real people and their history. It had me looking up the lives of the Mitford girls to find out what happened to them."
Outrageous is available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer.
