A BBC period drama widely regarded as the "best ever made" is now available to watch for free on another UK streaming platform. Lark Rise to Candleford, which first aired in 2008, has been added to U, giving viewers a new opportunity to enjoy the beloved series.
About the Series
The show is adapted from Flora Thompson's semi-autobiographical trilogy about rural life in England, published between 1939 and 1943. Set in the small Oxfordshire village of Lark Rise and the neighbouring market town of Candleford, it follows the daily lives of residents through the eyes of young Laura Timmins, played by Olivia Hallinan. Laura leaves her home village to start a new life in Candleford under the wing of her cousin, Dorcas Lane, the local postmistress portrayed by Julia Sawalha.
Critical Acclaim and Fan Praise
Fans have hailed the series as superior to other period dramas like Downton Abbey. One viewer commented, "When Downton Abbey first aired, I really hoped it would be as brilliant as Lark Rise to Candleford. Of course it was, but I still think it lacks something the latter has." Another called it "the best show of all time," while others described it as "flawless" and "a gem to watch." The series has been praised for its warmth, humour, and poignant portrayal of community spirit.
Cast and Production
The ensemble cast includes Ben Miles, Claudia Blakley, Brendan Coyle, Dawn French, John Dagleish, and Victoria Hamilton. Julia Sawalha, known for her role in Pride and Prejudice, expressed her hope that audiences would find contentment in the series. "It's easy on the ear and on the eye," she said. "They can sit down with a box of chocolates and a cup of tea and be utterly entertained."
Lark Rise to Candleford is now streaming for free on U, offering a heartwarming escape into 19th-century English countryside life.
