Home Fires, a period drama that originally aired in 2015, has been rediscovered by viewers who compare it favorably to Call the Midwife. The series is available to stream for free on Channel 4 and UKTV.
What Is Home Fires About?
Set in the rural Cheshire village of Great Paxford, the show spans from September 1932 to early 1940. It follows the lives of Women's Institute members on the Home Front during World War II. The official synopsis states: 'The story follows a group of women living in a rural Cheshire village during World War II. With the war occupying their husbands, fathers, sons and brothers, the women are forced to cope with the pressures of living with limited resources in a nation of disarray. Through their difficulties the ladies find strength by forming the Great Paxford Women's Institute, which helps them maintain hope and order in their community as Britain crumbles around them.'
Cast and Critical Acclaim
The series stars Francesca Annis, Daisy Badger, Leanne Best, Samantha Bond, Clare Calbraith, Mark Bonnar, Mark Bazeley, Chris Coghill, and Ruth Gemmell. Written by Simon Block and co-directed by Robert Quinn and Bruce Goodinson, the show boasts a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. One critic described it as 'British drama that's as satisfying as a warm cup of tea,' while another called it 'spoonful after spoonful of splendid jahm.'
Fan Reactions and Cancellation
Viewers have expressed deep affection for the series. An IMDB user wrote: 'I absolutely cannot believe that this absolutely incredible series has been cancelled by ITV. It is a major favorite in our household and we miss it terribly.' Another fan added: 'Home Fires was one of the few dramas I looked forward to watching each week. Like a warm cuppa and cake, it brought that comfort only a good northern England drama can provide.' ITV axed the show after two series in May 2016, leaving fans devastated. Creator Simon Block later novelised the story to resolve cliffhangers.
Where to Watch
Home Fires is currently streaming for free on Channel 4 and UKTV. Fans continue to call for its return, with one viewer lamenting: 'Why they canceled this binge worthy series is outside my realm of understanding!'
