Home Fires, a World War II period drama centered on the Women's Institute, has earned a perfect 100% Rotten Tomatoes rating and is now available to stream for free on Channel 4. Fans of Call the Midwife are praising the series as a masterpiece.
What Is Home Fires About?
Based on Julie Summers' book Jambusters, the series first aired in 2015 on ITV. Set in the fictional rural Cheshire village of Great Paxford between September 1932 and early 1940, it follows members of the Women's Institute on the Home Front during WWII. The official synopsis states: 'The story follows a group of women living in a rural Cheshire village during WWII. 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 show features an ensemble cast including 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 series has garnered rave reviews. One critic noted: 'Home Fires offers British drama that's as satisfying as a warm cup of tea.' Another remarked: 'This series is spoonful after spoonful of splendid jahm.' A further review highlighted: 'It's more uplifting and affirming than challenging or surprising, and it is handsomely made with convincing period detail and a fine cast delivering top notch performances.'
Fan Reactions and Cancellation
Despite its success, ITV cancelled the show in May 2016 after only two series, leaving fans devastated. One IMDB reviewer wrote: 'I absolutely cannot believe that this absolutely incredible series has been cancelled by ITV. It is a major favourite in our household and we miss it terribly. For anyone who has not seen it, go find it and watch. It's the best TV has to offer so it needs to continue.' Another viewer commented: 'It's been four years since this series was cancelled and I still think about the characters and their lives. I was devastated when I found out, so much so, I signed a petition to get it back on, to no avail.' Creator Simon Block later continued the story through a novelisation to resolve the cliffhangers.
Where to Watch
Home Fires is currently streaming for free on Channel 4 and UKTV. Fans continue to express their love for the series, with one saying: 'The name being Home Fires on Masterpiece, it doesn't lie about the Masterpiece part.'
