Period drama enthusiasts have no shortage of options across television and streaming platforms, but those seeking something rather more distinctive should look towards Apple TV's Dickinson. The programme is a comedy-drama centred on the life of poet Emily Dickinson, portrayed by Hailee Steinfeld.
Though set in the 19th century, the writers have woven in contemporary language, music, and cultural references. While this approach divided some audiences, the series, which premiered in 2019, has garnered critical acclaim, achieving a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Three Seasons of Unique Storytelling
Spanning three seasons, Dickinson charts the poet's journey, from her romantic feelings for her brother's fiancée to her macabre fixation with mortality. Writing on IMDb, one devotee of the programme stated: 'I have to laugh when read the post saying this must be for teens and tweens. I am 72 and I was hooked from the start. A breath of fresh air for a fan of her poetry. I love the acting especially Death and her conversation with him. Very inventive and original. One of the best series on Apple TV.'
Meanwhile, another commented: 'Definitely not for everyone, certainly not for those who crave period accuracy. But people who enjoy the queer mythos around Emily Dickinson's work and the off-beat tone and humour of recent period comedy-dramas like The Great and Gentleman Jack will love how original this is.'
Critical Acclaim and Availability
The debut season arrived on Apple TV in 2019, followed by second and third seasons in 2021. All three received critical acclaim, with the second proving particularly popular amongst critics, achieving a remarkable 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite its success, the programme concluded after its third series, following showrunner Alena Smith's departure from Apple over allegations that the streaming platform declined to disclose viewing statistics to her.
The series remains accessible for streaming on Apple TV, where subscriptions begin at £9.99.
