The ITV period drama Home Fires has achieved a perfect 100% average Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes, alongside an 88% average Popcornmeter rating. The series, which first aired in May 2015, is based on historian Julie Summers' book Jambusters: The Women's Institute at War 1939-1945, later republished as Home Fires.
Plot and Setting
Instead of focusing on battles and soldiers, the series explores how ordinary women kept their communities running during the Second World War. Set in the fictional Cheshire village of Great Paxford, the story follows members of the Women's Institute as they adapt to life on the Home Front after the outbreak of war in 1939. The drama highlights the challenges, sacrifices, and friendships that developed among these women during Britain's darkest days.
Popularity and Ratings
Home Fires attracted an average audience of 6.2 million viewers during its first series. This success led ITV to commission a second six-part series, which began in April 2016 and launched with 5.2 million viewers. Despite its popularity, the broadcaster later announced it would not make a third series. The cancellation disappointed thousands of fans, with more than 50,000 people signing a petition calling for the drama to return.
Critical and Audience Reception
Viewers have praised the series highly. One Rotten Tomatoes reviewer wrote: "Loved, loved, loved this series! It's a masterpiece that honestly looks at how life was during the Second World War." Another added: "One of the best shows I've seen. Looks at a completely different side of war, and it's mesmerising." A third reviewer stated: "Undoubtedly a masterpiece. Highly recommend."
Readers have also praised the source material. One Amazon reviewer said: "Excellent! We often think of brave soldiers who fought, but this book brings home the meaning of why they fought and who kept the war effort running and made it a success. Prior to reading this book, I was totally clueless as to what role women and volunteers played during WWII." Another commented: "Incredible book. It provides great insight into a side of the war we don't often read about."
Cast and Legacy
The drama stars Francesca Annis, Samantha Bond, Claire Rushbrook, Fenella Woolgar, and Leanne Best. Following the show's cancellation, creator Simon Block continued the story by turning it into a series of novels. Home Fires can be streamed on Channel 4.
