An 'outstanding' period drama that has drawn comparisons to the beloved series Call The Midwife is now available to stream for free, despite having been abruptly cancelled after just two seasons. The wartime series, titled Home Fires, follows the lives of Women's Institute members on the Home Front during the Second World War.
Plot and Setting
Set in a rural Cheshire community, the ITV production centres on a group of women who support the war effort and maintain community spirit while the men are away fighting. Based on Julie Summers' non-fiction book Jambusters, the show places women at the forefront, depicting their struggles to cope with limited resources and a turbulent nation.
The synopsis elaborates: '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 Reception
Like Call The Midwife, Home Fires boasts a predominantly female cast, including Francesca Annis, Samantha Bond, Claire Rushbrook, Fenella Woolgar, and Leanne Best. The series first aired in 2015, with a second season following in 2016. Despite rave reviews and a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, ITV decided not to renew the show.
Fans have expressed their admiration for the series. One viewer described it as 'a real tear jerker,' adding, 'I don't think there was one episode I didn't tear up. This is a touching heartwarming series.' Another called it 'without a shadow of a doubt one of the dramas of the year,' while a third praised it as 'a brilliant wartime drama.'
A recent review noted: 'I've only just discovered this series and loved it. Great acting, interesting characters and engaging storyline.'
Cancellation and Cliffhanger
In 2018, ITV confirmed that Home Fires would not return. An ITV spokesperson stated at the time: 'We are incredibly proud of what Home Fires has achieved, but the ITV commissioning team continues to refresh the channel's drama portfolio, hence the decision not to commission a further new series.'
The second season ended on a major cliffhanger, with a fighter plane crashing into the village, leaving the fate of several residents uncertain. Fans were devastated, with one fuming: 'Cliffhangers should be banned—we all deserve better!' Another lamented: 'The sadness I felt when that series ended and they decided not to bring it back.'
Several viewers urged ITV to reverse the decision, with one declaring: 'I honestly feel cheated. It is so irresponsible and completely disrespectful of the powers that allowed this show to be cancelled after 2 wonderful seasons and a hell of a cliffhanger.'
Author's Reaction
Julie Summers, author of the source material, expressed her disappointment on her blog: 'I would like to celebrate Home Fires. It has been the most thrilling experience of my career being involved in this wonderful series. And although I am sad that there will not be a third series on ITV, I would like to think that the show will live on in people's memories as a great example of period drama.'
She added: 'The cast have loved being involved and are as sad as the audience are. They were the first to spring onto Twitter and thank their six million loyal fans for their support. It has been heart warming and uplifting to hear so much passionate praise for them and Home Fires.'
Home Fires is currently available to watch on U.
