‘Best period drama romance' with Downton Abbey star now streaming for free

Devotees of period drama have been encouraged to watch a costume series that could rival a Jane Austen masterpiece, reports the Mirror US.

This charming show, inspired by another literary classic, has drawn numerous parallels to Pride and Prejudice, boasting a hero who could give Mr Darcy a run for his money.

Despite its 2004 release, it's still ranked among the crème de la crème of period dramas on television.

A viewer raved: "Get ready to cry. It's so good, it's my new Pride and Prejudice. Love any miniseries romance from the 1700s or 1800s and this just hit it."

They continued: "SOOO GOOD pls watch you definitely will not regret. For fans of Pride and Prejudice (THE SERIES NOT THE MOVIE) and Emma and Jane Eyre, you will absolutely adore [sic]."

Another glowing five-star review read: "If you are a hopeless romantic like me, there are no words to describe how beautiful and romantic this series is.

"I love it so much that I've watched it probably 4 or 5 times in the time period of less than a week. The series gives me Pride and Prejudice vibes which I love."

Yet another person shared: "All I can say is I absolutely loved it. Probably the best period drama romance miniseries that I have seen. After I saw it was so highly recommended on multiple websites I had to watch it for myself."

They wrapped up with: "Honestly, this entire show was ravishing and quite the experience! This and Pride and Prejudice are most definitely my favourite miniseries."

Another individual chimed in with high praise: "This is at the very top of the best mini series that I have seen. It left a huge impact on me.

"The divine music, the history, the living conditions at the time and the romance meant I watched it from beginning to end without a break."

Although it's been over two decades since North and South graced the BBC, this adaptation remains a period drama treasure.

The quartet of episodes brings Elizabeth Gaskell's 1854 literary masterpiece to the screen with compelling grace.

North and South depicts the tale of Margaret Hale (portrayed by Daniela Denby-Ashe) and her family's move from an idyllic southern English hamlet to Milton-Northern following an unexpected shift in their circumstances.

Immersed in the throes of the Industrial Revolution, Margaret finds life starkly different in the North, where tensions are high between factory magnates and the workforce.

Margaret's settling is further challenged by encounters with her father's student, mill owner John Thornton (Richard Armitage), leading to initial conflict.

Yet as perspectives shift, Margaret and Thornton form an understanding, culminating in a blossoming romance.

The ensemble cast also features Tim Pigott-Smith as Mr Richard Hale, Lesley Manville as Mrs Maria Hale, Sinéad Cusack as Mrs Hannah Thornton, Jo Joyner as Fanny Thornton, Downton Abbey's Brendan Coyle as Mr Nicholas Higgins, Anna Maxwell Martin of Motherland fame as Bessy Higgins, Kay Lyon as Mary Higgins, Birds of a Feather actress Pauline Quirke as Dixon, Bridgerton's Rupert Evans as Frederick Hale, Brian Protheroe as Mr. Bell, and Father Brown's John Light as Henry Lennox.

North and South is streaming for free on UKTV’s U