‘Masterpiece’ period drama starring Poldark legend branded ‘best series of all time’

A “masterpiece” BBC period drama has been branded “the best of all time” by fans who are loving the 19th century atmosphere. Set in industrial London in the 1800s, the series follows a group of vagabond artists who become the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. It follows the trials and tribulations the friends face in the art world and delves into their romantic lives in a gorgeous period setting.

Starring Poldark legend Aidan Turner, alongside Rafe Spall, Tom Hollander and Mark Heap, that series is Desperate Romantics. Though it lasted for just one series, released in 2009, fans can’t get enough and turned to Reddit to rave about the programme, with one writing: “Has anyone heard of or seen this series about the Pre-Raphaelites? It’s quite literally becoming my favourite period piece of all time.”

Someone else agreed: “One of my favourites! For anyone who hasn’t heard of it, probably good to mention that it’s about a real-life group of artists, so if you’re into art history definitely check it out.”

A third fan mused: “I can’t believe it’s so unknown, I do believe the title of it does not lead one to assume the subject matter and does itself the deepest disservice.”

And somebody else wrote: “I haven’t watched this in ages, but I was obsessed when it originally aired. Now I need to watch again!”

One IMDb review said: “I must say I am hooked big time. I want my dramas hot, juicy and plot-/character-driven. My verdict is: hot, steamy and educational.”

Aidan Turner is certainly no stranger to a period drama, having starred in 43 episodes of Poldark as its titular character from 2015 until 2019. He also appeared in the 2015 adaptation of Agatha Christie novel And Then There Were None, playing Philip Lombard in the three-episode miniseries.

In fact, the actor made his screen debut in The Tudors back in 2007, playing Bedoli alongside Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Henry Cavill.