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‘Best’ Charles Dickens BBC period series declared a ‘superb retelling’ now streaming

The BBC period drama has been hailed as 'one of the best' TV shows ever

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By Neela Debnath, Screen Time Reporter

A man in black looks serious

Stephen Rea takes the lead in the BBC period drama (Image: BBC)

As the evenings grow longer, those seeking a cosy viewing experience need look no further after audiences have been captivated by a "dazzling" production and become utterly absorbed by a gripping historical drama, reports the Mirror.

This BBC period piece has garnered glowing reviews from fans on IMDb.

One viewer branded the programme as "superb" and shared in their 10/10 assessment: "Absolutely fantastic, the cast, the characters are just amazing. The very best of British and so clever to combine different characters for this series 10 out of 10."

Another highly-rated critique was headlined: "Original and powerful". The reviewer went on to say: "I think it's a totally original and powerful series that actually magnetizes you from the first episode to the last one.

"Amazing interpretations, beautiful and appropriate costumes and scenery and generally very careful work at every point. Congratulations to all contributors, thank you!"

A woman in a bonnet stands next to a soldier

The BBC series celebrated the works of Charles Dickens (Image: BBC)

A third hailed the series as an "excellent imagining" and commented: "This series brought Dickens to life in such a refreshing way. It was fun to see all the different books being brought together. The dark retelling is superb. And omg what acting! ! I want more! [sic]" One viewer described the show as "sublime", enthusing: "If you never heard of Charles Dickens or read any of his works, you would enjoy this programme immensely. If you are familiar with the works of Dickens, it is nothing short of magnificent. As soon as a Dickens' character appeared, I felt like I was seeing an old friend that I haven't seen in years. I loved it! !".

Another fan chimed in: "Clever, out of the ordinary, captivating production! One of the BEST, MOST ENTERTAINING productions I've ever seen - seriously!".

"Weaving together our favorite [sic] characters from Charles Dickens' many stinging social commentaries into a delightful tale with an enchanting surprise ending, and all done with superb casting and impeccable costuming and sets.

A woman in blue stands next to a man in a suit

Tuppence Middleton and Joseph Quinn starred in the Victorian drama (Image: BBC)

"A perfect 10 in my book. Please, sir, I want some more."

Yet another glowing review read: "I found this series thoroughly engaging and well done. I found it exciting and riveting, especially because the story is based on, or the more accurate versions of Dickens stories and then combines them. I love it! [sic]."

Dickensian first graced our screens back in 2015 and saw a huge mash-up of many characters from Charles Dickens' works all living in one Victorian London neighbourhood.

A man looks at a woman

Sophie Rundle starred in the BBC Dickens series (Image: BBC)

The plot saw Inspector Bucket (played by Stephen Rea) investigating the murder of Ebenezer Scrooge's (Ned Dennehy) partner Jacob Marley (Peter Firth).

The programme was the creation of former EastEnders writer Tony Jordan and consisted of 20 episodes, mirroring the famed author's serialised style.

Dickensian featured a star-studded cast, including Stranger Things' Joseph Quinn, Sophie Rundle from Peaky Blinders, Game of Thrones' Anton Lesser, Caroline Quentin, Bridgerton actress Phoebe Dynevor, Omid Djalili, among many others.

The drama is ideal for those seeking a cosy drama as the weather turns chillier and desire some escapism.

Dickensian is streaming on BBC iPlayer now

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