'Incredible' period drama is top-notch comfort watch and better than Call the Midwife

Call the Midwife is widely regarded as the gold standard of female-led period dramas that champion women's stories.

Now, viewers have discovered another costume drama from the same genre that celebrates women's tales in historical settings — and audiences simply cannot get enough of this hidden gem.

Inspired by Julie Summers' book Jambusters, the period drama first aired on television back in 2015, yet fans are still singing its praises 11 years on.

Home Fires is being hailed as a "masterpiece" by viewers, with audiences declaring it was "as satisfying as a warm cup of tea" — and the series is currently available to stream for free on Channel 4 and UKTV.

Created by Simon Block and co-directed by Robert Quinn and Bruce Goodinson, the period drama was produced by ITV and is set within a rural Cheshire community called Great Paxford between September 1932 and early 1940. Spanning two seasons, it delves into the lives of Women's Institute members on the Home Front while the Second World War raged on.

Starring Francesca Annis, Daisy Badger, Leanne Best, Samantha Bond, Clare Calbraith, Mark Bonnar, Mark Bazeley, Chris Coghill, and Ruth Gemmell, the series has garnered acclaim from all corners for its compelling storyline and convincing performances.

The period drama's official plot states: "The story follows a group of women living in a rural Cheshire village during World War II. With the war occupying their husbands, fathers, sons and brothers, the women are forced to cope with the pressures of living with limited resources in a nation of disarray.", reports the Liverpool Echo.

"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."

In May 2016, ITV dealt fans a crushing blow by axing the show after just two series — a decision audiences have never truly come to terms with. Indeed, following the cancellation, show creator Simon Block chose to continue the story in novel form, resolving the unanswered cliffhangers that series two had left hanging.

Boasting a perfect 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the series has attracted widespread acclaim, with one critic writing: "Home Fires offers British drama that's as satisfying as a warm cup of tea."

One reviewer said: "This series is spoonful after spoonful of splendid jahm," while another wrote, "It's more uplifting and affirming than challenging or surprising, and it is handsomely made with convincing period detail and a fine cast delivering top notch performances."

Viewers have taken the period drama firmly to their hearts, with one declaring: "The name being Home Fires on Masterpiece, it doesn't lie about the Masterpiece part."

Meanwhile, an IMDB user review says: "I absolutely cannot believe that this absolutely incredible series has been cancelled by ITV. It is a major favorite in our household and we miss it terribly. For anyone who has not seen it, go find it and watch. It's the best TV has to offer so it needs to continue."

Another viewer awarded the period drama "20 stars" and shared: "A real tear jerker. I don't thing there was one episode I didn't tear up. This is a touching heartwarming series. I fell in love with the characters who no matter the status or gender each had their own humanistic qualities that we all share. I love period pieces and this one did not disappoint! I'd give 20 stars if I could!"

While one fan of the series said: "Home Fires was one of the few dramas I looked forward to watching each week. Like a warm cuppa and cake, it brought that comfort only a good northern England drama can provide. The cast were outstanding. The storylines, forever evolving and keeping you at the edge of your seat. An all-star cast from stage and screen."

Another viewer was profoundly affected by the series and its axing: "It's been 4 years since this series was cancelled and I still think about the characters and their lives. I was devastated when I found out, so much so, I signed a petition to get it back on, to no avail. I only have the books to console me now."

Numerous others were devastated by the show's cancellation, with fans venting their frustration on IMDB: "It had me completely hooked which is why I'm completely devastated to hear that the show was then axed. WHYYYYYYYYY????"

Another viewer added: "This series should never have been cancelled - one of best series of the last 10yrs!"

While one fan said: "Why they canceled this binge worthy series is outside my realm of understanding! How utterly disappointing to be left with such an unbelievably maddening cliffhanger. Seems all the greats get canceled, but they could've at least given the viewers closure before such an abrupt abandonment."

Home Fires is available to stream for free on Channel 4 and UKTV.