'Wonderful' BBC Jane Austen-inspired period drama '10 times better than Downton Abbey'
A "beautiful" BBC period drama that rivals Downton Abbey is now free to watch.
Period drama fans believe "Jane Austen would approve" of this "beautiful" BBC series. Austen's beloved works have been adapted for television for decades, with certain series offering a fresh take on the author's romantic world.
Earlier this year, BBC viewers were captivated by the Pride and Prejudice-inspired series The Other Bennet Sister, yet another compelling show has emerged, drawing inspiration from one of her most celebrated novels. Set six years after the wedding of its central characters, Death Comes to Pemberley follows the next chapter in Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet's lives following their dramatic romance.
However, their tranquil domestic existence is thrown into turmoil ahead of their annual autumn ball when a shocking murder investigation turns everything upside down.
Death Comes to Pemberley, based on the 2011 historical mystery novel by PD James, originally broadcast on BBC One 13 years ago and is now available to stream on Channel 4.
The three-part series was filmed extensively across Yorkshire, including at Castle Howard, which doubled as Pemberley's interior and ballroom scenes, Harewood House, Beverley Guildhall and Strang End Cottage at the Ryedale Folk Museum.
Further notable filming locations included York Minster cathedral, St William's College and Fountains Abbey. "A truly thrilling mystery that pays tribute to Miss Austen", one viewer remarked on IMDb, adding that they binge-watched the entire series in three days with "no regrets".
Another remarked: "Beautiful screening of the PD James novel which borrows characters from Pride and Prejudice. Won't disappoint."
Someone else described it as "absolutely wonderful" while a fourth believed that "Jane Austen would approve".
A fellow viewer then commented: "Of course, it isn't Austen. If it hurts to think that it is, then imagine it as a 100-year prequel to Downton Abbey, 10 times better acted and 50 times better written."
What sets Death Comes to Pemberley apart even further, however, is its stellar cast.
Taking on the role of Elizabeth Bennett is none other than Line of Duty and Motherland actress Anna Maxwell Martin.
She is accompanied by Welsh star Matthew Rhys as Mr Darcy, who may be familiar to audiences from Netflix's The Beast in Me, The Americans and Widow's Bay.
Further notable cast members include Department Q's Matthew Goode as George Wickham, Happy Valley actor James Norton as Henry Alveston and Victoria star Jenna Coleman as Lydia Wickham.
Death Comes to Pemberley is available to stream on Channel 4.
