The best British period dramas, from Downton Abbey to Pride and Prejudice: Romance! Gorgeous costumes! Brooding glances! This lot has got it all and more

UK Evening Standard ^ | December 17, 2020 | Nancy Durrant, Katie Rosseinsky, and Jessie Thompson

[C19fan]

Bonnets, big houses and brooding heroes: a good period drama is the ultimate comfort watch, a lovely balm for our “poor nerves” - as Mrs Bennet from Pride and Prejudice would probably put it - that’s particularly soothing when the world seems uncertain and strange.

From compulsive Sunday night viewing like Downton Abbey and Poldark to Oscar-baiting classics like Sense and Sensibility and A Room With A View, these are our all-time favourites...

[Dr. Sivana]

As for Skimpole he makes it almost to the last frame, the look on Esther Summerson’s (Anna Martin) face is great.

The Mr. Guppy character is also well-done in the Rigg version.That book is really overflowing with memorable characters.

For an underrated Dickens' book that was well-received in its time but now gets little notice, try "Martin Chuzzlewit". BBC version is fine, too.

[RooRoobird20]

Damn...I forget the Richard Armitrage North and South. the first half is some the best I have ever seen.

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Yes, “North and South” was really, really good. Richard Armitage out-Darcied Mr. Darcy, what a smolderingly handsome hunk of a man Richard is LOL!

[hanamizu]

Every time I read a Dickens book, I’m amazed at how much I enjoy it. If nothing else, his talent for names!

[C19fan]

Your sentiments about Mr. Armitage’s prtrayal of Mr. Thornton appear to be a common sentiment going by the comments left by the ladies on YouTube. 😉

[C19fan]

What a great discussion and sharing. I did enjoy the comments making light of my obsession with ladies in bonnets. Merry Christmas.

[x]

ANZAC Nurses was another good period drama.