The confessional tonight…I LOVE BRITISH TV! More specifically I love historical British TV. I can’t get enough! I crave to sit down for tea and biscuits…
My first introduction to the loveliness of British TV was Lost in Austen. It is actually a mini-series based on the great Pride and Prejudice. But in this re-telling a modern girl, who just happens to love Pride & Prejudice, finds herself part of the story!
Just FYI Colin Firth fans – this Darcy gives him a fight as “best Darcy”. Very broody.
Where to watch: Amazon – Lost in Austen Instant Video
Netflix – Does not have it in instant streaming right now.
So when most Yanks (that’s us Americans) think British tv they probably think Downton Abbey. The story of the upper class Crawley family and those colorful staff that lives downstairs. Both upstairs and downstairs is full of drama, humor and the difference in classes at that time. Love!
It is hands down the epitome of “period” British tv. I was hooked from episode one and cried my heart out all last season…but no spoilers from me!
Where to watch: Amazon has all the seasons on instant video – Downton Abbey
Netflix – Does not have it available for instant streaming right now.
Next on the list is Call the Midwife. My sweet friend Sta* recommended this series to me and I literally ate up the first season in a few days!
This series takes place in impoverished East London in the 1950s and focuses on the midwives (nurses and nurse/nuns) that serve the prolific community. 😉 It is actually based on the memoirs of Jennifer Worth…so I need to read those books!
Where to watch: Amazon has all the seasons on instant video – Call the Midwife
Netflix – Call the Midwife (only season 1 currently)
My current love is Lark Rise to Candleford – a lovely 19th century piece that focuses on two main communities. A poor hamlet, Lark Rise and the more wealthy community of Candleford. The characters are rich and enduring; I dare you to not fall in love with all of them! The series centers around a young Lark Rise girl as she gets her first job….in Candleford. This series is also based on an autobiographical novel.
I just started season 3…I’m smitten. Also if you are a fan of the Pride and Prejudice staring Colin Firth, then you may recognize Julia Sawalha (Lydia Bennet) who plays Dorcas Lane in this series. 🙂
Where to watch: Amazon has all 4 season on instant video – Lark Rise to Candleford
Netflix – not available
So you might ask, what’s next on my list? Well when I bid farewell to Lark Rise to Candleford, I have The Bletchley Circle awaiting me! This series takes place in the 50s and 4 women who are…wait for it…code breakers! Sounds absolutely delish! 😉
I’m sure it will help me past my mourning period for Lark Rise.
Where to watch: Amazon has it on instant video – The Bletchley Circle
Netflix – sadly they don’t have this one either.
