Period drama 'like Downton Abbey' with 'wealth of talent' now streaming on Amazon Prime
It seems Julian Fellowes' affinity for period dramas knows no bounds. The mastermind behind hits like Downton Abbey, Gosford Park, The English Game, and The Gilded Age has conjured up another captivating tale, Belgravia, set in 19th century England.
This six-part drama kicks off with a pivotal historical event - the Duchess of Richmond's ball in June 1815, which took place just 48 hours prior to the Battle of Waterloo.
At its core, Belgravia revolves around the intricate lives of the Trenchard and Bellasis families, expertly navigating a complex web of scandals, romance, societal pressures, and class politics, quintessential elements of the period drama genre.
Under the creative guidance of Fellowes, and directed by John Alexander, Belgravia is an adaptation of Julian's 2016 novel of the same name. Notably, it brings together the same production team that brought Downton Abbey to life, reports the Mirror US.
Widely regarded as the champion of period dramas, comparisons to Julian's monumental success with Downton Abbey are almost unavoidable. Weighing in on this very aspect in an interview with Town and Country, Julian said: "I think [Belgravia] it's darker than Downton.
"The servants are working people; they're doing their jobs because those are the jobs that were available. It's not sentimental.
"It's a sharper world." The limited series first aired in the UK on ITV on 15 March 2020, and made its US debut on Epix on 12 April 2020.
A sequel series, Belgravia: The Next Chapter, was quickly greenlit and announced in September 2022, with the show making its premiere on ITV in January 2024, under the pen of Helen Edmundson. The cast boasts a wealth of talent, including Alice Eve, Ella Purnell, Tamsin Greig, Richard Goulding, and Emily Reid, alongside Tom Wilkinson, Harriet Walter, Philip Glenister, and Tara Fitzgerald.
Critics have had varied responses to the show, with one saying: "Belgravia has all the touchstones of a bodice-ripper. Great romance and thrilling revenge.
"And the usual coterie of leaching and sneering in-laws." Another critic commented: "Though billed as a showcase for state-of-the-art costume drama, the six-part bonnet-fest feels more like a one-stop shop for all the worst excesses and boredoms of a genre that has outlived its usefulness."
A different review wrote: "Belgravia is gorgeously appointed, it's romantic enough, it's grounded in the manners of a far more delicate time when everyone stood six-feet apart lest they bump hands." While another critic observed: "Belgravia errs on the wrong side of that divide, but it is so well-appointed that it is never less than beautiful to watch, just like 'Downton'.
"For some, the finery will win out over refinement." Audience feedback leaned towards the positive, with one viewer exclaiming: "Incredible show!
"Nothing was obvious, it kept the audience in suspense until the very last minute. Loved the complexity of the characters, the authenticity of the costumes and overall atmosphere.
"Highly recommend!". Meanwhile, another wrote: "Wonderful series!
"The storyline is gripping from the very first episode. There is no woke political ideology that spoils so many films and series these days.
"Brilliant, authentic acting and casting in the excellent period production. So many movies and series try and fail to promote female empowerment; however, Belgravia delivers this message superbly."
Belgravia is available to buy on Amazon Prime Video.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Soaps spoilers next week: Emmerdale return and Corrie wedding takes a turn
Wedding bells and drama are ahead this week in soapland with two Coronation Street character set to walk down the aisle. In Emmerdale, one major return is set to cause a ruckus. Another week of drama is ahead for soap fans - with a huge return set to shake things up in Emmerdale. April Windsor (Amelia Flanagan) vanished from the eponymous ITV village this year, finding a new friend (and love interest) in the form of Dylan (Fred Kettle). But the lad immediately left the Dales to head to rehab. Over in Coronation Street, Bernie Winter (Jane Hazlegrove) is gearing up to tie the knot with Dev Alahan (Jimmi Harkishin) while Abi Webster (Sally Carman) is stuck in a love triangle. In EastEnders, one fan favourite's fate could be hanging in the balance with Oscar Branning (Pierre Moullier) becoming increasingly desperate to escape his past. And there's more turmoil in Hollyoaks, Neighbours and Home and Away. Emmerdale April is terrified to find Dylan with a leg injury but he refuses to see a doctor. The pair sneak into the vets' but they're interrupted by a shocked Paddy (Dominic Brunt) who patches Dylan up. After hearing he's still homeless, Paddy offers Dylan a room for the night. Ray then tells Dylan about future work and while Mandy (Lisa Riley) is busy, Dylan reveals a hidden bag of drugs in his backpack. Meanwhile, John (Oliver Farnworth) tries to persuade a sceptical Aaron (Danny Miller) to go easy on Robert (Ryan Hawley). After an uncomfortable encounter with John, Robert attempts to clear the air with Aaron himself and hints at leaving. Ruby (Beth Cordingly) and Lewis (Bradley Riches) urge Steph (Georgia Jay) to give her relationship with Ross (Michael Parr) another chance and Lewis later orchestrates Ross giving Steph a lift to her therapy session after her car breaks down. Back at Mill Cottage, Ruby's happy to see the couple together and they make things official, with Ross denying he's been with anyone else. Later, Ruby, Lewis and Manpreet (Rebecca Sarker) go to lunch and the pair dig for gossip about Manpreet's love life. Will she tell them about her fling with Ross? Elsewhere, Charity (Emma Atkins) has devastating news for Sarah (Katie Hill) and Vinny (Bradley Johnson) continues to feel conflicted about his sexuality and turns to the internet for answers. Coronation Street Abi covers for Kevin (Michael Le Vell) as he announces he's in the clear. But as everyone congratulates him, she slips out to join Carl (Jonathan Howard) at the hotel. Kevin tells Debbie (Sue Devaney) he thinks he's losing Abi. At the hotel, Abi is shocked when she sees a message on Carl's phone from Fiona. After buying cheap suits for Dev and Aadi (Adam Hussain), Bernie is having a low key hen do in the Bistro until she gets word that the boys have hired a pole dancer. Bernie's furious as she storms out. Later, Dev and Bernie's wedding day goes from bad to worse when the quads fall ill. Bernie then forgets her lucky charm but when she runs home to get it, she interrupts a burglary. Meanwhile, Debbie stuns guests with a bombshell. Kit (Jacob Roberts) learns more about Brody's (Ryan Mulvey) upbringing and is upset to hear how bad it was. Wanting to help him, Kit takes him to a match. But when he invites Sarah (Tina O'Brien) for lunch with him and Brody, things don't go as planned. Elsewhere, Todd (Gareth Pierce) tells Theo (James Cartwright) the corner shop flat is available. But Todd is bemused when Theo refuses to spend time with him and Summer (Harriet Bibby). Later, an incident with Aadi lands Theo in trouble with the law. EastEnders Oscar's week gets off to a bad start when Mike arrives and demands £5k in return for the Brannings' safety. He initially tries to lure Ian into a business deal to find extra cash but when Ian refuses, Oscar tells Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa) everything. Patrick (Rudolph Walker) and Howie (Delroy Atkinson) place a bet against Yolande's (Angela Wynter) wishes - and win £6k. But Yolande later lambasts Patrick for betting and calls the wedding off. Cash-strapped Oscar breaks into No.20 to steal Patrick's winnings but he's caught red-handed. Before long, Oscar pushes Patrick leading to him falling to the floor unconscious. Avani (Aaliyah James) and Suki (Balvinder Sopal) prepare for Avani's 12-week scan but Eve (Heather Peace) remains unconvinced by Suki's plan. When Vinny (Shiv Jalota) returns from Ash's wedding, Eve seizes the opportunity to speak to Avani alone and later encourages Suki to speak to her son. Later, Eve and Avani lie to Priya (Sophie Khan Levy) after she finds a receipt from the hospital. Elsewhere, Ross (Alex Walkinshaw) receives a call from Joel's mum and informs the lad she's getting remarried. Later, Joel (Max Murray) slips out and heads to The Vic with Tommy (Sonny Kendall). The pair are caught up by Ross, Viki (Alice Haig), Kat (Jessie Wallace) and Alfie (Shane Richie) and Joel lashes out. Later, Joel and Ross bond over an innocent video from Joel's idol influencer. But the moment is short-lived when Ross makes a troubling discovery. Hollyoaks Rex changes his statement and points a finger as Clare, Grace and DI Banks. Undercover police watch Grace's flat while Donny and Dodger are on standby. But the operation is later compromised. In prison, Tom shares some news with Froggy, prompting him to make a call. Meanwhile, Leela opens up about her struggles to move on from Joel. Darren is concerned about Frankie's relationship with Jacob but backtracks after some advice from Nancy. Elsewhere, Vicky continues her search for ways to contact Robbie. Neighbours Byron prepares to leave Erinsborough with a barbecue. Andrew reels after his confrontation with Bowman - but he shares another charged moment with Holly who thanks him for protecting her. Taye is unimpressed by Sadie and issues an ultimatum. Elsewhere, Paul makes difficult choices to ensure Lassiters' success - but Nell and Nicolette are incensed by his tactics. Later, Paul gets a shock when he talks about his future with Terese. Meanwhile, Remi and Cara struggle to move forward while Annalise gets the wrong end of the stick with Leo. Home and Away Remi and Sonny are locked in a heated argument with Dana watching on. But when she asks for answers from the pair, Remi tells her to leave it. Kirby's glowing after her album launch, but she's stunned when she receives an appealing offer - and it could take her to Europe. Meanwhile, Tane returns from Japan and has a tense catch-up with Harper. Roo struggles with what to tell Cohen as he waits eagerly for a letter from his mother. Later, David uncovers devastation for Cohen.
Metro
7 hours ago
- Metro
Charity turns to Vanessa as another devastating ordeal is confirmed in Emmerdale
Yes we see you, Vanity fans (Picture: ITV) Vanessa Woodfield (Michelle Hardwick) is the person Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins) turns to in Emmerdale soon, as she faces a scary ordeal in the middle of her surrogacy journey. Shortly after Charity decided to try and become Sarah Sugden's (Katie Hill) surrogate, she decided not to tell Mackenzie Boyd (Lawrence Robb). Of course, it wasn't long until he found out, and wasted no time in telling Charity that he thought it was a bad idea. With really no one else to talk to, Charity chatted to Vanessa about it. Despite them being exes, Charity and Vanessa are really good friends. Vanessa was able to listen to Charity, while thinking of Mack's feelings too. Mackenzie then told Charity that he's decided to support her on the journey, which left her relieved. When he arrived at Butlers though, it became apparent that Mack had just changed his view because he believes the process wouldn't be successful anyways. Mack didn't think the surrogacy was a good idea (Picture: ITV) Charity's jumped over quite a few hurdles so far – but is disaster set to strike already? In upcoming episodes, the couple go for a walk, but Charity takes a tumble and falls to the ground. At Jacob's (Joe-Warren Plant), Charity convinces herself that everything will be fine, and fails to tell Sarah about the fall. Feeling smothered by Sarah and Jacob, Charity suggests an engagement party, hoping they will focus on something else for a little while. Charity has already made quite a bit of progress in the journey (Picture: ITV) Follow Metro Soaps on WhatsApp and get all the latest spoilers first! Want to be the first to hear shocking EastEnders spoilers? Who's leaving Coronation Street? The latest gossip from Emmerdale? Join 10,000 soaps fans on Metro's WhatsApp Soaps community and get access to spoiler galleries, must-watch videos, and exclusive interviews. Simply click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! Don't forget to turn on notifications so you can see when we've just dropped the latest spoilers! As the family gets the Woolpack ready for the party, Charity rushes to the toilet. She's caught by Vanessa, who wonders what's going on. Charity reveals that she's been bleeding – but will she tell Sarah? Given the dynamic between Mack and Charity at the moment, will spending more time with Vanessa impact their relationship? Arrow MORE: Mack's heartbreak in Emmerdale as he hides his feelings Arrow MORE: Emmerdale fans 'work out' who newcomer Kev is looking for Arrow MORE: All Emmerdale spoilers for next week as arrest is made
Daily Mirror
7 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Emmerdale: Robert and Aaron make amends, Steph exit sealed and Charity's heartache
Emmerdale spoilers for next week teased Robron could get closer, Vanity also share scenes as Charity Dingle faces 'disaster' and Steph Miligan's exit is teased on the ITV soap There's big moments ahead on Emmerdale next week, and some spoilers fans will be excited about. Robron fans will see former couple Robert Sugden and Aaron Dingle grow closer again as they clear the air after past turmoil. Vanity fans will see more scenes for Charity Dingle and her ex Vanessa Woodfield, as the former confides in her friend as "disaster" strikes. There's concern amid a surrogacy plot, while a teen is clearly hiding something in a big secret. A villain takes action, another villager harbouring their true feelings is left torn and an exit is teased for one resident who is temporarily departing the ITV soap soon. Let's kick things off with Robron, as Robert is struggling to cope and considers leaving the village for good. It's Robert's sibling John Sugden, who happens to be Aaron's new husband, who persuades Aaron to go easy on his ex. There's an uncomfortable encounter at the shop, as John and Robert seem to clash again - or perhaps this time it's Aaron and Robert. Either way, John leaves and Robert attempts to clear the air with Aaron over a coffee. It's then that Robert hints he may be leaving and Aaron is surprised, while it's also clear he doesn't want that to happen. He does his best to reassure Robert and tries to get him to stick around. Telling him he's valued, he gives Robert hope as he tries to talk him round - but is Robert hoping for a reconciliation once more? Later on in the week it seems there's more trouble ahead, when Moira Dingle confronts him about her land that she recently sold to him. So has Moira uncovered the betrayal about Robert plotting to sell to Kim before he later changed his mind? It's Robert's sister Victoria Sugden who is left suspicious though, when Robert suggests they farm Annie's field together. What will she say, and will Robert stick around? Elsewhere, Charity Dingle fears the worst when she suffers a fall amid her offering to be a surrogate to her granddaughter Sarah Sugden. In upcoming episodes a procedure goes well at the fertility clinic, but next week Charity falls in the woods. She tries to convince herself that everything will be fine, and when Sarah comes home she doesn't tell her about the fall. But later as the family gather for an engagement party for Sarah and her partner Jacob Gallagher, Charity sneaks off and rushes to the toilet. As her ex Vanessa spots her outside, a concerned Charity reveals to her that she's been bleeding. Fearing the worst after the procedure, will Charity tell Sarah what's happened? We could be headed for an exit next week too as Steph's departure storyline may have been teased. Actress Georgia Jay is currently on maternity leave, and so will be having a break from filming. Next week Steph and Ross Barton give their relationship another go, after some encouragement from their loved ones. As they get closer, they officially reunite and Ross denies being with anyone else since they broke up - hiding the fact he slept with Manpreet Sharma. But when Manpreet is probed about her love life by Steph's mother Ruby later in the week, will she find out about the fling? Also next week, Dylan is in a bad way a week on from being stabbed with a pitchfork at Moira's farm. His pal April Windsor finds him in need of urgent medical attention and sneaks him into the vet surgery. Paddy Kirk stumbles across then though who patches Dylan up before offering him a room for the night. Soon villain Ray is catching up with Dylan as more about their connection is revealed onscreen. Dylan reveals a hidden bag of drugs from his backpack, while ignoring Ray's messages. Dylan is soon sneaking off for drug drop-offs, while back in the village some of the residents realise Dylan was the one intruding at the farm. When Ray eventually tracks down Dylan, Dylan turns down a job leading to the villain claiming to be cool with it - but we soon see him watching Dylan and April from a far. So what does he have planned? Finally next week, Vinny Dingle is struggling after recently trying to kiss his pal Kammy amid his wedding plans with fiancée Gabby Thomas. As he continues to question his sexuality and his true self, he does his best to bury his doubts. Aaron mistakes his pal's woes though for wedding doubts, so Vinny admits he tried to kiss someone else. Aaron urges him not to tell Gabby but Vinny is conflicted, and soon looks for answers about his sexuality - but will he find what he is looking for? Get the latest drama from the Dales by joining our Emmerdale WhatsApp group As drama continues to unfold in the Yorkshire Dales, the Mirror has launched its very own Emmerdale WhatsApp community where you'll get all the latest breaking news, secrets, and spoilers delivered straight to your phone. Users must download or already have WhatsApp on their phones to join in. All you have to do to join is click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! We may also send you stories from other titles across the Reach group. We will also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose Exit group. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
