‘Must watch’ period drama based on beloved book branded ‘best BBC series ever’

Period drama lovers have been raving about this beloved BBC television series which has left fans begging for more. The Paradise, which is free to stream on U, follows Denise Lovett (played by Joanna Vanderham), a young woman who takes a job at England’s first department store, The Paradise. The ambitious protagonist navigates love, ambition and social intrigues under its owner, Mr John Moray (Emun Elliott).

Inspired by Émilie Zola’s 1883 novel Au Bonheur Des Dames, the 1850s period drama explores themes of modern retail, the clash between tradition and progress, and the complex relationships within the store and the city. The novel itself is a retelling of the story of Aristide Boucicaut, the Bellême -born founder of Le Bon Marché.

The BBC series quickly gained a cult following saw several familiar faces throughout the series including Olivia Hallinan, who played Jocelin Brookmore, which period drama fans will recognise from The Lark Rise to Candleford.

Also lending their voice to the star-studded cast was Sarah Lancashire, who rose to fame on Happey Valley. The northern actress provided the voice-over narration as the older Laura Timmons for the entire series.

The historic series was filmed largely at Lambton Castle, which was converted into an 1870s bustling upmarket department store alongside a Victorian street with shops and a tavern. Biddick Hall, which is also on the Lambton estate was used as Lord Glendenning’s house.

The series premiered on BBC One on September 25, 2012 and soon made its way across the pond on PBS one year later. The show was commissioned for a second series following its growing viewership in late October 2012, which hit the airwaves on October 20, 2013.

But in 2014, the BBC confirmed it would not return for a third series following the growing competition for views with newer dramas such as Death in Paradise (2011) and Sherlock (2010).

Despite its story cutting unexpectedly short, the show and the book have received rave reviews from loyal fans online. One user penned: “One of the best BBC period productions ever. I was addicted to it. It deserved way more seasons.”

Another agreed: “I love this unforgettable series. Shameful it ended after two seasons but I revisit it again and again” as a third echoed: “I absolutely LOVE this show! Bing watching it! The BBC should have continued it, it’s a much better story, acting and much more wholesome than Mr. Selfridge.”