‘Flawless masterpiece’ period drama better than Bridgerton is ‘the best ever’
This acclaimed BBC period drama is a must-watch for fans of Downton Abbey and Bridgerton
Fans have been loving a period drama that’s set in the North East(Image: UKTV)
A period drama filmed in the North East is currently available to stream free of charge, offering perfect entertainment for Downton Abbey fans.
Television viewers are being encouraged to discover a visually spectacular series, shot on location at Lambton Castle in County Durham.
The Paradise is a British costume drama adapted from Émile Zola’s 1883 novel, Au Bonheur des Dames. While Zola’s original work chronicled the story of Aristide Boucicaut, the Bellême-born founder of Le Bon Marché, the television adaptation transfers the narrative to the North East of England.
It centres on an “intoxicating love story” that unfolds within England’s first department store during the 1870s.
The programme debuted on BBC One in 2012, before arriving stateside the subsequent year. A second series aired in 2013, reports Chronicle Live.
Joanna Vanderham and Sarah Lancashire lead the cast(Image: UKTV)
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The opening season began in 1875 and charted the lives and romances of those who worked, shopped and conducted business in and around the pioneering English department store. The Paradise’s proprietor is widower John Moray, formerly a draper’s apprentice at Emersons, the modest establishment that flourished under his stewardship to become The Paradise.
Entering this realm is Denise Lovett, who arrives from the small Scottish town of Peebles. Her uncle, Edmund, is the shopkeepers battling to stay afloat.
Denise secures employment at The Paradise and quickly catches Moray’s eye as an emerging talent, provoking the irritation of Miss Audrey, head of ladies’ fashion, and Clara, a fellow shop assistant.
Joanna Vanderham stars as Denise Lovett, with Emun Elliott playing John Moray. The cast also features Peter Wight, Matthew McNulty, David Hayman, Sarah Lancashire, Sonya Cassidy, Stephen Wight, and Elaine Cassidy.
All 16 episodes of The Paradise are now available to stream without charge on U, allowing viewers to fully indulge in the high street drama.
The Paradise is streaming for free(Image: UKTV/Matt Squire)
Fans have been vocal in their appreciation for the series on social media, with one IMDb reviewer declaring: “This was a thoroughly delightful series to watch. Stunning costumes and scenery. Outstanding performances. Flawless masterpiece.”
Another commented: “The best ever! ! Just as good as Downton Abbey,” while a third noted: “Absolutely captivated by the brilliance of Denise and the charm of Mr Murray.”
One viewer remarked: “The Paradise is just that! An amazing show which captivates you very quickly and has you thinking constantly,” with another noting: “My wife and I have enjoyed other period shows such as Downton Abbey, Bridgerton, and The Gilded Age, and I think it’s better than all of them.”
A sixth enthusiast described it as: “One of the most underrated shows. It compels you to binge watch! It’s a stand out series. So flawless.”
Another supporter concurred, stating: “Better than Mr Selfridge,” while someone else observed: “Impeccably cast, extremely handsome, predictably soapy and a trifle slow moving, it’s another first-rate costume drama.”
The Paradise is streaming for free on U