‘Astonishing’ period drama Downton Abbey fans need to watch streaming now
The British TV series is based on a novel by Julian Fellowes, the creator of Downton Abbey, and is available to stream now
View 3 Images
The series is set in the 19th century(Image: ITV)
If Downton Abbey has left a void in your viewing schedule and you’re searching for something to bridge the gap, then this compact period drama series deserves to be your next marathon watch.
Sharing parallels with the cherished period drama, this self-contained series adapts an earlier novel by Julian Fellowes, before the 19th-century London setting was translated to screen in 2020.
Article continues below
Belgravia is a British television series taking its name from the prosperous London district, which serves as a pivotal location throughout the show. Indeed, it was created by the identical production team behind Downton Abbey, delivering a dramatic and refined aesthetic.
One fan took to Rotten Tomatoes to share their love for the show, writing: “Like Julian Fellowes’ most prominent achievement, Downton Abbey, Belgravia is a TV soap of the highest order. Class struggles, how women operated in the early 1800s, and, like Downton, a significant historical marker to indicate the period: the series kicks off on the eve of the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.”
View 3 Images
It is adapted from a popular novel(Image: ITV)
The narrative commences at the Grand Duchess of Richmond’s ball hosted in Brussels to celebrate the Duke of Wellington, exactly two days prior to the Battle of Waterloo and on the eve of the Battle of Quatre Bras.
Among the attendees are James and Anne Trenchard, who are benefiting from wealth accumulated through their commercial ventures, alongside their daughter. She had lately attracted the attention of the successor to one of the nation’s wealthiest and most distinguished families.
A quarter of a century after the grand ball, its events appear to be unravelling as hidden secrets begin to emerge and impact the characters’ new lives in Belgravia. As the two families settle into the new development, it becomes apparent that both are concealing something from each other.
The story revolves around the Trenchard family, portrayed by a highly regarded cast, including Alice Eve as Susan Trentchard, Tasmin Grieg as Anne Trenchard and Philip Glenister as James Trentchard. Also joining them in Belgravia are Ella Purnell as Lady Maria Grey and Jack Bardoe as Charles Pope.
View 3 Images
It was released in 2020(Image: Shared Content Unit)
One viewer couldn’t resist expressing their admiration for the cast, commenting: “Wonderful! Fantastic acting, costumes and era depiction! I thought it was going to be a sleeper until the end of the first episode! Now I’m hooked! If you like historical films, you will love this one!”
A fan shared: “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!”
Someone else said: “Julian Fellowes delivers another astonishing period drama six part mini-series. Great historical details and superb ensemble casting. Highly recommended.”
Fans were left heartbroken when Belgravia drew to a close, before the exciting announcement arrived in 2022 of a follow-up story in a sequel entitled Belgravia: The Next Chapter. Written and developed by Helen Edmundson, it arrived in 2024, gifting devoted viewers a further eight episodes to immerse themselves in.
It is worth noting, however, the sequel garnered considerably less praise from fans, boasting an entirely new ensemble cast.
To experience the full drama across the original season, Belgravia is available to rent on Amazon Prime and Apple TV. Should that leave you wanting more, you can stream the follow-up series Belgravia: The Next Chapter free of charge on ITVX.
SOURCE: liverpoolecho