SEE THE BEST TITLES LIKE ‘THE HARDACRES’
One of the most underrated shows in the world of period dramas is a little show called The Hardacres which is the subject of this latest titles to watch like edition. The show has a US home with BritBox and while I may simply be missing its fanfare, I see next to no one discussing it or loving on it, however, I will happily take an opportunity (or two!) to do just this.
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SEE THE BEST TITLES LIKE ‘THE HARDACRES’ Share on XThe story follows a working-class family who make a fortune through an investment that allows them to socialize with the old money wealth but often disqualifies them from being accepted by them. The show is full of plucky characters who say the wrong thing, do the wrong thing, but are ultimately still likable (or most of them are) which I appreciate (meeting characters easy to root on is a TV rarity). They are also characters wanting to meet new friends and be able to be who they are but still have respect. Because this one is so dang underrated, I wanted to not only be able to talk about it more, but also share some more shows or films, perhaps also not often discussed, that you can watch if you, like me, are also obsessed with The Hardacres.
TITLES to WATCH like THE HARDACRES
A WOMAN of SUBSTANCE
A new BritBox show that by all accounts is quite popular, this one is based on the novel (and is a remake) and follows Emma Harte, a determined and vengeful woman who builds an empire all inspired by a desire to get back at the family she worked for after they wronged her.
Synopsis: In 1910s Yorkshire, Emma Harte is an ambitious maid with big dreams – and a bigger forbidden romance. First love, then betrayal. Decades later, Emma’s a rich tycoon in New York determined to get revenge. – via Prime Video
Stream, at publication, with BritBox
BELGRAVIA
This show had two seasons and was created by Julian Fellowes. The show is about different generations of one family while also being an ensemble piece with various different characters. I cannot remember everyone, but the one thing I do know is I quite liked the first season. Something that is reminding me I should watch season two, which is also set in a different timeframe. The first season involves secrets (because what show doesn’t love secrets?) and a possible change of fortune.
Synopsis: The Trenchard family have recently ascended to the aristocratic society of London’s Belgravia, but a decades old love affair comes back to haunt them and jeopardize the happiness of many. – via Prime Video
Stream, at publication, with BritBox; or digitally purchase on places like Prime Video
DOCTOR THORNE
Another Julian Fellowes show, this is a miniseries that appears and disappears (like now!) on streaming a lot. It was really sweet though following a clash between classes with the primary focus on the love story between a woman without proper rank and a gentleman who falls for her.
Synopsis: From the creator of Downton Abbey. Dr. Thorne lives a quiet life with niece Mary in Greshambury, home of the wealthy Gresham family. Unbeknownst to others, the Greshams have lost their fortune and matriarch Lady Arabella has a scheme to regain it via an arranged marriage with her son and an American heiress. – via Prime Video
Stream, at publication, episode three (and only three) with Prime Video
THE GILDED AGE
This one is a clash of new vs old wealth. It has interesting characters and centers, mainly, on two families who live across the street from each other and the niece of one family who comes to live with them and forms a friendship with the family who moves in and is from new wealth.
Synopsis: Developed by Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes, this drama follows a young woman living in New York City’s glittering Gilded Age. – via Prime Video
Stream, at publication, with HBO Max
THE GIRL
A miniseries from 1996, this is one I saw a while ago and did enjoy aspects of. However, it’s also one of those productions that feels a bit hopeless and as if there is never really any good around the next corner. Still, it’s about its heroine surviving.
Synopsis: In this classic miniseries based on Catherine Cookson’s novel, a dying woman entrusts her daughter to the home of her wealthy former lover, inciting resentment from his wife. – via Prime Video
Stream, at publication, with Prime Video
LARK RISE to CANDLEFORD
This is a charming little tale about two towns who have a kind of rivalry, and the ups, downs and daily little life challenges. Olivia Halinan plays the young heroine Laura whose parents send her to the slightly more cultured town of Candleford in order to give her a better education and chance at life. Julia Sawalha from the 90s miniseries Pride and Prejudice also stars. This one is also, like most of these, based on a novel.
Synopsis: Seen through the eyes of young Laura, the inhabitants of Lark Rise, the small hamlet gently holding on to the past, and Candleford, the small market town bustling into the future, endure the many upheavals of inevitable change. – via Prime Video
Stream, at publication, with BritBox; or check places like Roku. You can also digitally purchase the series on places like Prime Video
LITTLE DORRIT miniseries
Charles Dickens wrote this story that was adapted into an extensive miniseries from 2008. Claire Foy stars as the titular character in a journey that is both emotional and also hopeful however the “getting there” is dark and depressing. Matthew Macfadyen co-stars and there is a host of other familiar stars, too. It also somehow feels like a great title to fit similar to or like The Hardacres. Although to be fair, I think the former has more humor than Little Dorrit!
Stream, at publication, with BritBox. Or check places like Roku.
MIDDLEMARCH
Another adaptation, I’ve seen this one two or three times, and while it moves slowly and is the older style of production, I did like it. It’s about an intellectual woman who believes marriage should be about
Synopsis: Provincial life is on the brink of momentous change in Middlemarch, where the Industrial Revolution will split the town into two opposing factions. – via Prime Video
Stream, at publication, with BriBox
THE MOONSTONE
A slightly spooky story, this one is still fun (based on my hazy memories) and has plenty of secrets and interesting characters. Everything looked pretty if I remember and I liked the mystery.
Synopsis: A fresh adaptation of Wilkie Collins’ novel, The Moonstone follows Franklin Blake as he seeks to solve the theft of a cursed diamond. He enlists retired detective Sergeant Cuff to uncover the truth and win back Rachel Verinder. – Prime Video
Stream, at publication, with Hallmark+
NICHOLAS NICKLEBY film
Another Dickens adaptation, this feature film has Anne Hathaway starring with Charlie Hunnam who plays the titular hero, a man who, suffering the loss of his father, has to step up to stand against a baddie trying not just to hurt Nicholas, but also his vulnerable sister, too.
Synopsis: After Nicholas’ father dies and leaves the family penniless, the Nickleby family moves to London to stay with their Uncle Ralph. Ralph turns abusive and separates the family, which includes sending Nicholas to the cruel and wicked Wackford Squeers. At this horrible escape from the school and set off to reunite the Nickleby family. – via Prime Video
Stream, at publication, with BritBox; or check Roku and Tubi TV
THE PARADISE
An ambitious woman takes a job at a shop where she rises in the ranks and must try to figure out how to follow her professional goals while falling in love with someone she cannot be with. This only got two seasons but it was actually quite good.
Synopsis: Made homeless by the death of her father and with nothing to live on but her wits, Denise comes from the country to work in the spectacularly glamorous Ladies Paradise, England’s first department store. – via Prime Video
Stream, at publication, with Peacock or Prime Video; or check places like Roku
Photos: Alamy | BritBox (A Woman of Substance; The Hardacres, season two)
Have you seen any of this more recent period drama? What titles or shows would you suggest to watch like The Hardacres? What is your favorite story thread or character from this show? Share all of your thoughts below.
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