BBC viewers urged to watch 'best period drama in a long time' as it's added to iPlayer
Fans of Netflix's The Crown are being encouraged to check out an under appreciated historical drama now available on BBC iPlayer. Marie Antoinette, which first aired in 2022, is a period drama that, like The Crown, explores the lives of notable royal figures.
The series chronicles the life of Marie Antoinette, France's last queen before the French Revolution, who was thrust into the court of Versailles through an arranged marriage to Louis XVI. Initially tasked with producing an heir for the nation, she eventually becomes a contentious figure, often linked to the downfall of the monarchy.
Despite her largely negative reputation, this two-season show humanises the infamous queen and highlights the challenges she faced as a royal, reports Surrey Live. Russian actress Emilia Schüle stars as the eponymous queen, alongside Bridgeton's Louis Cunningham as King Louis XVI.
They are joined by Jack Archer, known for his role in Virdee, and Jasmine Blackborow, who featured in Netflix's The Gentlemen. While it may not have a fanbase to rival The Crown, Marie Antoinette has garnered glowing reviews from those who have discovered it.
Currently, it boasts a respectable 60 per cent critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes, and an even more impressive 80 per cent audience rating. Among the rave reviews, one viewer argued that the series deserves higher ratings from critics.
One fan wrote: "This show is incredible, I'm really not sure why the critics didn't give it good reviews. Probably because they [the producers] didn't infuse it with modern day values, rather, they kept it as an accurate period piece. I much prefer it this way, how it actually was,".
The series has also received widespread acclaim from viewers on IMDb, with comments including: "I really loved this imagining of Marie Antoinette. It was full of drama and kept me hooked."
Another fan praised the show's historical accuracy, writing: "I thought the costumes were amazing and all the actors fit their roles perfectly- especially Marie and Louis, who's relationship is explored in an interesting way!".
A third reviewer raved: "This is the best period drama I've come across in a long time. A lot of effort has gone into the hair, makeup and costumes and it shows. Even the quality of cinematography is super high."
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