BBC period drama series 'better than Downton Abbey' as fans demand return of show

Edinburgh Live

01-06-2025

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The 2007 BBC period-drama series 'Lilies', spanning eight episodes and crafted by Heidi Thomas, captivated audiences with its tale of the Ross sisters - Iris, Mary, and Ruby - navigating life in post-WWI Liverpool alongside their father and brother.
Heidi Thomas, the mastermind behind 'Call The Midwife', moulded 'Lilies' from the rich tapestry of family anecdotes about her grandmother's upbringing in Liverpool after the war.
In a heartfelt revelation in 2007 prior to the show's debut, Thomas shared with the BBC: "My family were all terrific raconteurs, and I grew up hearing tales that could make you weep, and rock with laughter. They evoked a hard world, but one that thrilled with energy."
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She continued to share the personal legacy embedded in her work: "There is not one single episode that doesn't contain something handed down in anecdote."
Despite scoring exceptionally well with viewers, to the point of being hailed as The Sunday Times' pick of the week for a relentless two months, 'Lilies' did not return for further seasons, reports the Express.
Yet, admiration for 'Lilies' continues to flourish amongst its fanbase, with numerous loyal viewers even rating it above the treasured ITV series 'Downtown Abbey', which has since expanded into a successful film series.
TV fans have taken to IMDB to heap praise on Lilies, the period drama that's caught viewers' imaginations with its raw portrayal of post-WWI life. "I found this mini-series by accident, and what a delight. From beginning to end, I felt transported back in time. Throughout the series, you get a slice, perhaps, of a less sugar-coated time of transition after the First World War. This story unfolds through the eyes of three close but very different sisters and the surrounding family and friends."
wrote one admirer of the show.
Another avid watcher exclaimed: "I was totally drawn in from the first episode. The spirited Moss family, so much like my own family, was that believable? It was written from the reminisces of a grandmother of her family and that is probably why it rang so true. This is one of those shows that so deserved a much longer run that it is a travesty that it was not given one. What WAS made is a gem to be savoured for eight episodes."
The series has even been held in higher regard than Downton Abbey by some, as evidenced by the following feedback: "The series did portray the division between Catholics and Northern Irish Protestants very well."
They continued, discussing the religious tensions depicted: "Unless you grew up in that environment, it is hard to understand today that neither could enter a church of the other faith without condemning their immortal soul to hell forever more."
Over on Rotten Tomatoes, another viewer gave kudos for the show being rooted in realism: "Well done, and a lot more grounded than some of the BBC's other costume pieces. It dealt with touchy topics in a realistic manner. Shame it was cancelled."
Although currently out of reach on BBC iPlayer or Prime, Lilies can still be purchased on Amazon for viewers looking to immerse themselves into this highly regarded series.