BBC period drama hailed 'masterpiece' as viewers brand it 'best series of all time'

Daily Record

4 hours ago

This underrated BBC period drama starring Poldark star Aidan Turner has fans raving.
A BBC period drama has been hailed as a "masterpiece" by fans, with many calling it "the best of all time" due to its immersive 19th century setting. The series, set in industrial London during the 1800s, tells the story of a group of struggling artists who eventually form the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood.
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The production not only explores their artist challenges and ambitions but also delves into their romantic lives in a gorgeous period setting. Desperate Romantics stars Aidan Turner - known for his role in Poldark - alongside Rafe Spall, Tom Hollander, and Mark Heap.
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The series ran for just one season in 2009 but has left a lasting impression on viewers who praise its captivating storytelling and rich historical detail, the Express reports.
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The official BBC synopsis reads: "Drama series set in 19th-century industrial London, following vagabond English artists the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. The boys set out to find a muse to inspire their best work."
The series follows the brotherhood as they are determined to shake up the art establishment, with the help of John Ruskin, an English philanthropist of the Victorian era, who helps them make it in the world.
The six-episode programme is based on Franny Moyle's factual book, Desperate Romantics: The Private Lives of the Pre-Raphaelites.
Fans have flocked to Reddit to share their enthusiasm, with one user writing: "Has anyone heard of or seen this series about the Pre-Raphaelites? It's quite literally becoming my favourite period piece of all time."
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Another user agreed, adding: "One of my favourites! For anyone who hasn't heard of it, probably good to mention that it's about a real-life group of artists, so if you're into art history definitely check it out."
A third fan expressed: "I can't believe it's so unknown, I do believe the title of it does not lead one to assume the subject matter and does itself the deepest disservice."
And somebody else confessed: "I haven't watched this in ages, but I was obsessed when it originally aired. Now I need to watch again!"
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The series has also received praise on IMDb, where one user reviewed the show, writing: "I must say I am hooked big time. I want my dramas hot, juicy and plot-/character-driven. My verdict is: hot, steamy and educational."
Turner, who plays Dante Gabriel Rossetti in the series, is no stranger to period dramas, having starred in 43 episodes of Poldark as its titular character from 2015 to 2019. He also appeared in the 2015 adaptation of Agatha Christie novel And Then There Were None, playing Philip Lombard in the three-episode miniseries.
Turner made his screen debut in The Tudors in 2007, portraying Bedoli alongside Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Henry Cavill. His extensive experience in historical dramas brings both depth and authenticity to Desperate Romantics, making it a must-watch for fans of period dramas.