One of Britain’s most recognisable family businesses is getting the period-drama treatment in a new six-part series that promises ambition, romance and rivalry behind the creation of an iconic chocolate brand.
The Cadburys, arriving on free streaming service U in 2027, will transport viewers to Victorian Birmingham, where two brothers struggle to save their family’s failing cocoa business.
But building a chocolate empire is only part of the story. As Richard and George Cadbury pursue their ambitions, family loyalties are tested by competing personalities, financial pressures and a romance involving one of their biggest rivals.
Newly released images offer the first glimpse of the lavish costumes, Victorian settings and ensemble cast bringing this remarkable family history to television.
Two Brothers Fighting to Save a Failing Business
Set in Birmingham during the 1860s, the drama begins long before the familiar Cadbury chocolate bar has become a household favourite.
Brothers Richard and George Cadbury unexpectedly find themselves responsible for their family’s struggling cocoa company.
The business is facing an uncertain future, and both men recognise that dramatic changes will be necessary if they hope to keep it alive.
However, their personalities and approaches to business could hardly be more different.
George is driven by his determination to develop new chocolate-making techniques, including his ambition to create solid eating cocoa.
Richard brings his own ideas and aspirations, but the brothers must overcome their differences if they are to transform their father’s business into something extraordinary.
Their relationship forms the foundation of a story about invention, determination and the challenges of working alongside family.
Inspired by Deborah Cadbury’s book Chocolate Wars, the series explores the origins of the company that would eventually become one of the world’s most beloved confectionery brands.
A Forbidden Romance Threatens Family Loyalties
Alongside the brothers’ business ambitions, the drama introduces a complicated love story that threatens to divide the family.
Their sister Maria Cadbury, played by Jessica Barden, is attempting to establish her own place within both the household and the growing business.
But her personal life becomes increasingly complicated when she develops feelings for Francis Fry, played by Ben Hardy.
The problem is that Francis belongs to the family behind one of Cadbury’s major competitors.
As their attraction grows, Maria faces a difficult conflict between her romantic feelings and her loyalty to her family.
Meanwhile, Richard’s relationship with Elizabeth Adlington, portrayed by Poppy Gilbert, provides another romantic storyline.
Together, these relationships add emotional complications to the brothers’ efforts to build a successful business.
The series promises to explore not only how a famous brand was created, but also how ambition and personal relationships can strengthen or fracture a family.
First-Look Images Reveal the Victorian World of The Cadburys
The newly unveiled photographs introduce several of the central characters against the backdrop of 19th-century Birmingham.
Harry Gilby, known for Boarders and The Last Kingdom, portrays George Cadbury, while Toby Regbo, whose credits include Outrageous and A Woman of Substance, plays his brother Richard.
Jessica Barden, who appeared in Dune: Prophecy, takes on the role of Maria Cadbury.
The images also feature Pearce Quigley as John Cadbury, Joanna Scanlan as Dorothy Adlington and Mathew Baynton as fellow inventor Joseph Rowntree.
From period clothing to carefully recreated interiors, the early photographs suggest a richly detailed production designed to capture the atmosphere of Victorian England.
An Impressive Cast Brings the Cadbury Family to Life
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The six-part drama features a substantial ensemble of familiar British television faces.
Alongside Gilby, Regbo and Barden, the cast includes Ben Hardy as Francis Fry and Poppy Gilbert as Elizabeth Adlington.
Pearce Quigley plays John Cadbury, while Joanna Scanlan portrays Elizabeth’s mother, Dorothy.
Mathew Baynton, known for Ghosts and Wonka, appears as Joseph Rowntree, another important name in Britain’s confectionery history.
Other cast members include Felicity Montagu as Mary Brown, Adam Hashmi as William Singh, Oli Green as Howard Lloyd and Alexander Butler as Frank Sheldon.
The screenplay comes from Chloë Mi Lin Ewart, whose previous credits include the popular period drama All Creatures Great and Small.
That connection may appeal to viewers who enjoy character-driven historical dramas combining family relationships with a warm, nostalgic atmosphere.
A Feel-Good Historical Drama With More Than Chocolate at Stake
Although the story revolves around the origins of Cadbury, its creators are positioning the series as more than a straightforward account of business success.
At its heart are questions about trust, loyalty, personal sacrifice and the tensions that arise when relatives have different visions for their future.
Helen Perry, head of drama commissioning at UKTV, has described the production as a feel-good drama inspired by one of Birmingham’s most recognisable stories.
The combination of family conflict, romantic complications and historical invention promises a series that explores the people behind the famous name rather than focusing exclusively on the company’s products.
When and Where Can You Watch The Cadburys?
The Cadburys is scheduled to premiere in 2027 on U, UKTV’s free streaming service.
The drama will consist of six episodes, although an exact release date has not yet been announced.
For fans of All Creatures Great and Small and other British period dramas, the upcoming series offers a fresh historical setting with a familiar emotional appeal.
Behind the creation of a chocolate brand known around the world lies a story of two ambitious brothers, a struggling family business and a romance that threatens to complicate everything.
And as the first images suggest, the road from a modest Victorian cocoa company to a household name was anything but simple.
