Period drama based on best-selling book perfect for Call The Midwife fans
Call the Midwife fans have been left speechless after discovering a ‘masterpiece’ WWII period drama hailed as ’20 stars’ by viewers – and it’s available to stream for free on Channel 4
Viewers can’t seem to get enough of the “absolutely incredible” series(Image: ITV)
Call the Midwife is frequently regarded as the benchmark for female-led period dramas that shine a light on women’s stories.
Yet viewers have now discovered another costume drama from the same stable that celebrates women’s lives in times gone by – and audiences are utterly enthralled by this overlooked treasure.
Drawing from Julie Summers’ book Jambusters, the period drama first graced television screens in 2015, though fans are still singing its praises 11 years later.
Home Fires is being lauded as a “masterpiece” by viewers, with audiences likening it to being “as satisfying as a warm cup of tea” – and the series is currently available to stream without charge on Channel 4 and UKTV.
Penned by Simon Block and co-directed by Robert Quinn and Bruce Goodinson, the period drama has been produced by ITV and takes place in a rural Cheshire village called Great Paxford between September 1932 and early 1940.
Immense praise has been heaped on the period drama’s ‘all star’ female cast(Image: ITV)
Featuring Francesca Annis, Daisy Badger, Leanne Best, Samantha Bond, Clare Calbraith, Mark Bonnar, Mark Bazeley, Chris Coghill, and Ruth Gemmell, the programme has garnered widespread acclaim for its compelling storytelling and convincing performances.
The period drama’s official synopsis reads: “The story follows a group of women living in a rural Cheshire village during World War II. With the war occupying their husbands, fathers, sons and brothers, the women are forced to cope with the pressures of living with limited resources in a nation of disarray.
“Through their difficulties the ladies find strength by forming the Great Paxford Women’s Institute, which helps them maintain hope and order in their community as Britain crumbles around them.”
(Image: ITV)
Back in May 2016, ITV dealt a crushing blow to loyal viewers by axing the programme after just two series – a move that audiences have never quite forgiven. In the wake of the cancellation, creator Simon Block chose to continue the narrative through a novelisation, resolving the cliffhangers left unresolved at the close of series 2.
Boasting an impressive 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the series has received glowing reviews, with one critic saying: “Home Fires offers British drama that’s as satisfying as a warm cup of tea.”
Another reviewer said: “This series is spoonful after spoonful of splendid jahm,” while a further critic commented: “It’s more uplifting and affirming than challenging or surprising, and it is handsomely made with convincing period detail and a fine cast delivering top notch performances.”
Audiences have been left utterly spellbound by the period drama, with one viewer saying: “The name being Home Fires on Masterpiece, it doesn’t lie about the Masterpiece part.”
It’s streaming for free on Channel 4 and UKTV(Image: ITV)
One IMDB reviewer wrote: “I absolutely cannot believe that this absolutely incredible series has been cancelled by ITV. It is a major favorite in our household and we miss it terribly. For anyone who has not seen it, go find it and watch. It’s the best TV has to offer so it needs to continue.”
Another viewer awarded the show “20 stars” and added: “A real tear jerker. I don’t thing there was one episode I didn’t tear up. This is a touching heartwarming series. I fell in love with the characters who no matter the status or gender each had their own humanistic qualities that we all share. I love period pieces and this one did not disappoint! I’d give 20 stars if I could!”.
While one devoted fan of the programme said: “Home Fires was one of the few dramas I looked forward to watching each week. Like a warm cuppa and cake, it brought that comfort only a good northern England drama can provide. The cast were outstanding. The storylines, forever evolving and keeping you at the edge of your seat. An all-star cast from stage and screen.”
One viewer remained deeply affected by the show and its cancellation: “It’s been 4 years since this series was cancelled and I still think about the characters and their lives. I was devastated when I found out, so much so, I signed a petition to get it back on, to no avail. I only have the books to console me now.”
Scores of others poured out their heartbreak over the programme being axed, voicing their dismay on IMDB: “It had me completely hooked which is why I’m completely devastated to hear that the show was then axed. WHYYYYYYYYY? ? ? ?”.
One exasperated viewer fumed: “This series should never have been cancelled – one of best series of the last 10yrs!”.
Yet another devoted fan of the show said: “Why they canceled this binge worthy series is outside my realm of understanding! How utterly disappointing to be left with such an unbelievably maddening cliffhanger. Seems all the greats get canceled, but they could’ve at least given the viewers closure before such an abrupt abandonment.”
Home Fires is available to stream now on Channel 4.
