The Hardacres

Watch it if you want to enjoy six episodes of light drama mixed with a lot of comedy that might not appeal to everyone, but it's a charming show I can actually recommend to anyone looking for a short, six-episode series to enjoy at any time. However, don't watch it expecting to compare it with other shows that represent this historical period, as it's likely not suited for such comparisons.

The first episode moved quickly with its events, which may not seem entirely logical in reality, but again, I'll say don't look for logic or comparisons-just watch it to enjoy. It's pure fun in this series, and honestly, I loved it. Maybe the ending wasn't ideal; I would have at least liked to see the wedding. But so far, we're not sure if they'll stop at one season. I think it might get another season because, in reality, it didn't get bad ratings, which I can understand. I watched it, and honestly, it's a good choice for a quick watch.

1890's Yorkshire, The Hardacres family work endlessly to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table. After a bad accident, Sam loses his job, but wife Mary has a plan, a plan that makes them rich beyond their wildest dreams.

It's a rags to riches story, almost Disney style, it's so outrageous and over the top, but it genuinely works, we see two worlds collide, two worlds that don't often mix apart from in an Upstairs, Downstairs fashion.

Watching The Hardacres trying to adapt to their new found wealth is a joy, seeing the family, Mary and Ma in particular, trying to interact with their new and wealthy circle.

There are some wonderful characters, I adore Mrs Dryden, the spiteful housekeeper, you could easily place her in Downton Abbey, she's great. The whole family are entertaining, it's just a shame that Harry is packed off so early, he was great.

So they may look a little modern, and some of the dialogue (especially Ma's) wouldn't have been heard for decades, but it just works, the sets look wonderful.

Entertaining, funny and sometimes moving, it's an uplifting tale of rags to riches, one of Channel Five's better dramas, hopefully a second series will follow.

Super entertaining.

8/10.

As my heading says best show on tv for a long time, I absolutely loved it, the actors were all amazing and did the show proud there had better be a season 2. I really want to see how The Hardacres continue in the upper classes and feel this show has so much more to offer. A true crowd pleaser with everything you need in a good drama. Highs, lows, laughter and tears truly fantastic acting from all the cast. I want more of this with the same cast and more great storylines from the Hardacre family. Let's make it happen channel 5 I couldn't get enough of this truly heartwarming series and want to see more!

A super nice rags-to-riches period drama which has a high 'feel good' factor. The characters were quite well developed, well cast, and the acting was good. I would like to have seen a slower pace and a 'grittier feel' to give it some sense of reality and to get to know the characters on a deeper level. The perfect complexions and white pearly teeth did make it look a bit fake but the costumes were really good and the set was wonderful. Great entertainment which, with a bit of attention to some of the detail, could be a really great period drama. There's so many aspects of the story to be developed and expanded on. I'll certainly be watching for series 2.

Based on what I've seen so far (Eps 1 and 2) - Catherine Cookson came to mind, but superior to those stories. Yorkshire set but filmed in Ireland around Dublin and County Wicklow. Clues to this are - the architecture of the big house (Georgian Anglo-Irish), a number of Irish actors pretending to be English but their true accents are audible to me at least. The countryside/vegetation is definitely Irish - wilder than Northern England. So I have to suspend belief. Gentleman Jack it ain't though it tries to include social and class issues. An entertaining and undemanding watch over NZ summer. Enjoy!