The Hardacres

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.

Wonderful period piece with layered characters and an interesting storyline. It has a Catherine Cookson flavour about the story, focusing on all stratas of the social ladder. Showcases hardship as well as good fortune but ultimately, the triumph of family values and strong friendships.

For those who need a character to admire and one to dislike,The Hardacres doesn't disappoint. The challenge will be to deliver a second series that engages viewers and develops characters in a realistic manner.

Well worth watching, especially for those who love a good period piece that is uplifting in its core messages.

So many attempts at humorous disparaging comments, make you wonder why they bother watching then reviewing.

The thing is, its entertainment. Not a documentary not a bio. It may be clichéd and clearly not reality but it's also engaging and entertaining.

The overall package keeps you watching as the characters develop nicely and you can see the problems and diversions for the main characters slowly but surely developing.

Ma makes me laugh. Keeping all feet firmly on the ground whilst others are desperate to elevate their social standing, to start with at least.

View with an open mind and you'll enjoy the humour as well as the emotional ups and downs.

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!