February 6, 2014

british shows you should be watching

I know this is kind of a weird thing to be posting right when the Olympics are starting, but I wanted to share some of my favorite shows/movies that I think you should all be watching. They're all accessible on Netflix or Amazon Prime. If you like Downton Abbey (and you should!) then here are a few (seriously, I have tons more!) great shows to get you through the off-season. If this list doesn't show what an Anglophile I am, then I don't know what will!

AMAZON PRIME
Little Dorrit: this version of Charles Dickens' novel is fantastic - and it's 14 hour long episodes so it's long! The love story(ies) are wonderful and the plot is so intricately woven with incredible characters that you have such strong emotions attached to. It's definitely worth watching, though since this is Dickens and not Austen, it's a much darker and bleak story of middle to lower class England.
Bleak House: another wonderful Charles Dickens novel that is very dark and creepy but really gripping. Don't expect warm and fuzzy from Dickens...
Cranford: an Elizabeth Gaskell novel that I love. I adore Judi Dench and she is so wonderful in this series. The entire show is sweet and wonderful and beautiful (it also really interests me because the town it was filmed in, is in my parents' mission!) This is a feel-good show and the sequel "Return to Cranford" is equally sweet.
Lark Rise to Candleford (you can even watch this on YouTube): another sweet show about two small towns in turn-of-the century England. This series has 4 seasons so there's plenty to occupy your time and there are several lovable characters.
Emma: I like this BBC version of Emma more than the Gwyneth Paltrow version (though I do love it too). This adaptation really captures Emma's character so much better. I think a lot of people wonder what Mr. Knightley ever saw in her in the first place, but it was a lot easier for me to recognize their affection for each other in this adaptation of the book.

NETFLIX
Call the Midwife: this takes place in 1940's England and is about a group of young midwives. Every single episode brings me to tears, without fail. I love child birth and I love the stories of heart break and joy that comes with it.
The Bletchley Circle: this is a new show to me and it's kind of scary (I don't like to watch it alone at night because I'm a wimp). It's about four brilliant code-breakers during/after World War II who solve crimes with their amazing intellect and talents. Definitely fascinating and gripping.
Land Girls: takes place in the English countryside on a farm during World War II who are members of the Women's Land Army. It's not the most exciting plot in the world but I found it interesting and sweet.

17 comments:

  1. Oh my gosh, thank you! I've had the flu and I've been pretty bored since I've caught up on a few of my shows. I'm definitely going to check all of these out after the Olympics :)

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  2. Cool! I can't wait to check some of these out. I am always looking for something good to watch while my husband is at the theater watching "man movies" with his brother, or you know, when he's on the computer playing games! :-) Thanks for the suggestions. I love Downton, but I haven't even finished season 3- I know how it ends, and well, I am just not sure I am willing to accept it!

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    1. Don't give up on Downton Heather! I actually think this season is the best season yet. I've already watched the whole season online and I think it's fantastic!

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  3. I love to see that someone else loves these British shows as much as I do. I also love Doc Martin and Monarch of the Glen. These aren't period pieces but worth it. Also Mr. Selfridge will start the second season soon. I also have watched "Miranda" she's the actress that plays "Chummy" on Call the Midwife. Wish there was more of Land Girls.

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  4. don't forget Doc Martin and Monarch of the Glen. These aren't period pieces, but still good. Mr. Selfridge will start the second season after Downton ends. Wish there were more like Land Girls. I too have watched this season of Downton before it came to the US, and love re-watching it.

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  5. I love you. Remember that time you took me to Austenland and I had no idea what was going on? #uncultured.

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  6. I LOVE Call the Midwife! I need to check out some of these others too. Thanks for the tips! I'm also obsessed with Sherlock which stars Benedict Cumberbatch (whom I adore) and Martin Freeman (aka Bilbo Baggins). My only complaint is that each season is only 3 1.5 hour episodes, but they are so good!

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  7. Great shows. I love living here in the midst of English culture and history. We just met a lovely lady today in her 80's, who was sent to a farm in the countryside with other children, so they could be protected from the bombing going on in Southampton. Thanks for the tip about "Women's land army".

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  8. LOVE Call the midwife, bleak house, and cranford

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  9. Have you watched "The Paradise" on PBS yet? I'd love to hear what else you have on your list.

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  10. I love Call the Midwife and I have enjoyed Land Girls as well. I just finished watching the last season of '24' and I needed something more genteel to watch! Thanks for the suggestions!

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  11. Thank you - these sound lovely. I wanted to share it on FB but couldn't find a share button. I might send a few friends your direction. :)

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  12. Update. Watched all of Season 1 of Bletchley Cirlce- PLEASE tell me there is more to come from that show cause I LOVED it. I am a crime nerd! I also watched all of Bleak House- also very good. Can't wait to watch the rest of the shows you suggested. :-) And OK, I wont give up on Downton, but I might just skip the last episode of season 3 and move directly on to season 4.

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  13. Is there a new season of Land Girls coming soon?

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  14. Will there be a new season of Land Girls starting soon?

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  15. Every one of the shows you have mentioned are my very favorites! I think my very most favorite is Call the midwife! It has everything every good show has! I think it is the best story ever written!! You have great taste!! I am glad to know there is someone else that thinks like me!! ;-)

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  16. These are the same shows I love!! Every single one of them!! Plus Doc Martin!! Cant forget Doc Martin!! My very most favorite show ...well....ever...is Call the Midwife!! That is the best story ever written!! I consider it a blessing to the world! If one of you haven't seen it....you really MUST!! You wont be sorry!! Thanks for all of the suggestions!! You have great taste!!!

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