The most underrated period drama that is 'a Downton Abbey rival'

Fans of a historical series will be happy to learn of a little-known period drama that is currently streaming on Channel 5. It has even been described as 'rivalling' Downton Abbey. The Hardacres is a 2024 period drama television series set in Yorkshire. It was adapted from the novel series by C. L. Skelton. The series has also been renewed for a second outing due to popularity.

The series synopsis reads: "The Hardacres is a Channel 5 family saga following the working-class Hardacre family in 1890s Yorkshire, chronicling their dramatic rise from poverty on the fish docks to owning a vast country estate through a successful business venture. The series explores how the family members, especially Mary and Sam Hardacre, adapt to their newfound wealth and the challenges of navigating upper-class society, often questioning if money can buy happiness."

Good Housekeeping highlighted the series in its listing "12 underrated period dramas to watch now on Netflix, ITV, the BBC and more" and stated: "it's good enough to rival Downton Abbey!"

It added: "1980s Yorkshire is the setting for this Channel 5 series, and The Hardacres deliciously charts a working class family's meteoric rags-to-riches rise, from the grimy docks to a sprawling country estate. Warm and escapist, it blends a charming family drama with vivid social commentary and - we're calling it - it's good enough to rival Downton Abbey! It debuted in 2024, and there's a series 2 in the works - but you can catch the first on 5."

One viewer left a glowing review of the series, they said: "I absolutely loved The Hardacres and sincerely hope there will be a Season 2. I keep rewatching it on BritBox-it's incredibly watchable, uplifting, and fun. The characters, the setting, the storylines everything draws me in."

Another viewer said: "So. The story lines are great. The acting is great. The costumes are perfect. Ma and the housekeeper are fantastic characters and I really love it."

"Really enjoyed this. Rags to riches story about a hard working family with their ups and downs. They have a range of characters within the family, all who think differently but all work towards a common goal: to keep the family afloat. All doing their own part. Can't wait for the next episodes," a third said.

The Hardacres is available to stream on Channel 5.