If you follow me on Instagram and have caught some of my Insta-stories, you probably know about my latest favorite TV shows.
Doc Martin…
The Paradise…
…and Poldark:
Unfortunately, there was only two seasons of The Paradise (wah!!) , but season 3 of Poldark starts in October (yay!!). I should mention (for those who didn’t see my Insta-stories about it), there is a very emotionally brutal scene in the last 15 minutes or so of episode 8 in season 2. If you’re a “feeler” (like me!), I would recommend fast forwarding past that. It was definitely something I didn’t need to see and had a hard time shaking. You’ll know what’s going on if you just skip to episode 9, so don’t worry about missing anything if you decide to skip the last part of episode 8.
I didn’t watch much TV before Sonny came home, but I really look forward to a late-night show to unwind now that my days are much mentally busier! So what will I watch next? I asked my Instagram followers, and these are the shows they recommended:
Lark Rise to Candleford:
In this adaptation of Flora Thompson’s memoir of her childhood, Laura Timmins leaves the Oxfordshire hamlet of Lark Rise for a job in the market town of Candleford, where her mother’s cousin, effervescent Dorcas Lane, is postmistress. Farm workers, craftsmen and gentry make up the community of families, rivals, friends and neighbours. Throughout the series, residents of both places interact at the best and the worst of times, including a measles epidemic that threatens the harvest and the arrival of new Post Office Inspector Mr. Rushton.
Indian Summers:
“Indian Summers” is a miniseries set in the foothills of the Himalayas during the summer of 1932. The narrative focuses on the social politics behind the decline of the British Empire and the birth of modern India. A power struggle is emphasized through Brits sent to govern Northern India every summer and the Indian natives who are yearning for independence. The Indian Civil Service and the British Club rule from the foothills town of Simla, where the drama unfolds among Ralph Whelan, private secretary to the Viceroy of India; his younger, recently widowed sister Alice; and Cynthia Coffin, the proprietor of the club.
Heart of Dixie:
New York doctor Zoe Hart (Rachel Bilson) has reached a crossroads in her life when she decides to accept an offer from a stranger to work with him at his practice in Alabama. When she arrives in town, she discovers that the man has died and left her his half of the practice in his will, something that doesn’t exactly make her new partner happy. Despite the shock of Southern life and some less-than-hospitable town folk, Zoe decides to give her new life a chance and discovers a new side of herself in the process.
Call the Midwife:
Adapted by Heidi Thomas from the best-selling memoirs of Jennifer Worth, this drama series is a moving, funny, colorful look at midwifery and family in 1950s East End London. It follows newly qualified midwife Jenny, who joins an eccentric, lovable community of nuns who are nurses at Nonnatus House.
Heartland:
This sprawling family saga takes place right on the range where an unfortunate tragedy has glued a family together to pull them through life’s thick and thin moments. Follow young Amy Fleming as she slowly discovers she possesses her now-deceased mother’s ability to aid injured horses, and her relationships with those who are trying to get by one day at a time.
Grantchester:
Sidney Chambers is a charming clergyman who turns into an investigator when one of his parishioners dies under suspicious circumstances in this drama set in 1953. He partners up with gruff, down-to-earth police inspector Geordie Keating, whose methodical approach to police work complements Sidney’s intuitive techniques of getting information out of people. The two partners — who bring different insights into the crimes they start to unravel — form a true friendship as they work together.
Home Fires:
“Home Fires” is a drama series inspired by Julie Summers’ nonfiction book “Jambusters.” 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.
Dickensian:
A drama based on the works of Charles Dickens.
Grand Hotel:
Several strangers meet during their stay at a luxurious hotel.
Velvet:
The young heir to a fashion empire falls in love with a humble seamstress.
Outlander:
After serving as a British Army nurse in World War II, Claire Randall is enjoying a second honeymoon in Scotland with husband Frank, an MI6 officer looking forward to a new career as an Oxford historian. Suddenly, Claire is transported to 1743 and into a mysterious world where her freedom and life are threatened.
Because that last one got the most rave reviews (by far!) I started watching it the other night. There was some pretty racy scenes in episode 1 (think: rated R), but the storyline was super intriguing. I’ve heard there are some torture scenes in future episodes, so I’ll be fast forwarding past those too!
What about you? Do you have a favorite series that wasn’t mentioned here? I’d love to find more like Doc Martin, The Paradise and Poldark!
Layla
Larkrise to Candleford was lovely. Our teenaged grand daughter enjoyed it too. Outlander is fun, but the torture episode was gratuitous IMHO. Call the Midwife is very uplifting. You have a solid list! Home Fires ended suddenly, and since it wasn’t renewed, Simon Block put the rest if the stories,together in an eBook you can buy on Amazon. Stacey
I loved Larkrise to Candleford! I know a lot of people who love Outlander, but after the third episode the whole time-travel aspect of it got to be way to confusing for me and I completely lost interest. You have a lot of interesting choices listed that are not familiar to me, so I may have some new things to watch!
I loved the Poldark series — looking forward to the new season.
I love both Doc Martin and The Paradise! I’m watching Father Brown. It’s another great BBC show.
In the process of Larkrise to Candleford now and it is addicting!!! Poldark is a must to all. Midwife, not so much after first season. Did not appreciate where they were taking it and the morals were sinking. I loved Mr Selfridge plus the fact the man was real was cool. You watch TV like I do!
Some of the shows on your “to watch” list are on mine too! I really love Downton Abbey and the Mini Series Victoria about Queen Victoria. I also LOVED the mini series War and Peace about the aristocracy of Russia during the Nepoleanic era. Be careful of Outlander…I have heard that it is pretty racey and those torture scenes are brutal at the end of the season. I haven’t watched it though. Happy viewing!!
I loved Doc Martin, you might try Death in Paradise, it’s a BBC murder mystery show set on a fictional Caribbean island, i’s clean enough that I watch with my teen daughter. Another BBC murder mystery is Midsommer Muders (there are a ton of seasons, like 17 I think), this can get racier so I don’t let my daughter watch it.
I LOVE any Agatha Christy shows, try Hercule Poirot or Miss Marple, so good.
I’m not sure I could watch Outlander, I read the first book and had nightmares for a week, it was WAY too intense, I don’t need that again.
I just discovered, like on Sunday… The Doctor Blake Mysteries, I LOVE IT, I’ve been holding myself in check and NOT binge watching it, only allowing myself one show a day…
Oh my you have to watch Heartland!! Its on its 10th season! That’s how great it is!!
We also love the series Longmire filmed in New Mexico (we are from there!) but it’s set in Wyoming.
And the others Poldark, HomeFires, Grantchester, Call the Midwife…..area all awesome.
I’ve not found Outlander? Is it now showing on Netflix or Amazon Prime? Please let me know. Love to see if we would like it. I know my husband would because he loves science fiction.
Thanks for sharing your favs and all the comments favs sound great too!
I’ve heard that The Crown is a good series. I haven’t watched it, but hope to. I liked Call the Midwife, and The Paradise, and Lark Rise to Candleford. Haven’t watched the others.
I liked Heart of Dixie a lot. It was cute – a little cheesy sometimes – but cute. I haven’t heard of the others on your list, I’ll have to check them out. I find that I get so caught up in HGTV that I forget there are other things to watch!! LOL.
Poldark is one of my favorites and I look forward to season 3. I also loved Downton Abbey and Victoria.
Word of warning, though, about Outlander. I got pulled into the storyline, too, but the further it goes on, the worse it gets. If the last 15 minutes of that Poldark episode got to you, do NOT continue watching Outlander. Things like that happen more frequently and they aren’t as “clean” as in Poldark. Seriously, Poldark was nothing compared to this. Also, the torture scenes are brutal. I honestly had a hard time with it b/c I loved the storyline but hated all of that. I felt convicted before watching each episode but after much prayer was able to turn it off and never watch it again.
I hope you find other things you love!
Loved The Paradise! I was looking for shows to watch with my 13yr old daughter and Larkrise was awesome! Such great character development, sweet stories and great lessons. We also love When Calls the Heart. I watch Poldark( by myself, and love it). Cornwall is stunning! Thanks for the other suggestions.
I was reading the first Outlander when the series started. I was intrigued by the concept. Like you, I was put off by several events in the book- and the torture scene sealed the deal. I finished the book and decided I couldn’t finish the series. I watched the first episode of the series, and was disappointed at the nudity. So moved on.
Good listing! I try to not watch too much TV but I do love a good series show–Doc Martin, Grantchester and Call the Midwife are all ones I tune in to when I can. This isn’t in the same genre, but we love the Great British Baking Show (especially Paul Hollywood and the two madcap hosts). Our PBS station also had the program Victorian Slum House, which involved modern day people living as they would in the poor areas of London during the 1800s. Each week a different decade of life was featured to show the political and social changes that happened. Even my 11- and 13-year-old were drawn in. Just a couple of suggestions if you want to change up your viewing a bit. I haven’t yet seen Lark Rise to Candleford but I think I need to check it out! 🙂
Thanks for these recommendations. I would like to recommend the show Parenthood which has all 5 seasons now on Netflix. You will absolutely fall in love with these characters.
That’s a great list and I’ll be checking some out.
FYI, there is an episode of Call the Midwife that features an abortion. I found it very disturbing & I’m sorry to say I have no idea what episode it is.
Love Poldark as well.
Heartland is filmed where I live. I just started watching it last fall and binge watched the whole series! It is very good. I don’t watch much TV but did watch The Crown. I was very good as well.
I have watched and love everyone you listed. The Brits really know how to produce a great show
You have many I would like to try. These are a few I would recommend: Foyle’s War a BBC series set during and after WW2, The Crown, Victoria and Broadchurch. All are British series and quite good. I don’t think you would be disappointed and no torture scenes!
Outlander is utterly, absolutely worth your time. I have been reading the book series for over 20 years and it is my all time favorite. The way author Diana Galbaldon writes is smart, clever, and thoroughly researched (she is a scientist afterall.)The showrunner and writers (and costume designer) have done a wonderful job of bringing the books to life.There are some racy scenes, and you’ll definitely want to zip past the torture scene. However… there is so much depth to the story. I have never seen another series with such a following of devoted group of fans comprised of such a diverse group of bright, clever women. Stick with it… you won’t be disappointed.
OMG, some of the lines in Outlander take my breath away.
“But when I stand before God, I’ll have one thing to say to weigh before all the rest. Lord, ye gave me a rare woman and God! I loved her well.”
Jamie
You might like the British show Death in Paradise. It was a good one to watch.
I can’t believe there was only one mention of the “The Crown” (Netflix)! There is only one season right now, but I believe they are filming the second. It is so well done, and while “Victoria” is good, it really pales in comparison. Seriously – watch it – you won’t be sorry. Don’t know if you’re an Austenite, but the BBC production series of “Emma” (w/Ramola Garai) and “Sense & Sensibility” were great and much better (imho) than the movie counterparts. Also “Little Dorrit” (Dickens) is fantastic. Those last three are older so you might have to go looking. “Cranford” was another wonderful series! If you like “Grantchester” (as we do) you might also like “Endeavor”. It’s set in the 60s London and little grittier, but I’m pretty sensitive to the things you’ve mentioned as well and I find this to be okay for me. And if there is even the least bit of sci-fi interest at all in you (and maybe even if there isn’t), you might want to check out Dr. Who. I didn’t think I would like it, but my daughter got me hooked. Start with Season 9 though (the first of the newer series). Really fun, interesting – and you get some period stuff in there as well. : )
I would have mentioned “Downton Abbey” but I assume everyone who likes Brit TV has seen it. Also, in mentioning sensitivities, while there were a lot of uplifting stories in “Call the Midwife” I also found it personally to be an emotionally heavy, draining show. Could be just be me (we all bring our own stuff to what we watch). I only mention it as a heads up b/c of what you said you haven’t liked or had to fast-forward.
I adore historical fiction and BBC. I’ve seen most of those mentioned. Cranford is a good one, though there is death in most episodes, usually due to illness. Though I am a feeler it didn’t bother me too much.
I really liked Larkrise to Candleford and Indian Summers.
I just re-watched Vanity Fair, the 1998 BBC mini-series version. It’s very good as well!
Oh yes! Just read someone’s mention of Mr.Selfridge, another great one!
British period dramas are my favorite! I’m sure you know that Downton Abbey is excellent. Here are a few other great ones: Wives and Daughters, Cranford, North & South, Little Dorit, David Copperfield (the one with Daniel Radcliffe), Bleak House,The Forsyte Saga. Enjoy!!!
When Calls the Heart and Cedar Cove……
I think you are going to LOVE Call the Midwife and Home Fires, and I agree with other comments about When Calls the Heart. They are all clean, feel-good shows I can’t get enough of. I was devastated when I got to the end of Home Fires and found out there wouldn’t be a new season! And definitely stick with Outlander. The torture scenes are really hard to watch, but the sex scenes get better (less racy) as the show goes on. I’ve read all the books and I’m dying waiting for the next season of the show!
I loved early episodes of Call the Midwife. Definitely a must see!
You should check out Anne with an E, Bomb Girls, Death in Paradise, Father Brown, When Calls the Heart, Miss Fischer’s Murder Mysteries and Murdoch Mysteries. They are all so good!
I love all PBS programming. Don’t forget to support it! I especially love all Masterpiece Theatre programming. British tv series are great too.
Thank you so much for this list! I’m a huge fan of Doc Martin and need something to fill the gap while I wait for the next season. I’ve written everything down you mentioned and a few of the ones mentioned in the comments and plan on checking them all out. However, I think I’ll start with Outlander….I’m intrigued by all the comments and need to see it for myself! Thanks again! Oh….one show I have to mention is Grace and Frankie on Netflix. The first season is so good and sucks you in as the characters grow, the 2nd season is amazing (Sam Elliot joins the cast for this season) and the third season, while it touches on a bit of a controversial subject, is wonderful! You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll smile, you’ll shake your head and you’ll feel things for these characters! I binge watched the whole 3rd season in one weekend. I couldn’t stop watching it! 🙂
Of all of these, I’ve watched Indian Summers and Home Fires. I should have started Grantchester and Call the Midwives, but I guess I’ll have to rent the series to catch up. ( I don’t understand the “new” options like Hulu, etc.! ) I have read a few of the Midwives’ books, and enjoyed them. Some of these sound really appealing so I will keep them in mind! Thanks for the list!!
THE CROWN is the best thing I have seen in a long time. It’s on Netflix. The second season has not started yet. I binge watched season one. I thought the acting was superior to most things on tv.
We have been indulging on British TV this summer. Loved Doc Martin,Paradise and we’re now into Foyles War. We loved the Murdoch Mysteries (set in Victorian Toronto) but can’t seem to get the more recent episodes. Great choices you’ve suggested.
I really loved the BBC’s The Crimson Field also. The only bad thing was that it was cancelled after one season. Richard Rankin and Oona Chapman have some serious chemistry! Loved it!
I haven’t been a tv watcher because YIKES! but…because of you, I watched every bit of Doc Martin back then on Hulu and I’m still LOLing. I also watched the Paradise and thought it was so so good. I’m glad you brought up this subject and I’ll trust these suggestions, very helpful!
You might like Father Brown mysteries and there are 6 seasons so far! Like Doc Martin, tame but interesting!
Have you tried Brit Box or Acorn TV ?? They are subscription channels costing about $6.00 or $7.00 a month. They both have many excellent British TV shows. You can try them free for a month. Be very very careful the are ADDICTIVE HE HE
You have some good choices (I have several on my watchlist, too!). Heart of Dixie is cute and can be quirky. There were a few episodes where I lost interest, but I watched the entire series to the end. I love, love, love Heartland! It is probably one of my favorites shows. I used to have horses in college and ran with the rodeo crowd. My dream was to live on a ranch like Heartland on down here in Texas (with no snow!). I loved Paradise and wish it would not have ended. I would have loved to seen the outcome. You have some that I have not heard of, so I need to check them out and add them to my ever-growing watchlist! Thanks for sharing.
Outlander is good but the books ar me far better than the tv show. Call The Midwife gets my vote. It is The One program I don’t miss. Home Fires was good but wasn’t renewed 😕
It would be helpful to know where one can watch these shows…are they on PBS, BBC,Netflix,Prime?I have limited access but some of these sound interesting.
Oh, I’ve watched mine on Vudu (simply because it’s a button on my remote), but I’m sure you can find them elsewhere if you search for them by name on those platforms.
Yes we watch British TV all the time! Highly recommend The Crown too. Enjoy.
Carole from London.
Poldark is amazing and I did love The Patadise! I think your next one should be Mr. Selfridge!!! 4 seasons, now over so you can binge to your heart’s content! Here is a synopsis: “Selfridges & Co., erected in the early 1900s, is the setting of “Mr. Selfridge,” and tells the story of imaginative American entrepreneur Harry Gordon Selfridge, his family, and his department store on Oxford Street in London. In a time when women are discovering a new sense of freedom and modernity, Selfridge attempts to indulge and empower their lives by creating a theatrical and fantasylike environment. Showcasing any topic or popular trend, Harry is on a mission to make shopping an entertaining experience.”
A quick add to this. I think you will have so much fun drooling over the sets, architecture, window display designs (which Selfridge’s was known for) and just the glamour of it all! It’s delicious! And I second the mention of The Crown. Fabulous! The acting is amazing and I think the stiry of Queen Elizabeth and her family is very interesting!
Downton Abbey and is in my top 5 favourite shows of all time. You won’t be disappointed with this one.
I also loved Call the Midwife. I didn’t find it heavy at all…yes, there were some serious and sad scenes (I did shed a tear or two), but nothing violent or gratuitous. It’s an uplifting and very authentic look at midwifery in early-mid century.
The Crown (which only has 1 season so far, but season 2 is coming soon) is an inside look at Royal life, and I also really enjoyed this one. The set design, costumes etc will really blow your mind! So authentic!
The first season of The Crown was fabulous.
Though shorter- I enjoyed the mini-series “The Crown” 🙂
Judging from everyone’s list, I would include A Place To Call Home. It’s an Australian series. (Like most here, we are into PBS /Masterpiece big time!)
love love lark rise to candleford! I literally jumped into a Poldark bc my Mom recommended it-and literally only saw the episode you mention 🙁 I’ve not been able to turn it back on since!!!! even though so many people say they love it. maybe i’ll give it another go!
Call the Midwife is one of my favorites.
Victoria is going to have a 2nd season this Fall. It is such a lovely show. You can become a masterpiece member online and watch season 1 and the special videos from characters, before it begins in the Fall– if you like. The Heartland series is on feeln.com website along with other Hallmark movies and series for mysteries etc. I believe the monthly subscription was only $3.99 a month when I joined in Feb. They email you only at the beginning of the month to let you know there are new movies on the website to watch. I loved Larkrise to Candleford so much, I purchased the dvds and watch them every Summer as I wait for the Fall season to start. I also enjoy Death in Paradise– quite clean show and not ever do you see how someone dies. And the Bristish Baking show is a fun show to watch as well. Enjoy your Summer nights rejuvenating and having some much needed downtown.
“A Place To Call Home” PBS and “Vera”, older female detective, English moors and check out the various sites with Outlander costume details. As a theatre person and sewer the costumes are amazing…down to boots and shoes. MHz also has great foreign mysteries. Lots of these programs stream or are on Roku, Netflix or Amazon.
I totally understand the need for a mental break! I loved The Queen, and Victoria. I also love the Santa Clarita Diet (its funny, but a bit gruesome), Handmaids Tale, and Jane The Virgin.
I mean the Crown, not the Queen… see, these kids have me needing a mental break now!
I forgot to mention how I really enjoyed the Hallmark show: ” Signed, Sealed, Delivered.” One can watch it on youtube or buy the dvds from Amazon. Once or twice a year, Hallmark puts out another episode as a movie. Such likeable characters!
Hi Layla, my favorite TV series are: Dowton Abbey, Signed, Sealed, and Delivered (Hallmark), When Calls the Heart (Hallmark), Madam Secretary, and North and South by the BBC (Not the series with Patrick Swayzee by the same name). If you have not seen North and South, it is a must see!