While it is not insta-watchable, I would highly recommend the 2008 Masterpiece version of "Sense and Sensibility" to any Downton fans because: SURPRISE! MATTHEW CRAWLEY PLAYS EDWARD!!!
It's by no means as masterful as Downton Abbey, but it's got some nice class-friction-at-turn-of-the-19th-century-rural-England action. It takes a while to get going but by the 3rd episode of the 1st season I was sucked in pretty thoroughly.
I'm addicted to "Lark Rise to Candleford," even though I find most of the characters intensely annoying and unlikeable. I guess I'm just a sucker for Julia Sawalha in period dress. I mean, it's Saffy! And she's a postmistress!
Also, Brendan Coyle (also in Downton Abbey!) is a bit of gruff Daddy alright.
My favorite British costume drama? "Teletubbies".
You forgot to mention part one of the Poldark series.
While it is not insta-watchable, I would highly recommend the 2008 Masterpiece version of "Sense and Sensibility" to any Downton fans because: SURPRISE! MATTHEW CRAWLEY PLAYS EDWARD!!!
I have watched two of these in the past month or so. In case anyone wants my opinion on Wives & Daughters and Daniel Deronda. Sigh.
#pregnantwife
Loved Wives & Daughters, and love ALL of Jeremy Brett's Sherlock Holmes episodes. Will have to check out these recommendations, thanks Hairpin!
I was about to throw a fit about the lack of Cranford on this list but then I remembered Netflix has to mail that one.
THIS IS ACTUALLY VERY HELPFUL TO ME.
(Bleak House!)
Also all 12 (only 12!) episodes of Fawlty Towers.
Let's start a petition for Brides Head (81). I could watch it forever and it's forever long. It may be longer than the novel.
Ah, Brideshead Revisited … also known as The Greatest Television Show in History.
Of course it was long. That's because it was EPIC!!
I thought He Knew He Was Right was alright.
North & South was perhaps my favorite netflix discovery ever.
YES North & South. It is so good. So is the book, by the way. In fact, all these are also very worthwhile books.
this listicle = doing the lord's work. THANK YOU.
Does Footballer's Wives count as a costume drama?
! These will get me through until warmer times
"Lark Rise to Candleford" is all on youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0doKZFNWZXE
It's by no means as masterful as Downton Abbey, but it's got some nice class-friction-at-turn-of-the-19th-century-rural-England action. It takes a while to get going but by the 3rd episode of the 1st season I was sucked in pretty thoroughly.
I'm addicted to "Lark Rise to Candleford," even though I find most of the characters intensely annoying and unlikeable. I guess I'm just a sucker for Julia Sawalha in period dress. I mean, it's Saffy! And she's a postmistress!
Also, Brendan Coyle (also in Downton Abbey!) is a bit of gruff Daddy alright.
Something else to look forward to watching: Downton Abbey Season 2.
"The second season of "Downton Abbey" is scheduled to begin production in March and air on PBS in winter 2012."
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/10/downton-abbey-a-hit-in-us_n_821653.html
Yay!
Um, I loved The Buccaneers because it had James Frain as the Duke of Marlborough stand-in. ILU JAMES FRAIN.
Warning: "Jude" is ultimately a horrifyingly depressing story. I mean, I love Thomas Hardy and everything, but … well, you may want to skip that one.
No, Julian Fellowes was an essential ingredient that made Downton so special. Upstairs Downstairs is the only other one that compares.