Period drama fans are in for a treat, as the original British TV obsession is available to watch on ITVX. This TV miniseries has been labelled as the “greatest” book to TV adaptation and fans say it is the “best of all time”. Period drama, released in 1981, Brideshead Revisited was the choice of Lit Hub in its The 50 Greatest Literary TV Adaptations Ever Ranking. The TV series was adapted from Evelyn Waugh’s novel of the same name. Derek Granger created the series that stars Jeremy Irons and Anthony Andrews.
The serial follows “from the 1920s to the early 1940s, the life and romances of the protagonist Charles Ryder, with special focus on his friendship with Lord Sebastian Flyte and his family of wealthy English Catholics who live in a palatial mansion called Brideshead Castle, in sooth Castle Howard, in Henderskelfe”.
The series has been hailed by many fans and critics and publications, with Time magazine listed it in its list of the 100 best TV shows of all-time. It has received 83% from both the critics and the fans on Rotten Tomatoes.
“Probably the best TV adaption of all time,” said one fan of the series.
Another fan said: “A brilliant adaptation of the Evelyn Waugh novel with exceptional performances by all, especially Jeremy Irons. One of the most memorable productions in any film format I’ve ever seen.”
A reviewer proved the series has stood the test of time, writing: “I saw this way back in the early 80s and now watching it again in 2021.”
“It’s simply one of the best productions ever made for TV from a beloved novel. The characters. Acting. Writing. Music. Sets. Stories. Clothes etc – just perfect. I watched it as a teenager when it first aired, and I’ve been watching it this week. It’s so good,” another added.
A glowing review from an audience viewer states: “One of the best things ITV have ever made – everything was brilliant: acting, locations, writing – they should have had far more awards – Loved it and will never forget it – beautiful.”
The series garnered five BAFTAS and was also adapted into a film in 2008, starring Ben Whishaw, Matthew Goode and Emma Thompson.
Brideheads Revisited is available to watch for free on ITVX.