History on TV

I love a good period drama on TV. Or a so-so one, if it comes to that. I don't like the bad ones, but I'll probably watch them anyway. And for me, it's mostly pre-20th century. The History Channel in Canada was a disappointment because so often it was 20th century stuff. I know there's more of it, but for me, they could have scraped the barrel for every bit of truly historical fictional TV and had a committed viewer.

Here in the UK there's Yesterday, which is much the same, but does run more old period drama.

(It gave me a zen moment when we were visiting in March and I switched on the TV to see the message "Yesterday will return tomorrow at 5am." I sat in rapt contemplation. :))

Looking at their web site I found this fun quiz to find your historical hero.

There's probably still time to snap up a Christmas DVD, so I thought I'd seek out the best historical fiction TV any of us can remember. I started with the Wenches. They each gave me their suggestions and I was going to post their messages, but there was a lot of overlap so I'm going to list them with just an anonymous snippet of comment where appropriate.

Robin of Sherwood, with Michael Praed as Robin."The series had an interesting  blend of mysticism and realism, including a Jewish family in one episode, for  example  Lovely and lyrical."  "there's nothing to top "Robin of Sherwood," complete with that fabulous Clannad soundtrack."

I found this video which seems to be of outtakes. Lots of Michael, often looking relaxed and happy. I switched off the soundtrack, which wasn't Clannad (which might not have been suitable) but Abba's Waterloo, which definitely wasn't!

Blackadder with Rowan Atkinson. And occasionally with Hugh Laurie as here, not quite like house! "with their  irreverent take on history, their sharp observation and their witty one liners are comedy classics for me." "History made funny AND believable - that's an accomplishment!"

The Tudors "is spectacular, though one needs stamina, and a lot of forgiveness history-wise, to keep up. "

Poldark Based on Winston Graham's books about a Cornish family in the 18th century.ROBIN ELLIS as Ross Poldark  ANGHARAD REES as Demelza Poldark.

Click here for the official page.

Westerns. "Totally unhistorical, of course, but the romance and drama and wide open spaces appealed to my childish imagination " Maverick. The Wild, Wild, Wild West.Bonanza "soap on the ranch."

The long-form BBC Pride and Prejudice.

Foyles War, "the wonderful WWII crime series, with the even more wonderful actor, Michael Kitchen. He manages to convey everything with the most subtle facial movement, especially in times of deepest drama." And the great news is that there'll be more. Three more episodes in 2010. Long may it continue!

Sharpe, based on Bernard Cornwell's books,  with Sean Bean as the up-from-the-gutter army officer in the Napoleonic Wars. Sharpe's Peril was shown last year, but there will probably be no more.

Upstairs Downstairs, life in Edwardian London. How many series did it go through?

Bleak House "very high quality, and the acting was superb."

The Forsyte Saga. "Stumbled upon a marathon re-playing of The Forsyte Saga one night, and sat transfixed until the wee hours of the morning."

Caefael Wonderful medieval who-dunnit, based on the books by Ellis Peters. "I loved the sense of  place and the mysteries, and there was always a nice little romance,  too. " "how excellent they were"

I have fond memories of the Onedin Line, about a ship owning family in Liverpool. I particularly liked Anne Stallybrass as the wife and felt the series lost its way when her character died. Of course I loved that it was an arranged marriage story in the beginning. :)

Of course there have been some programs that were so ridiculous that they were almost not worth watching, even for addicts of historical TV. Here are a few that come to mind.

 ROAR, Covington Cross, and for some, The Tudors.

Just about all of the picks above are British productions (and two of the three duds not.) How about some from other countries. Actually I strongly remember a French series from, probably, the sixties called Les Rois Maudit I see it's been remade.

I recommend following that link to the promo because it's great watching for medieval fans. I'll have to see if it's available with subtitles. The one I remember was in black and white, of course, which made it very gritty watching. Les Rois Maudit mean The Cursed Kings, BTW, and refers to the curse supposedly put on them by the Grand Master of the Templars.

So, which of these are your favourites, and do you have any other treasures to share with us? Are any of the above treats you haven't enjoyed yet that you'd like to see in your stocking on Christmas Day.

I just received copies of the anthology Chalice of Roses. I'll randomly pick the authors of two comments to receive copies. One from North America, one from anywhere else. You can read the opening of my story here.

So share your treats!

I'll draw on Christmas Eve to give everyone a chance.

Best,

Jo

Comments

[Keira Soleore]

Foyle's War was my most recent series glom, thanks to Netflix. The medieval aspiring writer in me was thrilled to discover Caefael by chance on PBS a few years ago.

In 2009, I watched, courtesy of Netflix, Cranford, Wives & Daughters, Upstairs and Downstairs, and my single biggest British TV series glom (all six seasons) of a non-historical: MI-5 (Spooks). I'm dying waiting for the U.S. version of season 7 to be released in January. I know you guys are already on season 8. *sobs*

I wish, wish, oh, how I wish we could see Les Rois Maudits in the U.S.

[Maggie Robinson/Margaret Rowe]

My husband is a Netflix addict who ordered Foyle's War and the remade Forsyte Saga. I remember watching the old FS on PBS every Sunday night, as well as Upstairs Downstairs. Memories of the latter have informed me as much as I'm ever going to be about loyal servants. I enjoyed most of the Jane Austen adaptations that Masterpiece Theatre recently showed.Like Keira, Cranford was a favorite, and I watched Wives and Daughters on DVD.But I'm not good at sitting still anymore (except to write), so I'm missing out on a lot of TV.

[Elaine]

I don't like to watch video in any form, but made an exception for Brother Cadfael. I also liked the BBC adaptions of Dorothy L Sayers works: both actors. I thought Petherbridge was a better physical fit for Lord Peter, but Carmichael manner was so perfect I overlooked his appearance.

[ncb]

I think you broke my heart by neglecting to mention the best historical series of all time: Deadwood. Seriously. If you haven't seen it, rent it. Like, now. Rough language, rough all around, but what else would we expect from an outlawed camp? :)

And (as long as we're talking BBC Austen) I love both the 90s version of Persuasion and the newer one. The newer one made me appreciate Adam on Spooks that much more. Wentworth? Swoon.

[Martha Andrews]

I had a major in period costume in college and many period movies are ruined for me with costumes that are not true to the period. Now that I'm older (and more forgiving) I can over-look the "moderations" and variations!

I would be hard put to choose my favorite but have never heard or seen a series that was spoken of (?) in so many places as "Upstairs/Downstairs"! Even in the comedy series "Are You Being Served" (British) that we are still watching re-runs of re-runs (series from 1979) they mention it.

[Linda Banche]

I love costume dramas, too, of whatever period. I loved Robin of Sherwood and Brother Cadfael.

[maryjoputney]

The Onedin Line, yes! I watched that as first run TV when I lived in England, and I agree that it fell apart when Anne Stallybrass was killed off. I HATE when they do that.

I forgot to mention the Lord Peter Wimsey productions. There was a short series doen of all the Lord Peter/Harriet Vane books, and it was excellent.

I think it's time I dug into the archives and pulled some of these series out to watch again. *g*

Mary Jo

[Jo Beverley]

Thanks for the mention of Deadwood! I was hoping for some American series.

Jo

[Nicola Cornick]

Oh, so many of my favourites mentioned here! I enjoyed the adaptations of Wives and Daughters too, and North and South. A great deal of my pleasure in the latter was in watching Richard Armitage. Ahem. Robin of Sherwood was fabulously mystical, and I loved Brother Cadfael and his herbal clues. And Sharpe... Sigh.

Nicola (heading off to watch Sharpe's Gold - again.)

[Samantha Craig]

I loved Horatio Hornblower with Ioan Gruffudd. There is something about adventure on the seas. I also watched the first season of Merlin this past summer. Definately a different take on the Arthur legends.

[Jo Beverley]

Oh, how could I have forgotten Hornblower? Great fun.

Jo :)

[Nicola Cornick]

I've been enjoying Merlin too, Samantha. It's different and I really like the way they've developed the characters in this new series. Plus Lancelot is easy on the eyes!

[Karen Harbaugh]

There was a Joan of Arc miniseries back in 1999 with Peter O'Toole as Cauchon and LeeLee Sobieski as Joan. I rather liked it. I believe it got some Golden Globe nominations.

[Lyn S]

As a child I absolutely loved Here Come the Brides. I have no idea if it is accurate. My best friend and I even played "Seattle" make believe in her back yard. Here is the link. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Here_Come_the_Brides
I have also gone through serious Sharpe and Caedfal phases, but do not play make believe this time.
How old is historical? When I was in high school Happy Days was on TV. My mom said it was just like her HS years. Many years later That 70s Show was on. My daughter in HS loves it. It was just like my HS years. For the HS me the 50s were ancient history. Yet for the now me, the 70s were just a little while ago. I guess this officially makes me old (or at least historical).

[margaret]

I'm familiar with the ones mentioned already, and spied many favourites. We've own the full series of Poldark, which is great fun.
For other time periods, The Last King (Charles II with Rufus Sewell), The First Churchills, a miniseries about The Borgias...that might have been the title but I haven't time to check.
Some of the Trollope adaptations, The Pallisers and The Barchester Chronicles (with Alan Rickman as a perfect Obadiah Slope!)
Also Mayor of Casterbridge, with Alan Bates as the Mayor. And any other of the Thomas Hardy dramatisations.
Mapp & Lucia, set in the 20's, is priceless. Geraldine McEwan was born to play Lucia!

[gretchen fucio]

My favorite is the long version of Pride and Prejudice, but I also loved "Anne of Green Gables", and (w-a-a-ay back in time), "Backstairs at the White House". Oh, and "I, Claudius,", which had some deliciously horrible characters. Lydia, wife of Augustus, was my absolute favorite.

[Brenda Carre]

I am a sucker for just about any historial and will suspend my disbelief willingly if the costumes are gorgeous and the actors good. One series I don't think has been mentioned yet was Roar, with a very young Heath Ledger.
I also loved the Robin of Sherwood series, and still listen to Clanaad when I write, Cadfael which followed the books so well and the BBC version of Pride and Prejudice. Looking forward to seeing what they might do with YOUR books some day Jo. =)

[Joanne Bozik]

I love "The Other Boylen Sister", and "House of Mirth", "Somewhere in Time", "Robin Hood", Pride & Pred"......."Ms Potter", Jane Austin movies of her books and of her life. Love the English actors!! Of course, "Gone with the Wind"........I love any tv movie or series that has to do with life before 20th centure. Sometimes I wish I could go back in time to meet some of the charactersin Historical Romance books........LOL

[Louis]

I remember a series about a bomb disposal unit in London that I couldn't wait for the next episode (on PBS). Having a "Senior Moment" re the title.

Regarding the "Deadwood" series...two sons and a grandson were "extras" for the first few episodes.

[nightsmusic]

I love the Lord Peter series (though I think a younger Edward Foxx would have made the most perfect Peter ever) and I rented all the Sharpes from BB one weekend when the DH was out of town, bought a couple really good bottles of wine and spent the entire time in front of the TV. Heaven!

BTW, I took that little quiz. Sharpe is my literary hero. I am not surprised ;)

[theo]

crap! er...shoot. nightsmusic is me, Jo. theo. Sorry.

[cheryllee]

So many of my favorites mentioned - Poldark, Hornblower, Cranford, Upstairs Downstairs, and The Forsyte Saga (I liked the original best).

I also loved Aristocrats, based on Stella Tillyard's book. Les Rois Maudit looks sumptuous. Hope they add subtitles at least.

[Anna B]

My favorite Henry VII was Keith Michell back in the 70's. It fueled my love of historical novels. Another series that I loved was Flambards, set in the WWI era. Now I must go to Amazon and see if thats out on DVD.

[Virginia C]

I really enjoyed a series called "Crossbow" featuring the adventures of William Tell. The very talented Will Lyman had the title role. Will has a wonderful voice (speaking and singing), and he has narrated the PBS series Frontline since its second season in 1984.

[Jill B]

I love most of those already mentioned. How about The Scarlet Pimpernel series with Richard Grant (I think that's the right name) He was great in the role. Of course I also loved the cheesy Jane Seymour version as a child and swooned over Anthony Andrews, which reminds me that I also loved Brideshead Revisited. I have to agree with the nominations of Horatio Hornblower and North and South. Those were both favorites at our house. Deadwood was also a big hit with us. Since I work at a public library, I think I will go pick up some of these to enjoy over the Christmas break! Thanks for the suggestions!

[Ranurgis]

I love all things historical, but agree about the films shown on Cdn History Television. They showed some good movies but a lot of them were stories from WW II.

I missed coming in on the beginning of The Tudors; I had no TV at the time. If they ever show it from the start again, I'll watch it. I do wonder though if it's such a great idea to have so much of it semi-contemporary. I guess the idea was to let people see how history relates to them.

Most of the other shows you mention I haven't even heard of.

Right now I'm looking forward to seeing YOUNG VICTORIA. I rarely go to movie theatres, so it's often a long time before I see any new movies.

[Minna]

Didn't also Jason Conery play Robin in Robin of Sherwood?
I love Foyle's War! And Blackadder is one of my favorites, too.
Some of my other favorites have been Sherlock Holmes and Miss Marple, both this new series and the one made sometime in the 80s.

[Robin]

Louis, the series you are trying to remember is "Danger UXB", which is the first thing I ever saw Anthony Andrews in. And Minna, you are correct about Jason Connery (son of Sean!) succeeding Michael Praed in the "Robin of Sherwood" series. As you all can tell, I'm a sucker for "history on TV" dating from the early days of "Masterpiece Theater" and "The First Churchills", "Upstairs, Downstairs", etc. My question is this: does anyone know if "Poldark" ever made it to DVD format? I know it was on VHS, but I'd really love to have it on DVD!
Also, is there some reason why BBC America doesn't do "retrospective" airings of the series that appeared on Masterpiece Theater? That would be wonderful!

[Ina Whitney]

Please do add the I,Claudius series as well as Hornblower - and my recent favorite, John Adams.

[Kathy Kaufman]

I loved Foyle's War; saw it twice. And Cadfael was always riveting. My l ove affair with the PBS historicals began with the First Churchills, then Upstairs, Downstairs, Poldark--in case it is not obvious, I love historicals and the romance does not hurt, either. Miss Marple is another favorite, although some versions were better than others.

[Kay]

I loed the Sharpe series and was noved to read teh whole series, which are even etter. I. too, am a fan of the Lord Peter Wimsey stories, especially the ones with Edward Petherbridge as Lord Peter. I'm just sorry that there has never been a version of Busman's Honeymoon made (copyright problems)

[Sue]

Through the years I have watched and adored many great costume dramas; All the Agatha Christie adaptations, Upstairs Downstairs, Poldark, The Onedin Line, Flambards, (Darling Buds of May - not quite old enough but fabulous), Brideshead Revisited, Pride and Prejudice, I Claudius, Cadfael, Jennie: Lady Randolph Churchill but I have to confess Black Adder with the razor sharp wit and skewering of English history takes the prize.
Great post Jo, a real trip down goggle box lane!
Now if they would just serialize The Mallorens my life would be complete.

[Jacquelyn Gavryck]

Dear Jo,
I rented Poldark so many times I finally had to buy it. All those lovely series, some of which I had forgotten and am now (thank you, fellow fans!) reminded to look for on Netflix. I also bought Lost in Austen, so funny and beautifully photographed, which, I believe was originally a BBC mini-series. Jo, I have sad news in having to now lay your books face down on top of dear Ms. Heyer as I'm out of space in my woefully inadequate book case. Thank you for so many hours of pleasure. Jackie

[Cynthya]

I'm glad someone mentioned John Adams, I thought that was excellent. I wish there were more American mini-series that were done that well. As far as British ones, I'm a fan of many of those mentioned (of course who doesn't adore Blackadder?) I am enjoying The Tudors, even with the inaccuracies, and I also liked Rome.

[Patricia Barraclough]

What a great line-up of excellent shows. I have not seen the new Robin Hood. Loved the out takes. Am not familiar with the actor. He really is cute (good Lord, I do sound like a grandmother). I loved the old (very old) series that was on in the 50's or 60's. I'll have to see if this series is on any of the cable stations we receive.
Unfortunately, we are a one TV family and many BBC productions conflict with series the rest of the family is following. We have enjoyed Foyle's War and the productions of Agatha Christie's characters. I miss Joan Hickson's as Miss Marple. I also feel that Jeremy Brett was the perfect Sherlock Holmes. We all enjoyed that series. There was a production of Lorna Doone that I caught only a little of. They have never replayed it and I wanted so much to see it.
Have never seen the Brother Caefael work advertised anywhere here. Too bad, I would love that one.
I really looked forward to The Mists of Avalon and Boudicca (Boadicea - can't remember what spelling they used). Unfortunately, I was very disappointed in both productions.

[Patricia Barraclough]

Was just looking at other posts. I had forgotten about the Hornblower series (have some of those on VHS) and the one on John Adams. Of course the Jane Austen pieces have been well done. Darcy will forever be the Colin Firth version in so many people's minds.
A mini-series that was well done here in the US was INTO THE WEST. It gave one of the most unvarnished representations of the western expansion movement and how it truly effected peoples lives.

[m]

i love love love love love THE TUDORS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Julie]

I'm sad to say that I have seen very few of the historicals mentioned here. P&P of course- I've watched pretty much everything Austen I can get my hands on. I Claudius was good even though it creeped me out sometimes. Loved Edward Petherbridge as Lord Peter and Jeremy Brett as Holmes. I'm thinking my Netflix queue is about to get a lot longer.

Don't think I saw Jeeves & Wooster mentioned? Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry were terrific!

[Greenmother]

I watched Robin of Sherwood when it first aired - and still prefer Michael Praed's Robin over Jason Connery's. For pure over-the-top pseudo-Celtic drama, the short-lived ROAR was a delight, as was watching Heath Ledger in one of his first leading roles. Blackadder is and always will be a prime favourite of my family's! The mordant witticisms are delightful and, in our view, Rowan Atkinson was ever so much more entertaining than in Mr. Bean. Thanks for posting this reminder to go hunt out several of those excellent programs!

In closing, I enjoyed the excerpt from The Raven and the Rose!

[JudiDW]

This is sort of a twist on historical TV, but what about the series where a modern family lives in a historical house for a while? We avidly watched the whole series about the one around the turn of the (19th) century--I want to say it was called "This Old House" but not sure. It all sounds wonderful until you have to deal with reality--kitchens and baths and lack thereof ...

[Esperanza Holford]

I thank heaven for the BBC and my PBS stations which air their wonderful productions--from the Jane Austen novels to Elizabeth Gaskell's "Wives and Daughters" and North & South;" it is such a pleasure to view a snapshot of life in centuries past. "The Last King" and "Restoration" depicted a very accurate character and court life in the time of Charles II. Then there is the works of Charles Dickens which have recently been airing. There should be an academy award for the BBC. Needless to say, I have read the books and often go back and re-read them either right after or before the movie. Invariably, I go to the Internet to find more clues and information about the time in history. I find myself doing extra research as well after reading a novels set in a particular time. The Internet is a wealth of information, is it not. It helps me fill in the gaps.

[Carol Thompson]

The BBC is really the place to see great Historicals which they also do better than just about anyone else.

Reading the comments,I saw many of my favourites, some of which I have not even though about for a very long time.

I am enjoying The Tudors at the moment which has just finished the second season here and looking forward to the conclusion.

I have the whole Sharpe saga on DVD except for the latest which goes back to the days when he was in India, I believe.

I also have the Poldark series.

I wish they would produce more of the Hornblower books but I gather they were not that well received and the cost of using the sailing ships was too much.

I have the complete Hornblower series of books as well as all the Sharpe novels.

They have only made one of the Patrick 'O Brian series of Aubrey- Maturin ( Master and Commander)but I have all 23 his novels and wish they would bring more of them to the screen.

[Jo Beverley]

This has all been wonderful. I've compiled a list, which I'll post on my next blog.

Happy soltice, happy holidays!

Jo

[Jo Beverley]

Whoops, I should have said that this blog is still open to comments. I'll compile my final list and pick the winners on Christmas Eve,

Jo :)

[Susan/DC]

The young Michael Praed was heartstoppingly beautiful in "Robin of Sherwood", and the series lost something vital when he left.

Patricia Barraclough mentioned a production of "Lorna Doone". There was one from 1990 that had both Sean Bean (as Carver Doone) and Clive Owen (as John Ridd). There was another, later production that was in some ways better (liked the Lorna better, for one thing), but nothing could top the charisma of the two male stars from the earlier production.

No one has mentioned the A&E (I think) series of "Ivanhoe". Ciaran Hinds played Brian de Bois Guilbert, and he is commanding, intense, wicked, and immensely sexy in the role -- I can't take my eyes off him when he is in a scene. The series departs from the book in any number of ways, including de Bois Guilbert's last line. I don't care, however, because it is one of the romantic lines I've ever heard, whether in a book, movie, or on TV.

[Belledujour111]

gosh i haven't seen ANY of these series, but i don't watch that much TV. do a lot of reading, tho, and so i just read the opening of the raven and the rose. just lovely -- LOVE your medievals, jo, tho i love the georgians most of all.

[Mary Lynne]

One that's American based--on a series of books called The Trees, The Fields, and The Town by Conrad Richter--was The Awakening Land. It was a miniseries that ran back in the 70s, starring Elizabeth Montgomery and hal Holbrook (and with Jane Seymour in a supporting role!). Wonderful historical fiction on the settling of an area in what became the US, told through the eyes of its female protagonist. I always remember the roughness of the first episode, with folks living in no better than hovels in the woods, where panthers would roam next to your home. Amazing stuff, with some wonderful romantic threads worked through it.

ml

[theo]

Susan! Don't do that to us. I've never seen it but you *must* post the line now!

[Penny]

I'm overwhelmed! It's my first time to this site. Not heard of so many of these shows, but I figure I'm here because I so love Jo's books, and if these people do too - then I'll probably like the different series they're mentioning. Can't wait for that list, Jo.

[Jean M.]

I'm with you Penny. Jo's books are so enjoyable, right down to the last letter! As for a period movie, ALL the girls in our family love Pride & Prejudice starring Keira Knightley as Eiizabeth to Mathew MacFadyen as Mr Darcy. All the actors were excellent & the scenery was wonderful. Oh, I did see a PBS classic Cranford. It was fascinating as a period piece, also. And I agree, any of your books would be right up there if they were made into movies. I can just picture those Rogues!!