GBH has no lack of excellent dramas to watch, so how do you decide where to start? By calling upon what I'm calling our Drama Concierge service, of course! For this set of recommendations, we go to Drama Newsletter reader Pat, who says:
I appreciate your email outlining our potential holiday viewing. I loved both Downton Abbey and Call the Midwife! I'm also interested in what else you would recommend for someone like me who also enjoys period dramas, especially those based on classic books with authors such as Trollope, Hardy, Austen, etc.
If you are also a fan of dramas based on classic books, you're in luck: in addition to MASTERPIECE (and that's one heck of an "in addition to," since their catologue of shows based on, well, classics, is massive) we've got even more shows that are available for members via the GBH Passport member benefit online or on the PBS App. Below are 5 of my favorites.
Bleak House
Not only is Dickens about as classic as they come, but this adaptation is from the legendary Andrew Davies, who some would argue is basically a classic author in his own right. Also: Gillian Anderson.
Little Dorrit
Again: Dickens and Davies (the good guy version of Marley and Marley?). I love this adapation because of the excellent acting, but also the classic Dickens focus on social commentary as explained through interesting and fully realized characters.
Emma
I think a lot of people tend to sleep on Emma, and I get it: there's no Colin Firth in a lake in this one. But in addition to showcasing Austen's talent for examining the many ins and outs of English class heirarchy and gender roles, this adaptation is unflinching in its portrayal of a person who goes through a tremendous amount of personal growth over the course of the story (a good reminder for us all as we make our #NewYearsResolutions).
Little Women
Not to get competitive with our friends across the pond, but Americans have penned some excellent classic literature too! Given that GBH is based here in Massachusetts, you know I have to include our own Louisa May Alcott's coming of age story.
Les Miserables
Sure, our production doesn't feature Russell Crowe attempting to sing (or any singing, for that matter), but it's an absolutely stunning take on Victor Hugo's doorstopper of a novel and I highly recommend it. This series has everything: class struggle, the human condition, conflict between the law and justice, and really lovely performances across the board. Don't miss it!
Not excited about anything on this list and need something new to watch? Don’t fret: we’ve got loads of dramas ranging from charming to sumptuous that are streaming right now as part of the GBH Passport member benefit. Send an email GBHDrama@wgbh.org or tweet at me or GBH with the hashtag #DramaConcierge and a few words about what you’re craving, and if you’re lucky, I might put together a list of personalized recommendations just for you, like this one.
