Watch Desperate Romantics

Desperate Romantics is a period drama television series that premiered on BBC in July 2009. The show is based on the lives of Pre-Raphaelite artists during the 1850s in London. The series is narrated by the character of William Holman Hunt and follows the lives of Hunt and his fellow artists Dante Gabriel Rossetti, John Everett Millais, and William Morris.

The series is set in the Victorian era and revolves around the scandalous and tumultuous lives of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood as they push the boundaries of art and society. The artists eschew the traditional painting style popular at the time and instead, create art with vibrant colors and detailed brushwork that aim to return to the style used by Italian painters before Raphael.

Jennie Jacques stars in the show as Annie Miller, an impoverished woman and muse to the Pre-Raphaelite artists in their early years. She serves as a source of inspiration to many of the artists but also becomes a part of their drama and scandals. Jacques delivers a standout performance in her portrayal of Annie, capturing her energy and youthful spirit, as well as her vulnerability and heartbreak.

The show explores the dynamics between the Pre-Raphaelite artists, their love affairs, artistic successes and failures, and their struggle to gain recognition from the art establishment. There is a rich portrayal of the artists' creative processes and their individual vision, which helps to set them apart from their contemporaries.

One of the central storylines of the series is the love triangle between Hunt, Millais, and their model, Lizzie Siddal. The romantic relationship between Rossetti and his proto-feminist muse, Elizabeth Siddal, also features prominently. The show's portrayal of these romantic relationships is intricate and multidimensional, presenting both the pain and sacrifice that comes with the pursuit of love.

Desperate Romantics also provides a glimpse of the social and political issues of the time. The artists are shown to be fervently opposed to the Royal Academy and the art establishment, who they see as corrupt and out of touch. There are also elements of poverty and class struggle, as some of the artists come from working-class backgrounds and struggle to make ends meet.

One of the strengths of the show is its attention to detail and accuracy. The costumes, set designs, and props all transport the viewer back to the era, and the series effectively captures the mood and energy of the Pre-Raphaelite artists.

Overall, Desperate Romantics is a sumptuous period drama that transports the viewer back to the 1850s and the lives of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. The show features a talented cast, intricate storylines, and stunning artistry that make it a must-watch for fans of period dramas, art history, and romance.

Desperate Romantics is a series that ran for 1 seasons (6 episodes) between August 4, 2009 and on BBC