Watch Dickensian

Dickensian is a British drama television series that premiered on BBC One and is now available on BritBox. Created by Tony Jordan, the show is set in the fictional world of Charles Dickens' novels and features some of his best-known characters, including Ebenezer Scrooge, Fagin, Miss Havisham, and Inspector Bucket. Despite being set in the 19th century, the show presents a fresh and unique take on these characters and their stories, which will entice both Dickens fans and newcomers alike.

The show is set in the sprawling and atmospheric Victorian London, where many of Dickens' classic stories are unfolding simultaneously, with their characters interacting with each other in unexpected and intriguing ways. Thus, there are characters from Oliver Twist, A Christmas Carol, Great Expectations, and other tales, living side-by-side in a world where the class divide is sharp, the pay is poor, and life is hard for most people. The show's production design is remarkable and gives viewers a real sense of being transported back to the Dickensian era.

One of the most appealing aspects of the show is how it seamlessly blends different Dickensian worlds, with characters from different novels coming into contact with each other in interesting ways. There are, for example, scenes where Scrooge and Bob Cratchit interact, or when Fagin meets up with Abel Magwitch from Great Expectations. The show plays out like an intricate puzzle where stories and characters intersect and overlap in perfectly crafted ways, and it's a joy to see how all these characters' lives intertwine.

Several actors stand out in their roles, including Tuppence Middleton, who plays Miss Havisham with a convincing mix of coldness and vulnerability. Sophie Rundle's Nancy from Oliver Twist is also a highlight, as is Alexandra Moen's Lydia, who shows up in Great Expectations. Yet, everyone within the ensemble cast performs exceptionally well, bringing a unique level of depth and authenticity to their respective characters.

The show's writing is one of its strongest features, with well-crafted and intelligent scripts that manage to respect the novels' original content while still being engaging and original. The scripts turn each episode into a character-driven drama, filled with moments of intrigue, suspense, and emotion. The show is also notable for its themes, including social justice, morality, class struggles, and corruption. Through familiar faces, the show's themes remain relatable and universal, making them as applicable to contemporary audiences as they were in the Victorian era.

Ultimately, despite being set in the world of Charles Dickens, the show is relevant to contemporary audiences. The themes of social injustice, class struggles, and corruption are still just as pertinent in modern times. The show is both gripping and entertaining, setting itself apart from other period dramas with its unique spin on classic characters and their stories.

Overall, Dickensian is an excellent show that combines the world of Charles Dickens with fresh, inventive storytelling, captivating characters, and intriguing plotlines. With impressive production design, well-written scripts, a strong ensemble cast, and themes that still resonate with today's audiences, it does an admirable job of creating its own world within the Dickensian universe. If you're a fan of period dramas, Charles Dickens, or just great television, Dickensian is one show you do not want to miss.

Dickensian is a series that ran for 1 seasons (10 episodes) between December 26, 2015 and on BritBox