Watch Les Mis

Les Misérables is a riveting mini-series that aired on PBS Masterpiece in 2018 and 2019, adapted from Victor Hugo's classic novel. The six-episode series follows the lives of several characters in 19th-century France, as they navigate love, loss, and the struggle for justice in a society rife with political unrest.

The show stars Dominic West as the troubled ex-convict Jean Valjean, who seeks redemption after years of imprisonment for a minor theft. Valjean's path crosses with David Oyelowo's Javert, a staunchly principled police inspector who becomes obsessed with capturing him and bringing him to justice. Along the way, we meet Fantine (Lily Collins), a struggling single mother forced into prostitution to provide for her daughter, and Cosette (Ellie Bamber), the young girl whose fate becomes intertwined with Valjean and Javert's.

The show's central themes revolve around the struggle of the underprivileged in a society that oppresses them, and the lengths to which individuals will go to seek justice and redemption. From the beginning, the series draws us in with its visceral, authentic portrayal of 19th century France. The settings and costumes are richly detailed, and the cinematography is both sweeping and intimate, taking us from the muddy streets of a small town to the glittering halls of a grand estate.

As the story unfolds, we become deeply invested in the characters and their journeys. Dominic West delivers a powerful performance as Valjean, imbuing his character with a raw vulnerability that makes us sympathize with him, even as he struggles with his own demons. David Oyelowo's Javert is equally compelling- his unyielding sense of duty and staunch adherence to the law make him a formidable adversary for Valjean, but his own story is one rife with tragedy and heartbreak.

The female characters in the show, especially Fantine and Cosette, are also given ample space to shine. Lily Collins is phenomenal as Fantine, a woman whose tragic circumstances lead her down a path she never could have imagined. Her voice carries a haunting vulnerability that makes her story all the more heart-wrenching. Ellie Bamber's Cosette is more reserved, but her innocence and compassion draw us in nonetheless.

There are a number of standout moments throughout the series, from the sweeping, heartbreaking rendition of "I Dreamed a Dream" to the tense confrontation between Valjean and Javert in the bowels of the sewers. The show does an exceptional job of maintaining tension and emotional intensity throughout, and the pacing is spot-on.

Overall, Les Misérables is a triumph of television. It captures the spirit of Hugo's novel while still taking on a life of its own, and the performances are simply phenomenal. Whether you're a fan of the original story or simply love well-crafted period dramas, this series is not to be missed.

Les Mis is a series that ran for 1 seasons (9 episodes) between April 14, 2019 and on PBS Masterpiece