Watch North and South (UK)

North and South is a British television drama series produced by BBC that originally aired in 1985. It is a period piece set in the Victorian era, depicting the struggles of life in England's industrial north during the mid-19th century. The show is based on the novel of the same name written by Elizabeth Gaskell.

The plot revolves around Margaret Hale (played by Daniela Denby-Ashe), a young and spirited woman who is forced to leave her comfortable life in the south of England and move to the northern town of Milton. There, she encounters the harsh realities of life in a rapidly industrializing society, where poverty and disease are rampant, and the social divide between the owners and workers of the mills is ever-widening.

Margaret is initially disgusted by the rough and uncultured ways of the northerners, but she soon finds herself drawn to John Thornton (played by Richard Armitage), a wealthy and ambitious mill owner who is striving to make his mark in the competitive textile industry. Despite their initial animosity towards each other, Margaret and John develop a mutual respect and admiration, which eventually leads to a budding romance.

But their relationship is fraught with challenges - John's ambitious plans put him at odds with the workers' union, while Margaret's loyalty to her family and her southern past create tensions between them. Meanwhile, the political and economic turmoil of the time - including the advent of the railway, class tensions, and the Chartist movement - threaten to upend their lives and the stability of their community.

The show explores themes of industrialization, social class, gender roles, and love in a time of rapid change and uncertainty. It features a talented cast of actors, including Tim Pigott-Smith as Mr. Hale, Margaret's intellectual and idealistic father, and Sinéad Cusack as Mrs. Thornton, John's formidable and overbearing mother.

North and South has been praised for its realistic portrayal of the harsh realities and social complexities of Victorian England. The show's attention to detail in costuming, set design, and historical accuracy has garnered critical acclaim, and it has become a beloved classic of British television. The show was also notable for launching the career of many of its young actors, including Armitage, who went on to achieve international fame in the fantasy series The Hobbit and the spy thriller series Berlin Station.

Overall, North and South is a captivating and emotional drama that explores the complexities of human relationships and societal change in an era of rapid transformation. It is a must-watch for fans of period dramas, historical fiction, and romantic stories.

North and South (UK) is a series that ran for 1 seasons (15 episodes) between November 14, 2004 and on BBC