Watch The Cazalets

The Cazalets is a British television drama series that first aired in 2001. It is set during the Second World War and is based on the books by Elizabeth Jane Howard. The series follows the daily lives of the Cazalet family, a wealthy English family living in Sussex.

The Cazalet family is made up of three generations, each with their own struggles and secrets. The family patriarch, William (Frederick Treves), runs a successful timber business, but is struggling to hold the family together. His daughter, Rachel (Lesley Manville), has an unhappy marriage and longs for a different life. His son Edward (Stephen Dillane) is a successful publisher, but is struggling to come to terms with his homosexuality in a time when it is not understood or accepted.

Edward's wife, Villy (Anna Chancellor), is unhappy in their marriage and is having an affair. His sister, Hugh (Clare Holman), is a devoted mother of three, but feels stifled by her domestic duties. Hugh's husband, Rupert (Paul Rhys), is a struggling playwright who is jealous of his wife's success as a mother.

The family's children include Edward and Villy's teenage daughter, Polly (Claire Skinner), who is struggling with her own sexuality and her feelings for a family friend; Rachel's two daughters, Clary (Joanna Page) and Polly (Nancy Carroll), who are both at a crossroads in their lives; and Hugh's three children, who are all dealing with the pressures of growing up in a time of war.

The series is set against the backdrop of the Second World War, which is a constant presence in the lives of the Cazalet family. The family's country estate becomes a haven for family and friends trying to escape the destruction and chaos of London. The war also brings new challenges for the family, including the arrival of evacuees and the conscription of family members.

The series explores many themes, including family dynamics, sexuality, class, and the effects of war on ordinary people. It is a poignant and emotional portrayal of a family struggling to hold together in a time of great upheaval.

The Cazalets features an all-star cast, including Hugh Bonneville as Captain William Farquhar; Stephen Dillane as Edward Cazalet; Leslie Manville as Rachel Cazalet; Anna Chancellor as Villy Cazalet; Paul Rhys as Rupert Cazalet, Clare Holman as Hugh Cazalet and Joanna Page as Clary Cazalet.

The show's production is top-notch, with beautiful cinematography and set design that transports viewers to another time and place. The costumes are also a highlight, with each character's wardrobe perfectly capturing their personality and status in life.

Overall, The Cazalets is a beautifully crafted drama that explores the complexities of family life during a time of great uncertainty. It is a must-watch for fans of British period dramas and those looking for a thought-provoking and emotional series.

The Cazalets is a series that ran for 1 seasons (6 episodes) between and on BritBox