Step into the turbulent elegance of the 1930s with Near Faultless, a gripping British period drama that premiered on BBC Two on September 8, 2025, and has critics and fans buzzing with praise. Starring Brenda Blethyn as the enigmatic matriarch Eleanor Whitby and Daniel Mays as her conflicted son-in-law Thomas Reed, this fictional masterpiece blends the lavish charm of Downton Abbey with the raw intensity of Peaky Blinders. Hailed as “near-faultless” by Empire Magazine (August 29, 2025), this star-studded thriller, dripping with secrets, betrayals, and suspense, is the prestige TV event of the year. Here’s why you can’t miss it!
A Tangled Web of Secrets
Set in a sprawling Yorkshire estate during the economic unrest of the 1930s, Near Faultless follows the Whitby family as their polished facade crumbles under the weight of hidden scandals. Eleanor, a widow clinging to tradition, faces off against Thomas, whose radical ideas threaten their legacy. The arrival of a mysterious stranger, played by Shetland’s Mark Bonnar, sparks a chain of betrayals that unravel dark family secrets. Digital Spy (August 29, 2025) calls it “a complex, devastating drama,” with X users raving, “It’s like Gosford Park but grittier!” The show’s 83% Rotten Tomatoes score reflects its critical acclaim, though some Reddit threads note its “slow-burn start.”
Blethyn and Mays Deliver Powerhouse Performances
Brenda Blethyn, fresh off Vera’s finale, shines as Eleanor, blending steely resolve with quiet heartbreak, earning praise from The Guardian (August 29, 2025) for her “assured depth.” Daniel Mays, known for Line of Duty, matches her as Thomas, whose ambition hides a tortured past. The ensemble, including Sophie Rundle and Claire Foy, elevates every scene, with Rolling Stone (August 29, 2025) lauding their “near-faultless performances.” Fans on X are obsessed, with one tweeting, “Brenda and Daniel are electric—this is TV gold!” The chemistry and tension make every polite smile a potential dagger.
Twists That Grip You
Written by Christopher Hampton and directed by Joe Wright, Near Faultless weaves a slow-burn narrative that explodes into shocking reveals. A mid-season twist, teased in the trailer, flips the family dynamic, per BBC.com (August 29, 2025), while the finale’s “riveting” betrayal left early screeners speechless. Reddit users speculate about Bonnar’s character, with one saying, “His role changes EVERYTHING!” The show’s lush cinematography and period detail, shot in Yorkshire’s historic estates, amplify its immersive pull, though some X posts critique its “dense dialogue” as a hurdle.
Why It’s Unmissable
Near Faultless combines Downton Abbey’s elegance with Peaky Blinders’ gritty stakes, tackling class divides, political unrest, and family loyalty. Airing tonight at 11pm on BBC Two, it’s also available on BBC iPlayer, per Digital Spy (August 29, 2025). With BAFTA buzz already swirling, this is prestige TV at its peak. Stream it live or catch up, and join the conversation—check the comments for more details and share your thoughts on this “near-faultless” thriller!
