100% ON ROTTEN TOMATOES 💥 THIS WWII MASTERPIECE BASED ON AN INCREDIBLE TRUE BRITISH STORY IS LEAVING VIEWERS STUNNED
The series explores how ordinary women kept their communities running during the war (Image: ITV)
There is no shortage of brilliant World War Two dramas to watch, but every now and then one comes along that tells a very different story. Instead of focusing on battles and soldiers, this series shines a light on the people who kept Britain going at home during the conflict.
It proved hugely popular when it first aired and is still highly rated by viewers years later. The drama also has something else going for it that many fans may not realise. Rather than being completely fictional, it was inspired by a real piece of British history. That true story was first brought to life in a bestselling book before making its way onto television.
The ITV drama has a perfect 100% average Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes (Image: ITV)
The series is Home Fires, a British period drama inspired by historian Julie Summers’ book Jambusters: The Women’s Institute at War 1939-1945, which was later republished as Home Fires.
The ITV drama has a perfect 100% average Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes, alongside an 88% average Popcornmeter rating, and follows members of the Women’s Institute living in the fictional Cheshire village of Great Paxford after the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939.
Instead of following life on the front line, the series explores how ordinary women kept their communities running through some of Britain’s darkest days, showing the challenges, sacrifices and friendships that developed on the Home Front.
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The programme first aired on ITV in May 2015 and attracted an average audience of 6.2 million viewers during its first series.
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That success led ITV to commission a second six-part series, which began in April 2016 and launched with 5.2 million viewers. However, despite its popularity, the broadcaster later announced it would not be making a third series.
The cancellation disappointed thousands of fans, with more than 50,000 people signing a petition calling for the drama to return.
Despite that, many still absolutely love the series. One person wrote in a review on Rotten Tomatoes: “Loved, loved, loved this series! It’s a masterpiece that honestly looks at how life was during the Second World War.”
Another added: “One of the best shows I’ve seen. Looks at a completely different side of war, and it’s mesmerising.”
A third wrote: “Undoubtedly a masterpiece. Highly recommend.”
The drama stars Francesca Annis, Samantha Bond, Claire Rushbrook, Fenella Woolgar and Leanne Best, with much of the story centred around the women of the local Women’s Institute as they adapt to life during wartime.
Readers have also been full of praise for the book that inspired the drama.
The series follows members of the Women’s Institute living in a fictional Cheshire village (Image: ITV)
One person said in an Amazon review: “Excellent! We often think of brave soldiers who fought, but this book brings home the meaning of why they fought and who kept the war effort running and made it a success.
“Prior to reading this book, I was totally clueless as to what role women and volunteers played during WWII.”
Someone else commented: “Incredible book. It provides great insight into a side of the war we don’t often read about.”
Following the show’s cancellation, creator Simon Block continued the story by turning it into a series of novels.
Home Fires can be streamed on Channel 4.
SOURCE: https://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/2227962/masterpiece-war-drama-perfect-score-incredible-british-book
