CHANNEL 4’S ‘OUTSTANDING’ HIDDEN PERIOD DRAMA IS CAPTIVATING VIEWERS 💥 TRUE STORY HAS FANS OF CALL THE MIDWIFE COMPLETELY HOOKED
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The ‘addictive’ series has drawn glowing praise from all quarters(Image: Channel 4)
Period drama addicts on the hunt for their next binge-worthy series need look no further, as there’s a relatively unknown gem that’s tailor-made for fans of the genre.
Exploring themes reminiscent of beloved hits such as Call the Midwife, North and South, and Little Dorrit, this criminally underrated period drama has left audiences absolutely spellbound. Viewers have hailed it as a ’10 star series’, with fans praising the ‘realistic’ and ‘authentic’ depiction of 1830s Britain and the Industrial Revolution.
The Mill is a compelling and hard-hitting period drama currently available to stream free on Channel 4 or via subscription on Amazon Prime Video. The 2013 costume drama was developed by Emily Dalton, who drew upon archival records from the National Trust Property to bring the show to life.
Rooted in genuine accounts and real people from the textile mill workers at Quarry Bank Mill in Cheshire, England, the series offers an unflinching examination of life during that era, with certain fictional characters and storylines interwoven throughout. The Mill was additionally shot on location in Cheshire to ensure the most faithful representation of the stories being told.
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It’s perfect for your next period drama binge-watch(Image: Channel 4)
The ‘outstanding’ period drama was written by John Fay and helmed by director James Hawes across two seasons. The first series, set in 1830s Britain amid the Industrial Revolution, comprises four episodes, while the second season, containing six episodes and broadcast in 2014, advances the narrative from 1838 to 1842 – picking up four years after the opening series concluded, reports the Liverpool Echo.
In 2014, Channel 4 axed the series, leaving the narrative unresolved – much to the frustration of its devoted fanbase.
The Mill features Kerrie Hayes and Matthew McNulty in the leading roles, supported by Donald Sumpter, Barbara Marten, Jamie Draven, Andrew Lee Potts, Rosilyn Ann Southgate, Katherine Rose Morley, Holly Lucas, and Sope Dirisu. Hayes even secured a BAFTA nomination for Best Leading Actress for her work in the programme.
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The period drama series is based on real-life people and stories from the 1830s(Image: Channel 4)
The Mill centres on life at Cheshire’s Quarry Bank Mill during the 1830s, viewed through the experiences of its main characters – Esther Price (Hayes) and Daniel Bate (McNulty). The programme confronts challenging subjects including child labour laws, workers’ rights, mill safety standards and the political campaigns to reform these conditions.
Critical acclaim for The Mill has poured in, captivating audiences worldwide. One IMDB user review of the series said: “The Mill is a captivating historical series illustrating the draconian conditions experienced by the working classes in the Cotton Mills. It is exceptionally well written, casted, directed, filmed and delivered by a fine array of actors.”
Another viewer writes: “I think that women may respond to this amazing drama, more than men…more’s the pity. It addresses the kind of oppression women, children and the poor have faced throughout time. It takes a moment of one such time and speaks volumes about many others like it.
“An intimate snapshot into something deeply relatable to many. Even with such a dark topic this story is uplifting, because it is true to human nature. The acting is superb, the writing intelligent and the cinematography gorgeous. It was altogether deeply satisfying. I think this story rocks. It is definitely a 10 star series.”
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Viewers have given ’10 stars’ to the ‘fantastic’ period drama(Image: Channel 4)
One devoted fan was left gutted by the cancellation: “Addictive and compelling. A wonderful insight into life of a community of mill workers and people from the local workhouse. The characters are so real , costumes and setting Quarry Bank Mill all fantastic. So disappointed to hear there are to be no more seasons . Leaving the story unfinished sadly. Such a shame.”
Another viewer passionately echoed those feelings: “Bring The Mill back for Season 3! This is so unfair, please make a 3rd season (or publish a book even! ) so we know what happens to the characters. I loved this show. Gritty and hard to watch at parts but I absolutely loved the characters and their interwoven stories.”
While one audience review on IMDB reads: “Great show. Why did it get axed? This had great bones. It was an interesting story, well acted, sets and costumes, an excellent production through and through. It is such a wasted opportunity.”
The Mill is available to stream free on Channel 4 and with a subscription on Amazon Prime Video.
