Viewers are binge-watching Channel 5’s smash hit period drama, The Hardacres, which returned with a second season on Thursday night.

The rags-to-riches tale, based on CL Skelton’s The Hardacre Saga novels, is set in 1890s Yorkshire and follows the titular Hardacre family as they rise from poverty to extreme wealth.

Sam Hardacre (Liam McMahon) Joe Hardacre (Adam Little) Mary Hardacre (Claire Cooper) in The Hardacres© Jonathan Hession / Channel 5
The Hardacres returned to screens with its second season

The series, starring Julie Graham (Shetland), Claire Cooper (Hollyoaks) and Liam McMahon (Hunger), has been hailed by viewers as the best period drama since ITV’s long-running period drama, Downton Abbey.

Just like Julian Fellowes’ hit franchise, The Hardacres is a sweeping family saga brimming with tension, heart and drama, featuring a brilliant ensemble cast.

Keep reading to find out what viewers have said about season two…

Viewers deliver verdict on season two

Viewers have hailed the first episode as “brilliant,” with some binge-watching all six new episodes.

One person wrote on social media: “We have just watched the first episode of season two. Brilliant. Up there with Gilded Age and Downton. Love it,” while another added: “Binge watching the second series of The Hardacres.”

Claire is joined by Shannon Lavelle as Liza Hardacre and Julie Graham as Ma© Playground Television/5/Jonathan Hession
Viewers have hailed the show’s second outing as “brilliant”

A third viewer hailed the drama as “great TV,” while another added: “Absolutely love that the #Hardacres is back on. Such a good drama.”

What to expect from season two

In season two, the Hardacres are adjusting to their new lives as members of high society. But as they head into 1895, the family is on the brink of transformation.

The Hardacres returns to 5 this spring© Playground Television/5/Jonathan Hession
The show follows the titular Hardacre family as they rise from poverty to extreme wealth

The synopsis continues: “Mary champions adult education for dock workers, while Sam expands the family business amid a looming recession, uncertain if Joe is ready to succeed him. Determined to prove himself, Joe’s impulsive choices threaten his future.

“Liza recovering from romantic disappointment, is swept up by a chance encounter with a handsome stranger, while Harry’s plans to abandon school are transformed by an inspiring new tutor. Ma forms an unexpected bond but as some relationships blossom, others are strained. As tensions rise, Lady Imelda Hansen arrives at the Fitzherbert’s home with a dangerous agenda, forcing the Hardacres to unite or risk losing everything.”

What have the cast said about season two?

Speaking to HELLO! and other press ahead of season two, Claire, who plays Mary, shared how her character has found a new sense of confidence.

“Mary is doing everything on her own terms now,” said the actress. “There’s a real lightness and confidence about her which was really good fun to play because she’s not having to measure herself up against society.”

Mary (Claire Cooper) and Sam (Liam McMahon) Hardacre© Channel 5 / Playground Television (UK) Ltd / Jonathan Hession
Claire Cooper as Mary and Liam McMahon as Sam

Meanwhile, Liam said of his character, Sam: “We see him embracing the new wealth, but he has that fear whereby as easy as it came, it can disappear again. And I think that runs throughout season two – he’s constantly trying to better things for the family even though they’re in a really good situation.”

The Hardacres is available to stream on 5.