'Masterpiece' BBC period drama fans say is 'the best of all time'

Poldark lovers and fans of Aidan Turner will be pleased to learn about a little-known period drama in which the actor stars. The BBC period drama has been hailed as a "masterpiece" by fans, with many describing it as "the best of all time" due to its immersive 19th-century backdrop. The series, which is set in industrial London during the 1800s, tells the story of a group of struggling artists who eventually form the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood.

Desperate Romantics is a six-part television drama serial about the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, first broadcast on BBC Two between July 21 and August 25, 2009. The series fictionalised the lives and events depicted, but a book of the same name inspired it.

The series synopsis reads: "Desperate Romantics is about the lives of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, an art movement in 19th-century London, focusing on their romantic entanglements, rivalries, and ambition to revolutionise art. Inspired by Franny Moyle's book of the same name, the six-part drama follows painters Dante Gabriel Rossetti, John Everett Millais, and William Holman Hunt, as well as their muse, Lizzie Siddal, and a fictional friend, Fred Walters."

Despite only running for one season in 2009, the series has left a lasting impression on viewers who praise its captivating storytelling and rich historical detail.

Fans have taken to Reddit to share their enthusiasm, with one user stating: "Has anyone heard of or seen this series about the Pre-Raphaelites? It's quite literally becoming my favourite period piece of all time."

Another user agreed, writing: "One of my favourites! For anyone who hasn't heard of it, probably good to mention that it's about a real-life group of artists, so if you're into art history, definitely check it out."

A third fan expressed: "I can't believe it's so unknown, I do believe the title of it does not lead one to assume the subject matter and does itself the deepest disservice."

And another person confessed: "I haven't watched this in ages, but I was obsessed when it originally aired. Now I need to watch again!"

The series has also received praise on IMDb, where one user shared their thoughts: "I must say I am hooked big time. I want my dramas hot, juicy and plot-/character-driven. My verdict is: hot, steamy and educational."

One fan on Rotten Tomatoes said: "Really enjoyed this series. The best artist bios since Ken Russell did them for the BBC."

Turner, who plays Dante Gabriel Rossetti in the series, is no stranger to period dramas, having starred in Poldark as the titular character from 2015 to 2019, alongside the 2015 adaptation of Agatha Christie's novel And Then There Were None, playing Philip Lombard in the three-episode miniseries. Making Desperate Romantics a must-watch for period drama lovers.

Desperate Romantics is now streaming on BBC iPlayer.