This period drama ran for two series before being axed, but Downton Abbey and Mr Selfridge fans are still discovering it and raving about its Victorian department store setting09:21, 01 Jun 2026For fans of Mr Selfridge and Downton Abbey, this period drama offers the ideal watch, with two binge-worthy series chronicling a compelling entrepreneur.‌As period dramas seem to be all over cinema screens and our TVs at home, viewers consistently praise this 2012 series as they discover it on streaming platforms.‌The Paradise is a British costume drama inspired by an 1883 French novel, Au Bonheur des Dames, though reimagined to unfold in the North East of England. It draws from the tale of Aristide Boucicaut, who established the renowned French department store in Paris, and transplants it to an English backdrop.‌The opening series starts in 1875 and follows the diverse lives of those who work at the store, buy from it and conduct business around its operations. As the store flourishes on the high street, they recruit a new employee who rapidly disrupts matters and sparks competition within the workforce.However, much to supporters' dismay, the series didn't continue this narrative beyond two seasons, and they persistently appeal for additional episodes to enjoy. The second season of The Paradise aired in 2014, but the BBC announced there would not be a third series.‌One devotee wrote on Rotten Tomatoes: "Perfect, although I wish there were more seasons! I love this show so very much!! Wonderful actors, storylines and a show I will watch again. I did miss the original Pauline, but it all worked in time."Another viewer wrote: "BBC's period drama, The Paradise, has all the right moves. It's sexuality is subtle and charming. Its characters are magnetic and distinct. Its scenes pop with colour and vibrance."‌Leading the cast are Joanna Vanderham as Denise Lovett, Peter Wright as Edmund Lovett and Emun Elliott as John Moray. The ensemble has garnered widespread acclaim for their portrayals, breathing life into this remarkable tale.One review says: "Wonderful Series, it transports the viewer into a new world of the Victorian Era with charm and Beauty. The story and characters are not only captivating but also have a lot of heart. The Paradise advertises working in retail with such creativity unlike any other."The principal filming locations for The Paradise were Lambton Castle, transformed to replicate a 1870s department store, alongside a purpose-built Victorian-style street designed to evoke a period high street.Article continues belowAnother setting familiar to British viewers is Biddick Hall, also situated on the Lambton estate, which doubled as the residence of Lord Glendenning. It's the magnificent architecture and period costumes that whisk you back through time, cementing this costume drama amongst the finest of its kind.Having finished the series, one viewer wrote: "Excellent acting, interesting story line, characters that will never be forgotten, and women valued for their intelligence and skills. Could have used more depth, but I still thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this period piece."The Paradise is currently available to stream on Amazon Prime, or alternatively free of charge on U, with rental options across a range of other streaming platforms.