The 'superb' Charles Dickens spin-off has left period drama fans hooked and is free to binge now.09:47, 03 Jun 2026A “sublime” Charles Dickens spin-off is available to watch for free on BBC iPlayer.‌Dickensian combines some of Dickens’ most loved characters, from Great Expectations’ Miss Havisham to Oliver Twist’s Fagin.‌The drama, which first aired in 2015, brings together the literary figures of some of Dickens’ best novels together in one Victorian London neighbourhood.‌Set over 20 episodes, the plot centres on a murder mystery, as Detective Inspector Bucket is tasked with investigating the murder of Ebenezer Scrooge’s partner Jacob Marley.The synopsis teases: “Scrooge meets Fagin meets Miss Havisham in a riotous mix of Dickens' most loved characters - their lives intertwined on one mysterious street, and in the murder of Jacob Marley.”‌The cast includes Peter Firth as Jacob Marley, Downton Abbey star Tuppence Middleton as Miss Havisham, Gavin and Stacey’s Robert Wilfort as Bob Cratchit, Stephen Rea as Inspector Bucket and Ned Dennehy as Ebenezer Scrooge.As well as Great Expectations and Oliver Twist, characters from A Christmas Carol, Bleak House, The Old Curiosity Shop, Our Mutual Friend and The Pickwick Papers are all brought together.Fans were left hooked on the one-of-a-kind series, with one writing: “Very quirky but I absolutely love it. Great entertainment.”‌Another called it “superb”, adding: “Absolutely fantastic, the cast, the characters are just amazing. The very best of British and so clever to combine different characters for this series.”Someone else said: “One of the best, most entertaining productions I’ve ever seen - seriously! Weaving together our favourite characters from Charles Dickens’ many stinging social commentaries into a delightful take with an enchanting surprise ending, and all done with superb casting and impeccable costuming and sets. A perfect 10 in my book. Please, sir, I want some more.”‌Yet another called it “superb”, while someone else said it was “even better second time around.”“Original and powerful,” another hailed, as one fan wrote: “This series brought Dickens to life in such a refreshing way. It was fun to see all the different books being brought together. The dark retelling is superb. And omg what acting!! I want more!”One viewer called it “sublime”, writing in their review: “If you never heard of Charles Dickens or read any of his works, you would enjoy this programme immensely. If you are familiar with the works of Dickens, it is nothing short of magnificent.”‌Several others urged for its return, with one person saying Dickensian “should never have been cancelled by the BBC” while another wrote: “There easily could have been a season 2.”One fan also called it “addictive” as someone else said it was “absolutely delightful”.‌Despite fans begging for it to return, Dickensian was axed after one series, with a BBC spokesperson calling it a “difficult” decision.They said: “We are incredibly proud of Dickensian and would like to thank all those involved in such an ambitious series.‌"We sometimes have to make difficult decisions to make room for new shows and it won't be returning for a second series."Creator and former EastEnders ’ writer Tony Jordan, who had previously revealed he had scripted 60 episodes with the hope of the BBC commissioning more, having only used 30 out of the 2,000 characters Dickens created, admitted he was “disappointed” at the news.He added: “I am disappointed that we will not be making a second series of Dickensian.Article continues below“We are hugely proud of what we achieved in the first series of Dickensian and would like to thank everyone who helped us create a truly special and unique drama.”Dickensian is available to watch on BBC iPlayer