The BBC period drama has been hailed as one of the best Charles Dickens TV adaptations ever made, with viewers saying 'Dickens would be proud' of the show.08:45, 05 Jun 2026While period drama television adaptations of novels by literary giants such as Jane Austen, the Brontë sisters, Thomas Hardy, George Eliot and Elizabeth Gaskell are ten a penny, the same simply cannot be said for the celebrated author Charles Dickens.‌Dickens enthusiasts are perpetually on the hunt for outstanding screen adaptations of the writer's work, and we've uncovered the ideal series for your next binge-watching session.‌Dickensian is a British period drama available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer - and audiences simply cannot stop singing its praises.‌The 20-part series originally aired on BBC One between December 2015 and February 2016. Written and developed for television by Tony Jordan, the series unites numerous characters from various Charles Dickens novels within a single Victorian London neighbourhood, while Inspector Bucket investigates the murder of Jacob Marley, Ebenezer Scrooge's business partner.The period drama's official synopsis reads: "Set within the fictional realms of Charles Dickens' critically acclaimed novels, bringing together some of his most iconic characters as their lives intertwine in 19th century London.", reports the Liverpool Echo.‌The series features Tuppence Middleton, Peter Firth, Joseph Quinn, Sophie Rundle, Alexandra Moen, Tom Weston-Jones, and Robert Wilfort, alongside a broader ensemble cast - all of whom have garnered considerable acclaim for their performances in the costume drama.Acclaim for the series is plentiful, with one IMDB user review saying: "Sublime. If you never heard of Charles Dickens or read any of his works, you would enjoy this program immensely. If you are familiar with the works of Dickens, it is nothing short of magnificent. As soon as a Dickens' character appeared, I felt like I was seeing an old friend that I haven't seen in years. I loved it!!"Another fan couldn't contain their excitement about the series: "Clever, out of the ordinary, captivating production! One of the BEST, MOST ENTERTAINING productions I've ever seen - seriously!‌"Weaving together our favorite characters from Charles Dickens' many stinging social commentaries into a delightful tale 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."While one viewer awarded the programme a 10 out of 10 rating, adding: "Superb. Absolutely fantastic, the cast, the characters are just amazing. The very best of British and so clever to combine different characters for this series 10 out of 10."‌Another viewer commended the series' originality: "Original and powerful. I think it's a totally original and powerful series that actually magnetizes you from the first episode to the last one. Amazing interpretations, beautiful and appropriate costumes and scenery and generally very careful work at every point."While one glowing review reads: "Excellent imagining! 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 happy fan simply said: "So Original. I have just gotten around to watching Dickensian and it's brilliant. The acting, the sets and the whole idea is so original. I don't want it to finish."Article continues belowDickensian is available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer.