Julian Fellowes, the creative genius behind Downton Abbey, Gosford Park, The English Game, and The Gilded Age, has delivered yet another captivating historical drama: Belgravia. This series, adapted from his 2016 novel of the same name, is now streaming on Amazon Prime and is perfect for fans of period dramas.
A Story Set in History
Set in the 19th century, Belgravia begins at a real historical event: the Duchess of Richmond's ball in June 1815, held just two days before the Battle of Waterloo. The narrative quickly immerses viewers in classic period drama territory, centering on the lives of the Trenchard and Bellasis families. Scandals, intrigue, romance, and class politics abound, creating a rich tapestry of storytelling.
Comparisons to Downton Abbey
Directed by John Alexander and written by Julian Fellowes, Belgravia reunites the production team behind Downton Abbey. Comparisons to Fellowes' hugely successful series are inevitable. Speaking to Town and Country, Fellowes addressed this directly: 'I think [Belgravia] is darker than Downton. The servants are working people; they're doing their jobs because those are the jobs that were available. It's not sentimental. It's a sharper world.'
Release and Sequel
The limited series premiered on ITV in the UK on March 15, 2020, and later aired in the United States on Epix starting April 12, 2020. A follow-up series, Belgravia: The Next Chapter, written and developed by Helen Edmundson, debuted in January 2024 on ITV.
Cast and Critical Reception
The ensemble cast includes Alice Eve, Ella Purnell, Tamsin Greig, Richard Goulding, Emily Reid, Tom Wilkinson, Harriet Walter, Philip Glenister, and Tara Fitzgerald. Critical opinion was mixed. One reviewer noted: 'Belgravia has all the touchstones of a bodice-ripper. Great romance and thrilling revenge. And the usual coterie of leaching and sneering in-laws.' Another said: 'Though billed as a showcase for state-of-the-art costume drama, the six-part bonnet-fest feels more like a one-stop shop for all the worst excesses and boredoms of a genre that has outlived its usefulness.' A third critic wrote: 'Belgravia is gorgeously appointed, it's romantic enough, it's grounded in the manners of a far more delicate time when everyone stood six-feet apart lest they bump hands.' Yet another added: 'Belgravia errs on the wrong side of that divide, but it is so well-appointed that it is never less than beautiful to watch, just like Downton.'
Audience Reactions
Audience reactions were overwhelmingly positive. One viewer commented: 'Incredible show! Nothing was obvious, it kept the audience in suspense until the very last minute. Loved the complexity of the characters, the authenticity of the costumes and overall atmosphere. Highly recommend!' Another said: 'Wonderful series!! The storyline is gripping from the very first episode. There is no woke political ideology that spoils so many films and series these days. Brilliant, authentic acting and casting in the excellent period production. So many movies and series try and fail to promote female empowerment; however, Belgravia delivers this message superbly.'
Belgravia is streaming on Amazon Prime now.
