Period drama enthusiasts are raving about a Victorian-era series featuring a stellar cast, led by Peaky Blinders star Kate Phillips. Miss Scarlet, a British-American period crime drama created by Rachael New, follows Eliza Scarlet, a private detective navigating London in 1882.
Plot and Premise
The official synopsis reads: 'In Victorian London, 1882, Eliza Scarlet is left almost penniless when her father, Henry, unexpectedly dies. Although marriage would appear to be her only option for financial security, Eliza resolves to take over her father's detective agency alone, working under his name.' Struggling to build her reputation in the male-dominated world of crime-solving, she frequently calls on her childhood friend William Wellington, a gruff Scottish detective inspector at Scotland Yard, for assistance.
Cast and Production
Kate Phillips stars alongside Stuart Martin as William Wellington, with supporting roles from Cathy Belton, Simon Ludders, Helen Norton, Kevin Doyle, Andrew Gower, and Jessie Cave. The first series was filmed in Dublin, with exterior shots of Eliza's residence on Mount Pleasant Square in Ranelagh. The green dome of Mary Immaculate, Refuge of Sinners Church in Rathmines is visible in street scenes, and the police station is CBS Westland Row on Cumberland Street. Subsequent series were produced in Belgrade, Serbia.
Series Evolution
The inaugural series premiered in 2020, with five additional seasons released over six years. Season six, which arrived this year, explores Eliza's developing relationship with Detective Inspector Blake (Tom Durant-Pritchard) and welcomes back beloved character Moses Valentine (Ansu Kabia). A seventh and final series is currently in production.
Where to Watch
All six series are available for free on U, making the drama ideal for weekend or evening viewing. Creator Rachael New remarked: 'Making Miss Scarlet has been the greatest joy of my professional career. Every stage of this beautiful show—from writing, filming, editing to reaching the screen—has taken a whole village. I'm very proud of how the final season plays out and the story we tell for Eliza.'
Audience Reception
Viewers have consistently praised the series online. One IMDb user wrote: 'Majestic. Miss Scarlet is one of those programmes that begins well and just gets better and better. All in all a programme not to be missed.' Another commented: 'Exceptional. Intense with steamy romance, and very well written.' A third declared: 'The very best series on TV. Miss Scarlet is head and shoulders above the rest. Total masterpiece.'
A fourth enthusiast shared: 'Totally hooked! Fresh look, captivating plot, beautifully portrayed characters, real feel of old atmosphere, close attention to detail. The best period drama yet.' Another added: 'Great masterpiece. The tension between the lead actors keeps me coming back for more. In this Downton Abbey meets Sherlock Holmes drama, each episode brings a more compelling reason to keep coming back. The costumes, casting, and settings are all top shelf.'
Miss Scarlet is available to stream on U.
