ITVX's 'Mr Selfridge' Period Drama Celebrates Retail Pioneer's Life
The visually glorious period drama Mr Selfridge, which chronicles the true story of American entrepreneur Harry Gordon Selfridge, is now available for streaming on ITVX. Fans and critics alike are hailing the series as deserving of an award, praising its rich storytelling and historical depth.
The True Story Behind the Drama
Based on Lindy Woodhead's book Shopping, Seduction & Mr. Selfridge, the series originally aired from 2013 to 2016. It follows Selfridge, played by Jeremy Piven, who arrived in London in 1906 with a vision to revolutionise British retail. In 1908, he founded the iconic Selfridge's department store on Oxford Street, a landmark that remains operational today, shaping the British high street for decades.
The drama delves into Selfridge's professional triumphs, including his efforts to empower women shoppers, as well as his personal struggles. Known as a genius from 9am to 5pm but a fool after hours, his life was marked by a glamorous yet chaotic personal style, with obsessions in women and gambling leading to his eventual downfall.
Cast and Production Highlights
The series features a stellar cast, with Jeremy Piven in the lead role as Harry Selfridge. Supporting roles include Frances O'Connor as his wife, Rose Selfridge, and former Coronation Street actress Katherine Kelly as Lady Mae Loxley. The show begins with Selfridge, at age 50, moving his family from Chicago to London after over 25 years at Marshall Field's department store, driven by a desire to see his own name above the door of his business.
Production values are highly praised, with the series offering a new perspective on classic British period drama tropes, blending historical accuracy with engaging character development.
Fan and Critical Reception
On platforms like Rotten Tomatoes and Reddit, viewers have expressed strong admiration for the series. One reviewer noted, This series is beautifully done. It is deserving of an award, while others compared it favourably to similar shows like The Paradise and even Downton Abbey.
- Positive Feedback: Fans describe the early seasons as the strongest, with characters that grow on viewers over time. Many appreciate the slow burn of character investment and find the show to be fun, casual viewing.
- Character Praise: Specific mentions highlight Mrs. Selfridge as a treat and Lady Mae as an interesting figure, with Katherine Kelly's performance receiving particular acclaim.
- Unique Angle: Some viewers enjoy the portrayal of Selfridge as an obnoxious American, finding his loud affect refreshingly different, though initially jarring.
Overall, Mr Selfridge is celebrated for its blend of historical narrative, strong performances, and visual splendour, making it a must-watch for period drama enthusiasts on ITVX.
