Fans of superb period dramas such as ITV's Upstairs Downstairs may have a fresh series to devour, as viewers are only just uncovering a long-neglected hidden treasure. The series was originally aired on ITV between April 1997 and April 1998, captivating audiences at the time, and enthusiasts of the genre are now rediscovering this frequently overlooked - and quite frankly forgotten - gem.
A Masterpiece by Russell T Davies
Penned and conceived by celebrated Welsh screenwriter Russell T Davies, The Grand is a British period drama produced by Granada Television for the ITV network. The show was subsequently novelised by Catrin Collier in 1998, under the pen name Katherine Hardy. Set within a magnificent Manchester hotel during the 1920s, viewers can immerse themselves in two "expertly crafted" seasons. The first series comprises eight episodes while the second features 10, totalling 18 instalments - all crafted by Davies. The writer and television producer is perhaps best recognised as the original showrunner and lead writer of BBC's enormously popular series Doctor Who between 2005 and 2010, and again in 2023.
An Ensemble Cast and Intriguing Plot
The Grand boasts an impressive ensemble including Susan Hampshire, Julia St John, Tim Healy, Michael Siberry, Stephen Moyer and Mark McGann. The costume drama revolves around the lives and escapades of the Bannerman family, who owned and operated The Grand Hôtel, alongside the staff living in the hotel's basement and the guests who passed through its doors. It's been fittingly characterised as a "lavish drama set in 20s Manchester", where "the lives of the guests and staff of a huge hotel are caught up in murder, mystery, money and illicit affairs."
The programme's official synopsis reveals: "At the end of the First World War, the Bannerman family reopened the Grand Hôtel after a long closure and costly renovation." Davies' period drama masterfully examines society's attitudes towards topics like abortion, prostitution, and homosexuality during the interwar and post-World War I era, with audiences asserting it feels "almost modern", despite being set in the 1920s.
Critical Acclaim and Viewer Praise
The programme has received enthusiastic acclaim, with one IMDB user saying: "The Grand - a grand series. This production is first class in all respects: storyline, acting, dress and settings, musical accompaniment, etc. Some very powerful drama is therein presented. If you like psychologically valid human relationship drama this should be of interest. I rank it in the top 10 percent of movies or series I have seen (many thousands)."
Admiration for the programme's creator, Russell T Davies, is plentiful, with one viewer saying: "The Grand, at its best, really is 'grand'. Cliché-busting, surprising, and full of memorable characters and situations. Russell T Davies, that genius writer, is always good at catching the viewer out, and the show's greatest successes are delivered by deft overturning of what we think is going to happen next."
Meanwhile, another viewer praised Davies' "expertly crafted" work: "A Show So Well Done, It Feels Like a More Modern Show. Davies was ahead of his time with the concept for this show, much of which seems more like something one would find on air now. This show has so much going on for viewers. Unlike many other period dramas, this one really keeps true to the time. The characters, the dress, the 1920s, it's all so expertly crafted."
Comparisons to Upstairs Downstairs and Downton Abbey
Several have drawn parallels with the acclaimed British period drama Upstairs Downstairs: "Upstairs Downstairs Meets Scandal. I binge watched the whole series sacrificing sleep to what happens next and highly recommend catching up for those who love well done British television." While one viewer described it as "an unexpected treasure" and another enthusiast shared they "found the show continued to hold my interest", noting, "I like this better than Downton Abbey which I stopped watching."
Yet another delighted fan wrote: "My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed The Grand. The writing, though smattered with some convenient dramatic plot devices, is terrific. The single best episode, when Clive goes home to see his father, is a masterpiece of writing. We highly recommend that you stick with it. You will be rewarded."
One IMDB user review said: "The Series does not pretend to paint a pretty picture. It promises 'Secrets, Betrayal, Romance, Revenge and Danger.' It delivers on each of these promises! The twenties were often seen as a wild and fun time, but they were a precursor for political disaster on a worldwide scale and I believe the series captured this well."
Where to Watch
The Grand is available to stream for free on ITVX.
