ITV's period drama 'Mr Selfridge' has been hailed as a 'masterpiece', perfect for fans of Downton Abbey and Call the Midwife. The show, which streams free on ITVX, has captivated audiences with its dramatised account of one of Britain's most affluent entrepreneurs.
A Tale of Retail Triumph
Drawing from actual events, the series chronicles the life of Harry Selfridge and his internationally celebrated department store, Selfridges, in London. The programme unfolds between 1908 and 1929, taking audiences along as he revolutionises the concept of the department store on Oxford Street.
Throughout his journey, he encounters notable historical figures such as French aviator Louis Blériot, Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova, and King Edward VII. The show documents both his ascent to prosperity and his eventual decline during the 1920s.
Critical Acclaim
One IMDb viewer praised it as a 'delightful British masterpiece', stating: 'I'm a late arrival to this true gem of a series, giving me the benefit of binge-viewing. I was sceptical about a department store story, but I'm glad I followed a friend's recommendation.'
Another review called it 'a period drama worth watching', adding: 'The way the story is distributed among multiple characters is something you don't see every day.' The series has garnered particular praise for its stunning costume and set design.
Cast and Streaming
Leading the cast as Harry Selfridge is American actor Jeremy Piven, known for Entourage, alongside Amanda Abbington, Katherine Kelly, and Aisling Loftus. One enthusiastic viewer said: 'I had high expectations, and this series surpassed them. It challenges viewers whilst capturing the time period.'
The show spanned four seasons, concluding in 2016. All episodes of Mr Selfridge are currently available to stream on ITVX.
