'Charming' and 'energetic' series based on book 'is best period drama' and streaming free

This BBC period drama, based on a best-selling book, has been described as a "masterpiece", and it is available to stream for free. The series, based on Nancy Mitford's 1945 novel of the same name, was also previously adapted as Love in a Cold Climate (1980) and Love in a Cold Climate (2001). It first aired on BBC One in 2021 and starred Lily James. Now, the series has been highlighted in House & Garden's ranking of "The 25 best period dramas to stream now".

The Pursuit of Love was a three-part television romantic drama written and directed by Emily Mortimer. Andrew Scott, Emily Beecham, Dominic West, Dolly Wells, John Heffernan, and Beattie Edmondson star alongside James.

The series synopsis reads: "The Pursuit of Love follows the lives of cousins Linda Radlett and Fanny Logan as they navigate their twenties in the interwar period, searching for love and marriage. The series explores their diverging paths as Linda seeks passionate romance while Fanny desires a stable life. Their friendship is tested as they grapple with social and political changes, and the series delves into themes of freedom, love, sex, and the complexities of the human heart."

The Pursuit of Love was met with positive reviews from the critics, and its impressive 88% on Rotten Tomatoes reflects that. The critics' consensus reads: "Though it's not always as clever as it fancies itself, The Pursuit of Love's spot-on casting and stylish proceedings prove a delicious enough diversion."

Both the book and the series have been hailed as a "masterpiece" by several fans.

One fan said: "I loved this. The soundtrack, cinematography & acting are all spot on. I found the main character played by Lily so very ALIVE and the final act has lived with me ever since I watched it ... which was actually a few years ago now, which just goes to show much this series lives in my heart."

"This series took me on an incredible journey of discovery. I found it to be a delicate balance of life...exploring women's coming of age, identity, sexual freedom, and passion-juxtaposed with the morals and expectations of the society at large. The story of love unfolded before a backdrop of the stark contrast between the struggle of family hierarchy and world dominance and ideology," another fan wrote.

Another fan said: "It's an energetic, stylish and fun costume series that feels true to its time period but at the same time has a modern attitude, and is full of eccentric characters and aristocratic decadence."

A final reviewer added: "Lord Merlin was fantastic. Lily James put on a delightful performance in this charming period piece."

The Pursuit of Love is streaming now on U, free of charge.