10 Shows & Movies Like Our Mutual Friend

Description: Explores themes of identity, heritage, and redemption through intertwined stories of love and self-discovery. The lush cinematography and attention to period detail enhance its emotional resonance.

Fact: The story was one of the first in English literature to deal sympathetically with Zionism. The adaptation was filmed in Prague, standing in for Victorian London and Europe.

Description: Set in a glamorous Victorian department store, this series explores ambition, romance, and class struggles with a visually sumptuous style. The focus on commerce and personal growth parallels themes of wealth and desire.

Fact: Inspired by Émile Zola's novel 'The Ladies' Paradise,' it was the BBC's response to the popularity of 'Downton Abbey.' The store set was built from scratch in a warehouse in County Durham.

Description: A gentle, episodic drama that captures the rhythms of rural and small-town life in late Victorian England. The focus on community, change, and personal growth offers a warm yet insightful look at the period.

Fact: Based on Flora Thompson's semi-autobiographical novels, the series was praised for its authentic depiction of country life. Many of the outdoor scenes were filmed in the Cotswolds, enhancing its pastoral charm.

Description: A sprawling narrative that examines the lives and loves of a provincial town's inhabitants, with a keen eye for social commentary and moral dilemmas. The storytelling is both intimate and epic in scope.

Fact: The novel was considered unfilmable for decades due to its complexity, but this adaptation successfully condensed its many subplots. It was praised for its faithfulness to George Eliot's original work.

Description: A bold exploration of marital strife, independence, and morality in Victorian society, with a strong, unconventional heroine at its center. The dramatic tension and emotional depth reflect the era's constraints and rebellions.

Fact: This adaptation brought renewed attention to Anne Brontë's often-overlooked novel. The wild, windswept locations were carefully chosen to mirror the story's turbulent emotions.

Description: A sharp satire of social climbing and moral compromise in Regency England, filled with vibrant characters and biting wit. The narrative's blend of humor and pathos creates a compelling portrait of ambition.

Fact: This adaptation features a rare female protagonist who is both charismatic and deeply flawed. The production used authentic locations across England to capture the era's opulence.

Description: A multi-generational family saga that delves into themes of love, property, and societal expectations. The meticulous period setting and complex character arcs reflect the richness of classic literature.

Fact: The series was a remake of the iconic 1967 version, introducing the story to a new generation. It was filmed in Manchester and Liverpool, with sets designed to reflect the changing times from Victorian to Edwardian eras.

Description: A gritty, atmospheric portrayal of Victorian London's underbelly, focusing on a prostitute's rise through society. The dark, immersive storytelling and rich period detail create a vivid, often unsettling world.

Fact: The series was notable for its unflinching depiction of Victorian sexuality and poverty. It used a distinctive visual style, with the camera often adopting the perspective of the protagonist.

Description: A rich, multi-layered narrative set in Victorian England, exploring themes of social injustice, inheritance, and complex human relationships. The intricate plot and detailed character development mirror the depth of classic literature adaptations.

Fact: The series was filmed in a documentary-style with handheld cameras, giving it a unique, immersive feel. It features one of the earliest uses of this technique in a period drama.

Description: This adaptation delves into themes of poverty, wealth, and societal constraints, with a strong focus on character-driven storytelling and emotional depth. The visual style captures the stark contrasts of Victorian society.

Fact: The series was shot on location in London and Hungary, with the Marshalsea debtors' prison recreated in meticulous detail. It won seven Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Miniseries.