The Hardacres review: Forget Downton Abbey, THIS is a family we can root for
The six-part series is the brainchild of Call the Midwife and Our Girl writers Amy Roberts and Loren McLaughlin
Channel 5 describes period drama The Hardacres as a “bold, gutsy ensemble family drama full of heart” and we couldn’t agree more in our review ahead of series 2.
The Yorkshire-set series is a rags-to-riches tale, following the Hardacre family as they go from their impoverished life working on a fish dock to becoming extremely wealthy – almost overnight.
In series 1 (2024), the “fish gutties” had a huge turn of fortune when they were thrust into the high society of 1890s Yorkshire. Goes without saying perhaps that they weren’t particularly welcome…
So is The Hardacres worth watching? Find out in our review…
Is The Hardacres any good?
The first series of The Hardacres on Channel 5 introduced us to a working class family working in the docks of Yorkshire. They faced destitution when the main breadwinner of the family – dad Sam – suffered an accident at work. The fear of losing their jobs and struggling to pay the rent is something many of us can relate to.
Staring poverty in the eyes, they refused to bow down. Instead, matriarch Mary tried something new. And it paid off. Big time!
In the space of episode one, the Hardacres went from working a fish market in Yorkshire to being extremely rich. Of course, the interest lies in the fact they KNOW what it’s like to be poor. So when snobbery comes their way – and it does – they fight back. And it’s this fighting spirit that holds the key to this drama.
These are very likeable characters. A family we can all relate to. And an engaging storyline of triumph over adversity that will warm the coldest heart…
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‘The Hardacres is good old-fashioned storytelling at its best’
Independent publisher Ian Skillicorn, of Wyndham Books, rediscovered the forgotten novels. They had gone out of print, having been originally published in the 70s.
He told the Daily Express: “I take my inspiration from the books I inherited from my grandmother. I remembered the Hardacres’ story from my childhood.
“When I re-read Hardacre as an adult, I knew it had all the right ingredients to be a hit with a new generation of readers.”
He adds: “Hardacre is good old-fashioned storytelling at its best. The lives and loves of the Hardacres keep you gripped until the last page.
“It combines the grit and passion of Catherine Cookson with the riches and glamour of Downton Abbey.”
The Hardacres review: Working class people aren’t represented on TV
The Hardacres is the brainchild of Call the Midwife and Our Girl writers Amy Roberts and Loren McLaughlin. They chose to make the series because “more working-class people watch telly than any other demographic, but they don’t feel like they are represented on the screen”.
The series is written and produced by working-class women, which is pretty unusual for a period drama. McLaughlin told The Guardian: “One of the most important things for us was the class angle. […] It’s rare to see a working-class family at the forefront of any TV show, let alone a period drama.”
The Hardacres proves anything is possible
Billed as a cross between Poldark and Downton Abbey, The Hardacres is based on the bestselling Hardacre saga novels by C.L. Skelton. It’s hopeful, and proves anything is possible.
But, unlike Downton, this is about a working class family who find themselves thrust into riches. Thanks to their hard work (and a bit of luck). There’s no rich granddaddy here. And, come on, admit it – it’s always a struggle to get fully behind someone who has been handed their good fortune.
Instead, the Hardacres are a family we can root for. We can boo at the villains and the snobs who don’t accept them, and we can cheer when things go their way. They deserve their luck.
This series screams “look what you can achieve” if you work hard enough and are decent people. It puts the heart into heartwarming. And that’s exactly what we need right now.
Series 2 of The Hardacres excels itself
Like series 1, the new series gives us more of the same spirit, grit, and warmth. And this time, there’s a new snooty cow to contend with. Veteran actress Michele Dotrice joins the case as Lady Imelda Hansen. If you think Emma Fitzherbert is a hateful snob, you ain’t seen nothing yet.
It’s not all bad, though. Liza Hardacre gets a new love interest. Trust us, you’re going to love him. Series 2 of The Hardacres sets a very clear line in the dirt between the heroes and villains. And you’ll be rooting for the Hardacre family every step of the way…
Add this to the stunning locations, posh frocks, and historical nostalgia, there’s no reason why The Hardacres can’t run on and run for years.
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