The Paradise: A Hidden Gem of Period Drama Now Available on Amazon Prime Video
One of television's most underrated period dramas has found a new streaming home, allowing audiences to rediscover its captivating charm. The Paradise, the BBC costume drama that originally aired in 2012-2013, is now available on Amazon Prime Video, offering both nostalgic fans and new viewers a chance to immerse themselves in its richly detailed Victorian world.
A Lavish Adaptation of Literary Classic
This series is an adaptation of Émile Zola's 1883 novel Au Bonheur des Dames, transporting viewers to 1875 England during the dawn of the department store era. The story revolves around The Paradise, England's first-ever department store, owned by the charismatic widower John Moray, portrayed by Emun Elliott. The narrative follows the intricate lives and relationships of those who work and shop within this revolutionary retail environment.
Compelling Characters and Relationships
The drama centers on Denise Lovett, played by Joanna Vanderham, who arrives from the small Scottish town of Peebles and becomes enchanted by the modern world of The Paradise. Her natural talent quickly catches Moray's eye, creating tension with established staff members, particularly the head of ladies' fashion. Meanwhile, Katherine, portrayed by Elaine Cassidy, views Denise as a threat to her plans to marry Moray, who is financially dependent on her father, Lord Glendenning.
The second season introduces new challenges as The Paradise faces financial difficulties under new ownership, risking sale and closure. This continuation explores whether the store's fortunes can be revived amidst changing circumstances.
Production Excellence and Critical Reception
Filmed at Lambton Castle in County Durham, which was transformed to resemble a bustling Victorian department store, the series benefited from an £8 million budget that allowed for exceptional production values. The grand scenery, authentic costumes, and meticulous set design create an immersive historical experience.
On Rotten Tomatoes, The Paradise maintains an impressive 84% audience score, with the first season averaging 4.2 out of 5 stars. Viewers consistently praise the series for its engaging storytelling, with comments highlighting how it "pulls you in" and creates characters that are "never forgotten." Critics have been equally enthusiastic, with the Wall Street Journal calling it "spectacularly entertaining" and TV Guide noting that viewers should prepare to be "charmed."
Notable Cast and Creative Elements
The series features a talented ensemble cast including Stephen Wight, Sonya Cassidy, and guest stars such as Mark Bonnar, Adrian Scarborough, and award-winning actress Sarah Lancashire as Madame Aurélie Lhomme. The musical score, composed by Maurizio Malagnini and performed by the BBC Concert Orchestra, won a Music + Sound Award in 2013, adding another layer of authenticity to the period setting.
Why It Ended and Current Availability
Despite its critical acclaim and dedicated fanbase, The Paradise concluded after two seasons and 16 episodes due to lower ratings compared to contemporary BBC dramas like Sherlock, Death in Paradise, and Mr Selfridge. The latter ITV series explored similar themes of department store innovation, creating direct competition.
Now, through its availability on Amazon Prime Video, this overlooked gem has found new life. Fans who were disappointed by the lack of a third season can revisit the existing episodes, while new audiences can discover why this series has been described as a "comforting blanket" of period drama that combines wit, romance, and social commentary in equal measure.
The Paradise represents a significant achievement in historical television drama, offering both entertainment and insight into Victorian commercial and social dynamics. Its streaming availability ensures that this beautifully crafted series will continue to find appreciative audiences for years to come.
