Channel 5 period drama The Hardacres is only returning to screen this week and fans ‘can’t wait’
The founder of the production company behind All Creatures Great and Small is part of a new period drama(Image: 5)
Beloved period drama The Hardacres is returning this week for an exciting second series.
The fresh instalment of the Channel 5 drama comprises six episodes and starts on Thursday, May 15. Picking up the family’s rags-to-riches tale as they navigate newfound wealth and sweeping social change in the latter part of the 19th century.
The storyline follows the Hardacres as they venture into 1895, continuing to find their footing after climbing out of poverty while grappling with the various modern shifts transforming everyday life.
While not rooted in real events, The Hardacres is adapted from the hugely popular 1970s novels in C.L. Skelton’s The Hardacre Family Saga (specifically Hardacre and Hardacre’s Luck).
Claire Cooper and Liam McMahon reprise their roles as Mary and Sam Hardacre, joined by Julie Graham as Mary’s mother, Ma. The new series also introduces a fresh adversary for the family in the form of Lady Imelda Hansen, mother of their neighbour Emma, reports the Express.
Adam Little, Shannon Lavelle, and Zak Ford-Williams return as Hardacre children Joe, Liza, and Harry, respectively, with Holly Sturton, Cathy Belton, Owen Roe, Ingrid Craigie, and Sarah Agha also back on board.
The programme is the brainchild of writers Amy Roberts and Loren McLaughlan, who also serve as executive producers. Colin Callender, founder of production company Playground Entertainment — behind All Creatures Great and Small — is also on board as a producer.
With just days remaining before The Hardacres makes its comeback to our screens, enthusiasts have been voicing their anticipation for fresh episodes, with one fan posting on Instagram: “Can’t wait for S2.”
While another declared: “4 more days until season 2……yee haa”, and a third contributed: “Can’t wait.”
Over on Rotten Tomatoes, devotees of The Hardacres have also been expressing their views on the opening series, with one viewer noting: “This is a light-hearted period series with great costumes, settings and actors. While it might seem a bit predictable, it’s enjoyable to watch and fills the heart with warmth.”
Another remarked: “Two episodes in: slightly over-the-top period drama but loads of fun and atmosphere. The minutely detailed sets and costumes are excellent.”
A further fan observed: “This show was more fun than Downtown, and much less stressful than, say, Unforgotten. So, it was a nice break from both. All in all, a very nice way to spend a few hours in front of the old telly. I’d like to see another season of this one day.”
The Hardacres returns on Thursday 14 May at 9pm on 5.
