Review: “The Hardacres” Revisits Yorkshire’s Past in New Period Drama

The new Channel 5 drama “The Hardacres,” adapted from a novel by CL Skelton, follows a Yorkshire family’s journey from manual labor to wealth. Despite its potential to explore societal themes, the show has drawn criticism for being a “patronising fairy story,” complete with elements resembling a bank advertisement. Adapted by the team behind “All Creatures Great and Small,” the drama depicts the 1890s in Yorkshire, England.

The series opens with the Hardacre family, led by patriarch Sam, portrayed by Liam McMahon, whose noble act to protect another worker results in an injury that puts him out of work. Claire Cooper plays Mary Hardacre, Sam’s wife, well-known for her role as Jacqui McQueen from “Hollyoaks.” As the family struggles financially, they face challenges including inappropriate advances from Sam’s boss and external threats when attempting entrepreneurial ventures.

The drama highlights their efforts to overcome adversity through “pure intentions and hard work.” A reflective quote by Mary Hardacre as she stands defiantly against robbers has left viewers questioning the series’ portrayal of economic challenges. The storyline soon leads to a miraculous transformation when a bank investment turns the family’s fortune around, elevating them to the upper echelons of society—a transition marked by their purchase of a stately home.

Director Rachel Carey emphasizes historical authenticity. Carey stated, “I wanted the series to resonate with the present while honouring the past.” She indicated that the aim was to portray the Victorian era truthfully and cinematically, although the execution of class dynamics and economic mobility remains contentious.

Zak Ford-Williams, starring as a family member, commends the show for presenting underrepresented aspects of the Victorian era, like the experience of individuals with disabilities. Ford-Williams stresses the importance of portraying these realities, noting, “It’s important to give people a proper look into what these periods were like for all sorts of people.”

While “The Hardacres” seeks inspiration from Victorian paintings and early photography to capture the era’s essence, viewers are left to decide whether the series effectively balances historical realism with entertainment value. The drama continues next Monday at 9pm on Channel 5.