Viewers have been left in floods of tears by a BBC period drama that has been dubbed a ‘masterpiece’.
Boasting a perfect 100% Rotten Tomatoes score, Life After Life has somehow managed to fly under the radar since its release in 2022.
Boasting a star-studded cast, from the likes of Thomasin McKenzie, Lily James, Paul Dano, James Norton and Jim Broadbent to Gillian Anderson, the four-part series is currently streaming on BBC iPlayer.
Adapted from the 2013 novel of the same by name by Kate Atkinson, the John Crowley directed programme follows the story of Ursula Todd (McKenzie), who has an infinite number of chances to live her life.
Writing online, TV fans have hailed the series as being ‘one of the best shows ever’.
Commenting on Google Reviews, Sherri Norman said: ‘Amazing, loved it. Watched it over three nights. Each episode draws you in wondering what happens to Ursula.
‘It doesn’t drag on, every minute there’s another story in a story. It’s a wonderfully written show with lots of twists and turns and will leave you wanting more. Can’t believe I hadn’t seen it before!’
Rachel Wilkins also wrote: ‘This is probably the best series I [have] ever watched in my 54 years of life.
‘It really shows you how life will bring you happiness and drama no matter what path you take… Need more stories like this.’
LaVitta Holman similarly said: ‘I think this is the Best Show I’ve ever seen! It’s so amazing to see life and the different roads it takes you through.
‘This was a pleasant surprise. I’ve never heard of this masterpiece. So happy I found it.’
Eager for some other period dramas?
Stephen Cohen added: ‘Like a good book I could not put this mini series down. Totally binged it.’
Meanwhile, KN argued: ‘A tearjerker and a story that strangely ask you the question. Why are we alive?
‘What this series does in 4 episodes is remarkable and every actor is stellar. Bring a box of tissues but you won’t be disappointed.’
Comparing it to The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and The Age of Adaline, Bures also likened it to a ‘dramatic Groundhog Day’.
A critic for the Guardian even claimed that it was a ‘thoroughly addictive weepathon’ in their review.
An official synopsis of the series reads: ‘The series tells the story of Ursula Todd, who dies one night in 1910 before she can draw her first breath.
‘On that same night, however, she is reborn and survives. Time and time again, living and dying in different circumstances, Ursula is reborn into new, alternative lives.
‘The story follows Ursula as she navigates each life through a critical era that spans two world wars, an encounter with Hitler and other major life events.’
The popularity of this period drama comes after another BBC show was hailed as ‘easily among the best of British TV’ after it began streaming on Netflix.
Foyle’s War, which has received high praise from viewers, was first set in the Second World War when it aired on ITV but continued to tackle crime all the way up to the Cold War.
Life After Life is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
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