Viewers can’t seem to get enough of the show(Image: UKTV / BritBox / BBC Studios)
A hidden gem period drama — currently streaming free on BBC iPlayer — is being hailed as a ‘fascinating’ and ‘brilliant’ watch. The best part for history buffs? It’s based on true stories of an infamous British family and brings to life real events that took place in history.
Outrageous is a six-episode period drama adapted from Mary S Lovell’s biography of the infamous Mitford sisters, titled The Mitford Girls (known as The Sisters in the USA).
Penned for television by Sarah Williams and co-directed by Joss Agnew and Ellie Heydon, the period drama charts the lives of the six headline-grabbing Mitford sisters — Nancy, Pamela, Diana, Unity, Jessica, and Deborah — through the 1930s.
Outrageous first premiered on television in June 2025 and the series’ official summary states: “Based on the story of the Mitford sisters, six sisters who refused to play by the rules and whose often-scandalous lives made headlines around the world. Set in the 1930s, it is a tale of betrayal, scandal, heartache and even imprisonment.”
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Starring Bessie Carter, Isobel Jesper Jones, Joanna Vanderham, Shannon Watson, Zoe Brough, and Orla Hill as the six Mitford sisters, the actresses are accompanied by Toby Regbo, Anna Chancellor, James Purefoy, Joshua Sasse, and Jamie Blackley, completing an impressive ensemble cast.
The ‘captivating’ period drama is streaming free on BBC iPlayer(Image: KEVIN BAKER)
The historical drama has an 88% approval rating on review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes, with one critic saying of the series: “Inspired by Mary S. Lovell’s 2001 book The Mitford Girls, Sarah Williams has crafted a thoroughly entertaining and engrossing period drama that boasts a surprising contemporary resonance.”
Another reviewer said: “If you’re looking for a historical drama with some absolutely stellar performances – Carter, Watson, and Vanderham are so good – Outrageous is well worth your time.”
While a third critic added: “Whether you know about the Mitford sisters or not, Outrageous is still worth watching, as it delivers a polarizing, relevant, and lush ’30s period drama, both dazzling us and stripping off our rose-tinted glasses.”
Audiences have been equally enthralled, with one fan writing: “Everything about this series was brilliant!!! Fantastic acting, great story telling and a joy to watch.”
Another viewer said of the series: “Excellent. The acting is superb, the story chilling. Looking forward to a second season – fingers crossed.”
Fans have labelled the show ‘magnificent in every way’(Image: KEVIN BAKER)
A user review posted to IMDB reads: “Loved the characterizations of the Mitford girls. This show is Downton Abbey, only less proper. Wonderful that it is based on real people and their history. It had me looking up the lives of the Mitford girls to find out what happened to them. Love that so many of the scenes were narrated by the character of Nancy, who was herself a writer. Seems very apropos.”
While one glowing review says: “I loved it so much!!!!! Talented director/writer. Period pieces are essential, especially if they have historical information intertwined.
“This show had it all! The actors were on point. The storyline was great. The locations, sets, wardrobe, hair & makeup. All of it kept my attention. The characters were convincing. The friendships, the good & evil, and the family dynamics were so entertaining. The whole production was captivating.”
Yet another fan of the period drama commented: “Whomever said this show was delicious was right on the money! It’s actually truly fascinating and I’m savouring every morsel and I’m already dreading the end of the season because I will want it to go on. It has the perfect vibe, great acting, engaging storylines. This show is fabulous and so well done!”
Outrageous is available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer.
