Fans of Mr Selfridge will love charming BBC period drama streaming free now

A "beautifully filmed" BBC period drama series hailed as "better than Mr Selfridge" is streaming now. The Paradise first hit screens in September 2012, and is a loose adaptation of celebrated French novelist Émile Zola's 1883 book Au Bonheur des Dames (The Ladies' Paradise), but set in the North East of England.

The story begins in the 1870s and follows Denise Lovett (played by Joanna Vanderham), who leaves her home in the small Scottish town of Peebles to work at England's first department store, The Paradise, and gets an overwhelming introduction to modern life. One fan called the series "witty, moving, adorable, suspenseful, intriguing, and the list goes on... hats off... pun intended."

Another wrote: "If you are looking for a delightful, beautifully filmed series that is period drama and romance, look no further. This charming series offers beautiful sets, gorgeous costumes, and surprising story lines.

They said the series features "very fine, hardworking British actors like Peter Wight, Sarah Lancashire, David Bamber, Ruby Bentall, Patrick Malahide, Peter Wight, Arthur Darvill, Matthew McNulty, and Sonya Cassidy. So many favourites".

"Have patience and enjoy this series. Two seasons just isn't enough."

A third said added: "Great period drama. Great acting and story. It seems that there is a lot of similarity to Mr Selfridge, and that is a good thing."

Mr Selfridge dramatises the rise of Harry Selfridge's high-end department stores in Britain, driven by his relentless ambition.

A fourth said it's better than Mr Selfridge, adding: "It's a shame there are only two seasons. Why BBC, why??". The BBC previously said that it wouldn't be returning for a third season "in order to make room for new dramas to come through".

A fifth fan, they almost didn't watch this show after hearing negative assessments of it, but were pleasantly surprised. "Don't hesitate to watch this two-season show!" they urged.

Both series of The Paradise are streaming now on streaming service U, which is operated by BBC Studios.