Epix's 'Belgravia' receives warm welcome from fans who say it is the perfect replacement to 'Downton Abbey'
Spoilers for 'Belgravia' Season 1 Episode 1
Escape into the magnificent, luxurious world of 19th Century London in Epix's new period drama 'Belgravia'.
Based on the novel of the same name, written by Julian Fellowes and coming from the team behind the hit series 'Downton Abbey', 'Belgravia' is a grand invitation into the world of London's richest — complete with their secrets, lies and deceit.
The historical drama is based on the night of the Duchess of Richmond's ball, just two days before the Battle of Waterloo. The saga that begins there is an exploration into life and society in the 1800s.
Premiering earlier tonight, it is safe to say the series has its audience "hooked". At the end of the episode, a shocking revelation is made in a surreal fashion — that way, it hits the audiences more.
"I suppose every episode will reveal a deeper yet darker clue, eh? No worries I'm already hooked! #Belgravia," tweeted a fan.
For many fans in the country, the show comes as a welcome replacement to their favorite British period drama, 'Downton Abbey'. Coming from the team behind 'Downton Abbey' and directed by John Alexander, 'Belgravia' is a unique extension of the Fellowes series, albeit only darker.
"Well that ['Belgravia'] was a joy to watch! I’ve been missing #DowntonAbbey and it appears that #Belgravia has filled the void! Good show, well done!" tweeted a fan. You can really tell #Belgravia is made by the same people that did #DowntonAbbey," concurred another.
With its many twists and turns — definitely more than the dawdling yet charming 'Downton Abbey' — 'Belgravia' could be deemed a fascinating fusion of period drama and suspense, making it more believable than the aspirational 'Downton Abbey'.
"Yeah, this did feel more true-ish than #DowntonAbbey #Belgravia," tweeted a fan.
Fans of the British period drama have missed it so much that 'Belgravia' is receiving a warm welcome on its premiere night. "I set a reminder at 6:00 PM, and dropped everything to watch it. I've missed #DowntonAbbey and #Belgravia has much of the same magic."
When we spoke to actor Jack Shalloo (who plays the role of Morris, a footman for the Trenchards, on the series), he explained to us that 'Belgravia' is also an exploration into life and society in the 1800s.
Morris, along with the rest of the staff of the Trenchards, sits in the cellar discussing their bosses — but for seasoned viewers, this was something worth looking forward to. "I figured we'd get a 'downstairs"' moment, and of course we did," a fan noted.
And just as Shalloo had predicted, the show is an incentive to learn more about Britain's imperial past littered with the struggles of its working class. "I’m not too familiar with the Napoleonic Wars, but this show makes me want to learn more! #Belgravia," tweeted a fan.
Tune in to Episode 2 which will premiere on Sunday, April 19, at 9/8c on Epix.