If you’re looking for a period drama that provides entertainment and escapism in equal measure, say hello to Channel 5’s The Hardacres. The first series of the relatable rags-to-riches drama was dubbed “outstanding TV” and now, what’s set to be a rather eventful series 2 is officially on the way. Hurrah!
If you’re new to the series, it's set in 1890s Yorkshire and follows the titular Hardacres, a working-class family who work their way out of poverty and into a vast country estate. Starring Claire Cooper and Liam McMahon as heads of the family Mary and Sam Hardacre, it’s a brilliantly feel-good series with a huge helping of drama thrown in – and judging by the plot and newly-released pictures, the latter is especially true of series 2.
While we patiently await the arrival of The Hardacres' eagerly-anticipated second series on our screens, here's everything you need to know about the period drama, including the plot, cast and how to watch series 1.
What is The Hardacres about?
From the team behind the hit series All Creatures Great and Small, the series is based on CL Skelton’s The Hardacre Saga book series. The first six-part series aired in October last year and followed the Hardacre family, a working class family in 1890s Yorkshire, as they navigated their rise from poverty to staggering wealth. The drama followed their lives, loves and fortunes as they moved from a grimy fish dock to a vast country estate.
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When an accident at work on the docks landed Sam (Liam McMahon) and Mary Hardacre (Claire Cooper) - along with their three kids Joe (Adam Little), Liza (Shannon Lavelle) and Harry (Zak Ford-Williams), and Mary’s inimitable mother Ma (Julie Graham) - unemployed and destitute, they had to think fast.
In a bid to avoid the workhouse, the determined Hardacres put their final pennies into a radical business venture they hoped would free them from their challenging existence on the quays of the North Yorkshire coast. But the question is: can money ever really buy true happiness?
What to read next
What will happen in The Hardacres series 2?
The new series will chart the Hardacres as they settle into Hardacre Hall and turn their attention to reshaping the world around them. According to the broadcaster, that comes with plenty of "ambition, friction, and fallout".
The official synopsis continues: "Series 2 finds the Hardacre family on the brink of transformation in 1895, as modernity sweeps into Hardacre Hall with electricity and shifting loyalties. Mary and Sam embrace wealth and opportunity, but their children begin forging identities that challenge expectations.
"Mary champions adult education for dock workers, while Sam expands the family business amid a looming recession, uncertain if Joe is ready to succeed him. Determined to prove himself, Joe’s impulsive choices threaten his future. Liza recovering from romantic disappointment, is swept up by a chance encounter with a handsome stranger, while Harry’s plans to abandon school are transformed by an inspiring new tutor.
"Ma forms an unexpected bond but as some relationships blossom, others are strained. As tensions rise, Lady Imelda Hansen arrives at the Fitzherbert’s home with a dangerous agenda, forcing the Hardacres to unite or risk losing everything."
Who's starring in The Hardacres series 2?
The following series 1 cast members will return for the new instalment:
- Claire Cooper (Snatch) as Mary Hardacre
- Liam McMahon (Evie, Hunger) as Sam Hardacre
- Julie Graham (This City is Ours) as Ma Hardacre
- Shannon Lavelle as Liza Hardacre
- Adam Little as Joe Hardacre
- Zak Ford-Williams as Harry Hardacre
- Holly Sturton as Adella Fitzherbert
- Cathy Belton as Emma Fitzherbert
- Owen Roe as George Fitzherbert
- Siobhan O'Kelly as Lena
- Ingrid Craigie as Mrs Dryden
- Sarah Agha as Betsy Hardacre
- Taheen Modak as Callum Saunders
They will also be joined by the follow new cast members:
- Michele Dotrice (A Very English Scandal) as Lady Imelda Hansen
- Niall McNamee (Saipan, Bad Sisters) as Edward Blackwood
- Edward Mitchell (Zack Snyder’s Justice League) as Arthur Lewis
Is The Hardacres any good?
Yes - it's bold and gutsy, but it's also an easy watch, which is surely the hallmark of a good period drama. It's been praised for being more relatable than other period dramas like Downton Abbey and The Buccaneers and well, who doesn't love a rags-to-riches story?
How can I watch The Hardacres series 2?
The Hardacres series 2 is due to premiere on Channel 5 this spring. As soon as we have a confirmed date, we'll share it here. In the meantime, you can catch up on the first series, which is available to stream in full on 5.
