Sometimes, all we need is good old-fashioned TV. A little bit of escapism from the 2026 news cycle. And what better way to escape than travelling to a different era entirely? Sign us up. If you’ve rewatched Downton Abbey more times than you can remember, we’ve found the perfect replacement. Anna Maxwell Martin’s South Riding is every bit as charming and addictive. The best part is you can watch the entire five-star period drama tonight.

The adaptation of Winifred Holtby’s 1936 novel takes us to the fictional Yorkshire Town of South Riding, which is dealing with a litany of social issues and class conflict (just like our friends in Downton with the upstairs/downstairs drama and changing times). So, what’s the set-up? After years away, upbeat headmistress Sarah Burton (Anna Maxwell Martin) returns in the hope of making a real change for women – but could romance get in the way of her vision?

Intrigued? With the series available to stream tonight, here’s everything you need to know about South Riding, including the cast, plot and how to watch it.

What is South Riding about?

woman sitting on table with students in uniform standing behind her.
BBC

The three-part series, which first aired on the BBC in 2011, follows trailblazing headmistress Sarah Burton (Anna Maxwell Martin) who returns to her Yorkshire hometown to run a local girls’ school. It’s the 1930s, and Britain is in a deep recession. The story follows the lives of villagers from all levels – from the slums to landed gentry.

Sarah, who lost her fiancé in the war, is on a mission to inspire her pupils to think freely and aspire to be more than wives and mothers. When she encounters gifted teenager Lydia Holly (Charlie May-Clark) she’s determined to help her pursue her academic gift. But it won’t be easy. Lydia comes from a poor family who live in a railway slum known as ‘The Shacks’.

Sarah’s enthusiasm rubs many of the residents the wrong way, including traditionalist landowner Robert Carne (David Morrissey), who’s on the brink of financial ruin. He’s also overcome with guilt after his wife Muriel Carne (Lydia Wilson) was put in an institution. Meanwhile, he’s desperate to give his daughter Midge (Katherine McGolpin) the kind of life she’s accustomed to.

What to read next

warning this image may only be used for publicity purposes in connection with the broadcast of the programme as licensed by bbc worldwide ltd must carry the shown copyright legend. it may not be used for any commercial purpose without a licence from the bbc. © bbc 2011
Todd Anthony

Despite Sarah and Robert’s differences, the attraction between them is undeniable – but will romance blossom? Also vying for Sarah’s affection is Joe Astell (Douglas Henshall), a former communist with whom she’s more politically aligned. Joe is not only a romantic rival to Robert, he’s battling with him to transform the town’s slums into an ambitious social housing project for its residents.

Anna Maxwell Martin previously spoke to the BBC about playing Sarah. ‘She’s a very opinionated woman,’ she said. ‘I suppose she’s verging on being a feminist, quite left-wing and very progressive and she has big plans for the girls of the South Riding.’

Who’s in the cast of South Riding?

woman in red hat and gray scarf standing near a weathered building.
BBC

The cast of South Riding includes:

  • Anna Maxwell Martin (Bleak House, The Bletchley Circle) as Sarah Burton
  • Charlie May-Clark (Death Comes To Pemberley) as Lydia Holly
  • David Morrissey (Sherwood, The Long Shadow) as Robert Carne
  • Penelope Wilton (Downton Abbey) as Mrs Beddows
  • John Henshaw (Early Doors) as Alfred Huggins
  • Peter Firth (Spooks) as Alderman Snaith

Is South Riding any good?

couple dancing elegantly in formal attire.
BBC

In one word – yes! Anna Maxwell Martin is unforgettable as the firecracker Sarah Burton – she’s raw and real, and impossible not to love – even for all her flaws. Word of warning – despite all the beautiful costumes and romance, it’s an emotional watch. Plus, the themes of social inequality and financial hardship are just as relevant today, making it even more watchable!

How can I watch South Riding?

You can watch South Riding now on Channel 4.

What other Anna Maxwell Martin dramas can I watch now?

death comes to pemberleypicture shows: james fleet, rebecca front, matthew rhys, and anna maxwell martin in death comes to pemberley
BBC

For a period drama mixed with a murder mystery, try Death Comes To Pemberley. The series revisits Jane Austen’s classic Pride And Prejudice and adds in an Agatha Christie-esque mystery. Anna plays Elizabeth Bennet whose annual ball with husband Mr. Darcy (Matthew Rhys) turns into a whodunnit… You can watch Death Comes To Pemberley now on U and Channel 4. For something more modern, and equally brilliant, we’d suggest Ludwig. Anna (who plays Lucy) joins her missing husband’s identical twin John ‘Ludwig’ Taylor (David Mitchell) to crack a slew of mystifying cases across Cambridge. You can watch Ludwig now on BBC iPlayer.