Title: “The Paradise” – The Steamy, Forgotten BBC Period Drama That’s Even Better Than ‘Downton Abbey’ (And Way More Scandalous!)
If you love glamorous period dramas filled with romance, ambition, class warfare, and forbidden desire, then The Paradise is an absolute hidden gem you need to watch right now.
Originally aired on BBC in 2012–2013, The Paradise is a lush, seductive adaptation of Émile Zola’s classic novel Au Bonheur des Dames. Set in the dazzling world of England’s first grand department store in the late 19th century, the series follows the ambitious and beautiful Denise Lovett (Joanna Vanderham), who arrives in town and lands a job at the revolutionary new store called The Paradise.
What makes it so addictive:
- Jaw-dropping Victorian fashion and stunning production design
- Intense will-they-won’t-they romance between Denise and the charismatic, ruthless store owner John Moray (Emun Elliott)
- Cutthroat business rivalries, scandalous affairs, and social climbing
- Strong female characters who refuse to be boxed in by society’s rules
While it only ran for two seasons, The Paradise delivers pure escapist drama with higher stakes, steamier romance, and more emotional intensity than many similar shows. Fans often say it’s like Downton Abbey meets The Gilded Age, but with bolder storytelling and far more sexual tension.
The chemistry between Joanna Vanderham and Emun Elliott is electric, and the supporting cast (including Sarah Lancashire and Stephen Wight) is outstanding.
If you’ve never seen it, you’re in for a treat. The entire series is beautifully shot, elegantly written, and endlessly rewatchable.
Have you watched The Paradise yet? Do you prefer it over Downton Abbey, or is it still underrated? Let me know your thoughts below
