The Porter
Inspired by events from 1920s North America, this landmark Canadian series follows a group of railway workers who formed the world’s first Black union. Set primarily in Montreal, Chicago and Detroit, The Porter depicts the Black community in St Antoine, Montreal, then known as the ‘Harlem of the North.’ Young and gifted, the workers are thrown together, north and south of the colour line. In the post-war atmosphere of anything being possible, if change isn’t coming for them, they’ve resolved to come for it.
Aml Ameen, who plays Martin Luther King Jr in the upcoming Rustin, stars alongside Ronnie Rowe (Star Trek: Discovery), Mouna Traoré (Murdoch Mysteries) and Loren Lott (The Young and the Restless).
The Porter premieres exclusively in Australia, with episodes screening weekly at 8.30pm on NITV. The full season is also now streaming .
My Brilliant Friend
Adapted from Elena Ferrante’s Neopolitan novels, this critically acclaimed, global smash hit follows best friends Lila (Gaia Girace) and Elena (Margherita Mazzucco) as they navigate the complex social politics of 1950s Neapolitan suburbia. My Brilliant Friend brings the books magically to life, with all the charm and intelligence you’d expect. Its sparkling performances chart a complex female friendship. In Italian with English subtitles.
Why Women Kill S1 & 2
This hugely popular show transports us to the social mores and stereotypes of the times. (And the fashions, let's never forget those fashions). Season one straddles three eras, as occupants of the same house grapple with murderous motivations in 1963, 1984 and 2019. Season 2 brings a whole new cast and storyline to 1949-era Los Angeles, and an outsider's desperate bid to join an exclusive garden club.
The Longest Day in Chang’an
The Longest Day in Chang’an is essential viewing for action epic enthusiasts. It’s 744AD and a former detective turned convicted criminal becomes China’s last hope to thwart mysterious invaders who threaten the empire’s capital city on the day before the Lantern Festival. Fans of 24 will be familiar with the structure of this Chinese period drama, which follows one very stressful day in the cosmopolitan heart of the Tang dynasty, Chang’an. The series takes place over 48 episodes, each accounting for 30 minutes of the day. Based on Ma Boyong’s novel of the same name, the series is visually stunning with high production values, with the clothing, make-up and architecture as authentic as possible to the time.
Between Two Worlds
This German drama takes us to West Germany in the early 1950s where the post-war US military presence permeates, and a new era of individual freedom, permissiveness and capitalism is opening up. We follow Marie and Erika who determine to direct the course of their lives, while inevitable collisions with the conservative old world and the heady temptations of the new, put their friendship to the test. Elisa Schlott () and Franziska Brandmeier (Six Minutes to Midnight) star as Marie and Erika. Jonas Nay, Dietmar Bär and newcomer Reomy D Mpeho also star.
L'Ora
From the creators of Subarra comes this '50s-set Mafia-origin crime series, inspired by the real-life investigative efforts of the Sicilian newspaper of the same name. L'Ora chronicles how in October 1958, the Sicilian newspaper L’Ora denounced the mafia and its endemic organised crime in the region. Shortly after, a bomb detonated in front of the editorial offices; only two days later, the daily reappeared with the headline: “The Mafia may threaten us, our investigation continues.” Inspired by those true events, the series follows a newly appointed editor in chief, who encourages the investigative team to focus their work on organised crime and its reach into every corner of society.
Season 1 is now streaming at SBS On Demand
The Village S1 & 2
From creator Peter Moffat (Your Honour, Silk) this English drama sets itself the sweeping task of charting the whole of the 20th century, through the lives of the residents of a rural Peak District village. Farming families, landed gentry, lords and ladies, rub along together as community and world events shape their lives. Sometimes grim, sometimes humorous, this ambitious series’ cast includes John Simm, Maxine Peake, Emily Beecham, Ainsley Howard and Jim Cartwright.
Atlantic Crossing
Pack your steamer trunk and join Scandi drama royalty on a tale of actual Scandi royalty. Atlantic Crossing shines a spotlight on a pivotal political relationship that just might have been personal as well: the bond between Norwegian Crown Princess Martha (Sofia Helin) and US President Franklin D. Roosevelt (Kyle MacLachlan). There’s more to this than flirting across maps of Nazi-controlled Europe; for all her royal trappings Martha is basically a refugee stranded in the US, and her personal plight is just as moving as her struggle to save her people from Nazi rule.
New Gold Mountain
A more inclusive tale of the Gold Rush than is typically told in Australia, this four-part Australian drama, commissioned by SBS, is told from the perspective of the Chinese miners. Inspired by real life, a murder mystery brings together an ensemble cast of compelling characters. Stars Yoson An (Dead Lucky, Mulan), Alyssa Sutherland (Vikings), Christopher James Baker (True Detective), Dan Spielman (The Code) and Mabel Li ().
The full series (4 episodes) is now streaming at are is available with subtitles in , , , and . Start here:
Catch all of these series and many, many more at the 'Period Dramas' collection at
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