'Visually astounding' period drama that's perfect for Downton Abbey fans now streaming

If you're on the hunt for a new period drama to lose yourself in, this relatively recent series from Channel 4 is worth checking out. It follows hot on the heels of another costume drama that has been hailed as "first class" and a top-notch Shakespeare adaptation, reports the Manchester Evening News.

The series has garnered rave reviews from audiences on IMDB. One viewer gave it a perfect 10/10 score, saying: "Each episode builds on the one before it. It is stunning. I'm not going to give any spoilers away, but this is the most visually astounding thing I've ever seen come out of UK, and that includes Downton Abbey.

"The acting is amazing, there are so many strong performances that it's impossible to pick out just one; the storyline riveting, the costumes are pitch-perfect, and there's more than a little sex, drinking, and romance."

Another 10/10 reviewer remarked: "Some months ago, I binge watched all of S1 over a weekend. Real life was effectively cancelled until the closing credits of the final episode. It was a glorious, immersive experience. This is a genuine 'Jewel' of a show."

A third viewer enthused: "Fabulous show. The acting is superb, the characters and the writing top notch, the attention to detail and historical accuracy amazing."

Another fan noted: "The setting is beautiful and the audio and visuals and costumes really bring you into the series. I can almost smell the air of the mountains.

"There are several themes running through the series and you can see things starting to come together into a more coherent whole by the 3rd episode. I would rate this series as one of the best i've seen - along the lines of Downton Abbey or The Wire."

Yet another said: "It's a really lovely show. I had tried to watch it when it was first broadcast on PBS, but somehow it was not compelling enough and I somehow got the sense that the story would be insubstantial. I'm so happy I went back to the show and starting watching again.

"I didn't give the show enough of a try or sometimes it just happens this way. I remember my first attempt at seeing "The Wire" didn't work, but then a year later I went back to see what the rest of the American viewers and critics were raving about."

Indian Summers debuted in 2015 featuring an impressive ensemble cast including Dame Julie Walters, Nikesh Patel and Henry Lloyd-Hughes, with the Channel 4 series hailed as the successor to Downton Abbey.

Taking place in 1932, the narrative explored the final chapter of British Colonial dominance in India during escalating political unrest as the country fought for freedom from its imperial overlords.

The programme was packed with political scheming and cunning personalities, leaving numerous characters in dangerous circumstances. The star-studded cast also features Madeleine Mathers, Game of Thrones actor Patrick Malahide, Jemima West, Gandhi's Roshan Seth, Fiona Glascott, Lillete Dubey, Line of Duty's Craig Parkinson, Amber Rose Revah from Netflix's The Punisher, Art Malik, and Rachel Griffiths, to name a few.

Indian Summers is streaming on Channel 4 now