'Spellbinding' BBC period drama that's 'Harry Potter for adults' on Amazon Prime

A lesser-known BBC period drama characterised as "Harry Potter for adults" is hailed as "spellbinding" by fans. Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell is a seven-part series based Susanna Clarke's best selling novel.

Set during in a fantastical alternative history during Napoleonic Wars, it follows the adventures of Gilbert Norrel (played by Eddie Marsan), and his apprentice Jonathan Strange (Bertie Carvel) two men who can harness magic powers largely forgotten and shunned in England. But the seductive power offered by a powerful spirit brings the two men into conflict.

One fan on IMDb said: This is BBC drama at its very best and a great showcase for why the licence fee is such good value. The quality of acting is superb with brilliant casting, lighting, costumes and direction.

"Hats off to Peter Harness, Nick Hirschkorn and Toby Haynes for writing, producing and directing respectively such a complex book into television drama of the highest quality. Those who have read the complex and sonorous book will be aware of the feat this adaptation has required. This production oozes class and looks set to grip viewers under its spell.

"And all this without a single shirt needing to be torn off. At least, thus far."

Another called it, "Truly Spellbinding". "Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell is a slightly glum, complex but ultimately intriguing drama about two magicians attempting to return magic to England," they added.

"The plot itself is unpredictable with many compelling twists which result in massive impacts on each of the characters. Although, it can be rather confusing for me at times."

"The visuals are stunning and clearly the creators put a lot of money and effort into making them seem as realistic and jaw-dropping as possible," they said.

"From the swarm of agitated ravens to the voluminous black tornado formed by Mr Strange himself, there is nothing to fault."

The Guardian said in a review around the time of its 2015 release that that in a way "it's Harry Potter for those adults who were too ashamed to be seen reading that on the tube: but it's far snakier and more thrilling", likening the relationship between the two leads more to that of Mozart and Salieri in Milos Foreman's oscar biopic Amadeus.

"It's in the Sunday-night slot lately reserved for Poldark, but "it's 10 times better", the outlet said at the time.

The series has a 15 certificate and contains strong supernatural threat, violence, and bloody images - so may not be for everyone.

Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell is streaming now on Amazon Prime.