Do you love Scotland? And BBC programs? Every since we returned from Scotland last summer we’ve been slowly making our way back through one of our favorite shows—Monarch of the Glen.
We had to go old school to get back to it—DVDs. We already owned five of the seven seasons, and I added one of the missing ones when I stumbled on it at a used book store. I’m still missing the final season, but when we get there, I’ll get it. This is one of the reasons I still buy DVDs. Sometimes your favorites aren’t on any streaming platform, although you’ll be glad to know that I recently found it on Amazon Prime Video free with ads (see the preview below for link!).
One of the interesting things about this series is that while it is based on a book (most BBC shows are, that’s why, I contend, they are so much better than American shows!), the book was published in the 1940s. From what I can tell, they took some of the situations of the book and crafted a completely different story around them and put it in a contemporary setting. I really want to read the book and see the inspiration, but haven’t gotten to it yet!
Here’s the general gist of the series:
Archie Macdonald left the family home in Scotland’s Highlands nearly ten years ago and had no desire to go back. When news of a family crisis reaches him, however, he reluctantly heads up to crumbling Glenbogle Castle.
So why do we love this series from the early 2000s? It’s got everything!
- Scottish views—lochs and wildlife, castles and highland hills wrapped in mist. In every episode we feel transported back to Scotland. And the accents–did I mention the accents???
- Drama—the heir is called back to the castle when things are crumbling financially. It’s a plot that continues to add tension throughout, the funding of an estate and brining it into the 21st century.
- Romance—oh, so many romantic threads! But suffice it to the say the main character, Archie, the son and heir, is adorable, so even when he’s being stupid about love, I still like him. 🙂
- Humor—whether it’s Archie’s eccentric parents or their equally eccentric neighbor Lord Killwillie (played by Julian Fellowes!), there is always something to make you laugh.
Like so many BBC shows, some of the main characters come and go over the seasons, but I love how they make the changes logical and the show continues on without a hiccup. (How do so many BBC shows make that transition so well and American shows do it so terribly?)
Even at over twenty years old, the stories, characters, and acting makes this an enjoyable watch again and again.
Have you seen this series? Do you have a favorite, slightly obscure BBC program?
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Thank you for this recommendation. This is a new series for me.
I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
Hello D’Ann, I absolutely am obssessed with Monarch. The father has always been one of my favorites as he was the main character on “The Good Life”. Seriously a great actor and the show is top notch. You can watch it on Amazon Prime with the Freeview App or you can watch it on Crackle. Downside, you have to watch ads. I was so upset when Netflix cancelled it. I wrote them a million times asking them to get it back.
😉 Have a great day. 🙂 Mary
Isn’t he the best? But of course I love the mom, too. And Lord Killwillie. And . . . well, everyone! So glad to find another fan!
I haven’t seen this one, D’Ann, but your description definitely has me intrigued. 🙂
Yay! I hope you like it!
Sounds like something I’d enjoy! As we have Prime, I will check it out. As for an obscure BBC show, I’d vote for ‘Flambards,” which I watched on PBS a zillion years ago. My copy of the book by KM Peyton is tattered from re-reading. It’s set in 1910s England as the world moves from horses to automobiles and aeroplanes. Bit of a love triangle, the demise of grand English estates, Edwardian costumes, all the fun stuff.
That sounds great, Janice! I’ll have to look for both the show and the book! Thanks!
I loved this show too!
So glad to hear it!
I never saw this series but I’ve heard of it.
I remember seeing previews for upcoming episodes on WGBH Boston during its original US broadcast. (I was in college at the time) Fast forward some years, it was on WETA-DC’s UK Channel (which airs popular old and new British shows and programs) for a time. Plus the complete DVD box set is available.
If you’re in luck, your local public library system may have it.
How fun that you remember those original previews on PBS! Very true about checking the library. These harder to find shows are why I like owning the DVDs–so I can watch them anytime I want to! 🙂
I love several PBS shows! Thanks for telling me about this one, it sounds like it’s right up my alley. 🙂
I think you’ll like it!