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The first series of a "masterpiece" period drama set in the 1840s that fans of Downton Abbey will love is streaming now on Netflix. Cranford hit the small screen in late 2007 and quickly won a legion of fans with its rich interweaving tales of romance, gossip class tension in the fictional Cheshire town that gives the cosy dramedy its name.

The Netflix blurb reads: "Adapted from Elizabeth Gaskell's novels, this miniseries follows a group of women in a town wrestling with modernity and the inevitability of change." The first series consisted of five episodes, followed up by Return to Cranford, a two-episode Christmas Special finale, in 2009. The ensemble cast includes Dame Judi Dench and Harry Potter star Imelda Staunton, Tom Hiddleston and a host of other big name British thespians.

Fans have flocked to IMDb to shower Cranford with praise. One said it has "more HEART than any piece I've seen in quite some time".

"Shown as a "Masterpiece Classic" on America's PBS network, "Cranford" truly, truly, truly lived up to the Masterpiece moniker, with a capital M," they added.

Another said it's "one of the best period drama/comedy series of all time". "There are many reasons why that is so. One is the period detail.

"The photography is stunning, the scenery is breathtaking, the costumes are truly wondrous and the sets are realistic looking. The music is also gorgeous, and the quality of the script is exceptional.

"While there are some poignant moments, there are some truly funny ones as well, I mean the whole drama sparkles with constant wit and subtlety. And of course the acting, what a divine cast."

A third wrote: "If you hear the term "heartwarming," don't be put off. This program is intelligently written and is acted with extraordinary and underplayed skill."

A fourth said: "There is much to love about this series. I have watched it so many times!

"I adore the entire cast, the sets, the little village of Cranford, all of the story arcs! I will continue to watch this series always! Imelda is AMAZING!"

The first series of Cranford was recently added to Netlix in the UK. Season one and Return to Cranford are both streaming on other platforms including U and Channel 4.