'Five stars' period drama based on best-selling book branded 'the next Bridgerton'

Period drama lovers have been raving about an Apple TV+ television series which has fans "completely hooked". Inspired by the 1938 book written by Edith Wharton around the time when the author was a young girl. It was unfinished at the time of her death in 1937 and published in that form in 1938.

It tells the story of five wealthy, ambitious American girls who travel to London in the 1870s to find husbands among the English aristocracy. Their arrival sparks an Anglo-American culture clash as they navigate English society and its strict social codes, while also dealing with their personal relationship and romantic entanglements.

The series stars an ensemble cast led by Kristine Forseth who portrays Annabel 'Nan' St. George, Imogen Waterhouse who plays Nan's sister Virginia 'Jinny' St. George.

Alisha Boe embodies Conchita Closson, Aubri Ibrag who plays Elizabeth 'Lizzy' Elmsworth, and Josie Totah who channels Lizzy's sister Mabel Elmsworth.

Matthew Broome takes on the role of the hunky Guy Thwarte and Guy Rummers who plays his rival Theodore, the Duke of Tintagel. Apple bosses have set the English romantic comedy across the globe with the first series largely shot in the UK and the US.

The production company made sure to make the most of Scotland's many stately homes such as Culzean Castle, Newhailes House and Hopetoun House. In the second series, the cast were also spotted filming in the heart Madrid.

While the exact sales figures for Edith's unfinished novel are unknown, it is known to have sold over 100million copies and translated into more than five languages since its launch.

Both the series and the book have been widely praised online, with one user awarding it five stars and writing: "LOVED IT. It had absolutely everything and more you would want in a period drama. It also covered a lot of interesting topics such as women having to be silent, abuse, loveless marriages, unfaithfulness."

Another echoed: "I really like this show! It's a lot like Bridgerton without the shameful sex scenes. I can appreciate the fact that I can actually watch this show in front of my children."

Also lauding the show, a third gushed: "Already so in love with the different types of relationships and love that they are bringing and normalising women having post pregnancy depression.

"This show has made me smile and cry in just five minutes. Can't wait to continue to watch the next 5 episodes!" Fans won't need to wait for the second series which dropped on the platform last month.

The Buccaneers is streaming now on Apple TV+ in the UK.