'Masterpiece' BBC series based on 'greatest book of all time' streaming free

BBC fans are only just discovering a "hidden gem" period drama from 2016 which is based on one of the "greatest books of all time". The series, starring Lily James, James Norton and Paul Dano, was directed by Peaky Blinders icon Tom Harper and spans six episodes - with a whole host of five star reviews.

Better yet, it's streaming free on BBC iPlayer. The series, set in 1805, follows Pierre, Natasha and Andrei in the Russian Empire at the turn of the 19th century, desperate to change the world for the better. Set against a backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars of 1803-1815, the story concludes in 1812 after the failed Russian invasion.

The three central characters are each searching for something unique - Pierre, as the illegitimate son of Russia's richest man, wants to bring about change. Natasha is seeking true love, while Andrei is sick of the superficiality of society and wants to find a higher purpose.

If you hadn't worked it out from the summary alone, the series is War and Peace, based on Leo Tolstoy's epic novel of 1869.

Reviews for the series branded it a "masterpiece", with one fan gushing: "The novel is one of the greatest there is, but because of the enormous length (one of the longest novels I've ever read, and it was admittedly not the easiest to immediately get gripped at first), very rich story and dialogues, and complex characterisations and themes it is also one of the most difficult to adapt.

"This does very well as an adaptation. It is condensed and not one hundred percent faithful, but the heart and soul of the book is there."

Someone else said: "All I can say is enjoy the show, lap up the scenery, wallow in the wonderful characters and costumes, charge in your minds eye to battle and dance at the balls. Visit Old St Petersburg without leaving your armchair and be entertained."

While a third said: "All in all, while I can't speak of all the versions out there since I've only seen Hepburn's, Bondarchuk's, and this miniseries, I think this the best of what I know. And I appreciate it greatly for its cohesiveness, faithfulness to the original, excellent production values, acting, and overall quality."