'Masterpiece' BBC period drama based on book is 'greatest TV of all time'

Long before streaming platforms made period dramas an international obsession, one BBC production set the gold standard, drawing audiences into a world where lives were reshaped by war, migration and forbidden love. Years later, viewers still speak of it with awe, calling it "truly one of the greatest BBC dramas".

Set between wartime Jamaica and post-war London, Small Island - adapted from Andrea Levy's award-winning novel - unfolds through the intertwined lives of several characters brought together by love and circumstance.

In 1948, Hortense arrives from Jamaica to join her new husband Gilbert in England. He is lodging with Queenie Bligh, whose husband has yet to return from the war. Neither Hortense nor Queenie has married for love - it's a practical decision in a world where romance is a luxury few can afford.

As Hortense adjusts to life in Britain, she remembers her past in Jamaica and the profound, ultimately betrayed love she felt for Michael. Queenie too recalls a single night of passion with the same man while her husband was away. Suspicion grows between the two women, but their shared history leads to the gradual revelation of a powerful secret.

Through these personal narratives, the drama explores themes of identity, longing and the profound cultural shifts that shaped Britain in the aftermath of the Second World War.

Much of its impact stems from its exceptional cast. One viewer wrote on IMDb: "Ruth Wilson! Why is she ignored? First Luther and now this. She is so emotive." Another praised Benedict Cumberbatch's restrained performance in a small but memorable role, noting, "His eyes say so much." Naomie Harris received widespread acclaim for her nuanced portrayal of Hortense, with one fan calling her performance "perfect", while David Oyelowo's Gilbert was described as "near bringing you to tears".

"The acting is benchmark standard," one viewer wrote. "It is no surprise that awards followed. Naomie Harris is a revelation, but all concerned are sensational, too many performances to note."

Another described it as "historically fascinating, personal, and top shelf," adding: "We loved the talented ensemble of world-class actors playing original, well-drawn characters with lovely contradictions, making surprising but believable choices."

Beyond its performances, the drama has been praised for the way it weaves together intimate stories with broader historical realities. It vividly portrays the journey of Jamaican migrants who travelled to Britain to support the war effort, only to face the gut-wrenching racism of the country they had come to defend. "Some scenes in the second part will have you close to tears, and some will have you chuckling away," one fan said. "It's an incredible balance."

The drama went on to win the International Emmy Award for Best TV Movie/Mini-Series, a BAFTA TV award for Best Original Television Music, and widespread critical acclaim at home and abroad.

Small Island is currently available to stream on BBC iPlayer.