TV fans have been left gripped by a ‘masterpiece’ period drama as it’s finally made free to stream.

The English, written and directed by Hugo Blick, hit our screens back in 2022.

The revisionist Western six-part series landed on Amazon Prime Video in the US, but was also released on BBC Two for those in the UK. 

Although it was released three years ago, some have only just noticed the drama is available to watch on iPlayer.   

BBC described the show as: ‘An aristocratic Englishwoman, Lady Cornelia Locke (Emily Blunt) and a Pawnee ex-cavalry scout, Eli Whipp (Chaske Spencer) come together in 1890 mid-America to cross a violent landscape built on dreams and blood.

‘Both of them have a clear sense of their destiny but neither is aware that it is rooted in a shared past. 

TV fans gripped by ‘masterpiece’ period drama as it’s finally made free to stream – praising ‘perfect acting and extraordinary writing’

The English, written and directed by Hugo Blick, hit our screens back in 2022 – the revisionist Western six-part series landed on Amazon Prime Video in the US, but was also released on BBC Two for those in the UK

‘They must face increasingly terrifying obstacles that will test them to their cores, physically and psychologically.

‘But as each obstacle is overcome it draws them closer to their ultimate destination, the new town of Hoxem, Wyoming. 

‘It is here, after an investigation by the local sheriff Robert Marshall (Stephen Rea) and young widow Martha Myers (Valerie Pachner) into a series of bizarre and macabre unsolved murders, that the full extent of their intertwined history will be truly understood, and they will come face to face with the future they must live.’

It stars Emily Blunt as Lady Cornelia Locke and Chaske Spencer as Sgt. Eli Whipp. 

They are joined by Rafe Spall, Tom Hughes, Stephen Rea, Calerie Pachner, Toby Jones and Ciaran Hinds. 

Malcolm Storry, Nichola McAuliffe, Cristian Solimeno, Miguel Alvarez, Steve Wall, Fary Farmer Kimberly Norris Guerrero, Tonantzin Carmelo and Jon Bermudez also appear i the programme. 

The show has received rave reviews on Rotten Tomatoes. 

It has 84% on the Tomatometer as well as 84% on the Popcornmeter.

The revisionist Western six-part series landed on Amazon Prime Video in the US, but was also released on BBC Two for those in the UK 

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 Many have taken to IMBD to share their thoughts. 

One said: ‘This show is an absolute tour de force and works on every level. A fabulous script (Hugo Blick) with deft ducking and weaving and some clever conceals and reveals, a great sound-track and music (Federico Jusid), phenomenal cinematography (Arnau Valls Colomer), and some extraordinarily sensitive and carefully paced acting from a great cast of actors, with Emily Blunt and Chaske Spencer taking the lead.’ 

‘Instantly The English has made my top ten. I have seen a lot of movies and series over the many many years I’ve walked this earth. And seldom have I been struck so profoundly.

‘Every scene, every word, each gesture, to a person reaches out aiming for the heart. Relentlessly uncovering a story that weaves beauty and horror in equal measure. It never waits for you to catch up. But rather pulls you along as you follow- never really knowing what will happen and carefully doling out was has happened.’

‘The English is a pretty good western that’s absolutely worth watching.’ 

‘Where to start with The English. There are so many layers to this intriguing and fascinating series.’ 

‘An absolutely stunning cinematography, wonderful actors, gripping (even if kind of a classic) story. ‘

‘This has good production values, a somewhat stilted use of language, decent action scenes and motivations. The philosophical discussions are inconsistent, but at times good.’

‘This show is amazing! The chemistry between the two lead characters is phenomenal. 

‘Watching their journey together was moving and heartbreaking. Emily Blunt was made for this role. Her portrayal of Cornelia is one of my all time favourite performances. And Chaske is just outstanding, he steals every scene he is in. The fight scenes are sooooo good! 

‘But it’s the quiet little scenes between the two main characters that are just so special and make the show as good as it is. The ending has me thinking about it for days. The soundtrack is fantastic and the cinematography is stunning.’ 

Speaking about teaming up with Blunt, director Blick gushed: ‘The chance to make a Western with Emily Blunt and the cast is so delicious I’m still wondering if it’s one of those weird dreams we were all having during lockdown…

‘If not, a thrilling, romantic, epic horse-opera is heading to your screen sometime next year, and I couldn’t be more excited.’

Drama Republic’s CEO Greg Brenman – who will executive produce for Drama Republic alongside Blick and Blunt – added of the project: ‘Hugo Blick has created a compelling, modern love story set against the epic landscape of a Western.

‘The English is a true adventure that will tell us as much about the times we live in today as the period in which it is set.’

Piers Wenger, Director of BBC Drama, commented: I’m delighted that Hugo’s beautiful scripts are finally coming to life in The English.

‘With a cast led by the exceptional Emily Blunt and Chaske Spencer, I have no doubt that this thrilling and compelling story will be a treat for BBC audiences when it hits our screens.’