BBC viewers broke down in tears after all instalments of a ‘masterpiece’ family drama finally hit iPlayer – binging ‘every episode in one day’.
The Last Anniversary, which hit the on-demand platform on Saturday, follows journalist Sophie (Teresa Palmer) after she inherits her ex-boyfriend’s great-aunt’s house on the remote, fictional Scribbly Gum Island.
As she settles in, she also attempts to solve a 50-year-old local cold case that has haunted the island – and drawn in true crime tourists – for years.
The Australian six-part comedy-drama, first released down under in March, is based on the 2005 novel of the same name by Liane Moriarty, the author behind Big Little Lies and Nine Perfect Strangers.
Alongside lead Teresa (The Fall Guy), it also stars Oscar-nominated British actress Miranda Richardson (Good Omens) and Australian actress Danielle Macdonald (The Tourist).
Co-produced by Nicole Kidman and Liane herself, among others, it has impressed critics and viewers alike, whose reviews and comments online sing their praises for the high-quality show.
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The Last Anniversary (pictured), which hit the on-demand platform on Saturday, follows journalist Sophie (Teresa Palmer) after she inherits her ex-boyfriend’s great-aunt’s house on the remote, fictional Scribbly Gum Island
As she settles in, she also attempts to solve a 50-year-old local cold case that has haunted the island – and drawn in true crime tourists – for years
The Australian six-part comedy-drama, first released down under in March, is based on the 2005 novel of the same name by Liane Moriarty, the author behind Big Little Lies and Nine Perfect Strangers
One viewer said on X: ‘I just binged The Last Anniversary on iPlayer, that was good.’
Another added: ‘I’m three episodes deep and I’m loving this! Phenomenal cast and the story is really well written too.’
Someone else wrote on Rotten Tomatoes: ‘Sitting here absolutely crying my eyes out because this show is a masterpiece.’
One user also said: ‘Excellent show. I’m really enjoying it.’
The Guardian’s review read: ‘The tone of this gracefully crafted adaptation of Liane Moriarty’s bestselling novel is tender and mysterious, imbued with a soft literary quality.’
The Independent similarly gave it high praise, dubbing the literary adaptation ‘thought-provoking, hilarious and scrumptiously well-acted’: ‘This new six-parter isn’t milking a franchise, it’s launching one.’
Common Sense Media, meanwhile, said: ‘The mystery is mostly backdrop to a patient, lovely drama that delves into the complexities of family, motherhood and relationships.’
The BBC synopsis reads: ‘When Sophie Honeywell mysteriously inherits a house on Scribbly Gum Island, her arrival threatens to unearth secrets held close by three generations of women.’
Alongside lead Teresa (The Fall Guy), it also stars Oscar-nominated British actress Miranda Richardson (Good Omens) and Australian actress Danielle Macdonald (The Tourist)
It was co-produced by Nicole Kidman and the author Liane herself, among others
It has impressed critics and viewers alike, whose reviews and comments online sing their praises for the high-quality show
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It also bills the drama as a ‘gripping mystery about family, motherhood and the women who define the generations that come after them’.
Sue Deeks, head of BBC programme acquisition, dubbed the show ‘an entertaining drama full of vivid characters, comedy and romance, with a compelling mystery at its heart’.
She continued: ‘I’m sure BBC viewers will thoroughly enjoy their visit to beautiful Scribbly Gum Island.’
Though the inheritance comes as a surprise, and the islanders give her a somewhat frosty reception upon her arrival, Sophie quickly realises it could be the fresh start she has been looking for.
Single and nearing 40, she is also drawn in by her elderly benefactor’s promise that the island may well bring her romance at last.
We learn the mystery somehow concerns two sisters – one of them being the elderly woman Sophie inherits the house from – along with a couple who went missing and a baby who was abandoned.
But exactly how it is all connected remains to be seen.
It is another victory for the BBC, after it announced last week it was welcoming back a legendary sitcom for a brand new series – to fans’ delight.
It is another victory for the BBC, after it announced last week it was welcoming back a legendary sitcom for a brand new series – to fans’ delight. Pictured: First look images of the new series
Not Going Out, the award-winning popular show created by comedian Lee Mack (left), is set for a comeback for a six-part series 14, around two years after the latest episodes aired. Pictured: First look images of series 14
First released in 2006, it follows unambitious layabout Lee, played by the funny man (pictured), and his best friend’s sister Lucy (Sally Bretton, pictured), who is also the landlady of his London flatshare
Not Going Out, the award-winning popular show created by comedian Lee Mack, is set for a comeback for a six-part series 14, around two years after the latest episodes aired.
First released in 2006, it follows unambitious layabout Lee, played by the funny man, and his best friend’s sister Lucy (Sally Bretton), who is also the landlady of his London flatshare.
A will-they-won’t-they romance between the two unfolded over several series, until the unlikely couple married in the season seven finale, just before having a baby.
The eighth series jumped eight years into the future, with all subsequent instalments following their chaotic family life with three children.
And now series 14 will move the story on several years more, when the couple are empty nesters and moved out of their suburban family home – but still up to plenty of antics.
The Last Anniversary is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
