Yahoo News Beecham House gets praise from viewers – but it's no Downton Abbey
Beecham House made its debut on Sunday night (June 23) – and, while it's no Downton Abbey, it seems to have impressed viewers.
The period drama is directed by Gurinder Chadha (Bend It Like Beckham and Angus, Thongs, and Perfect Snogging) and follows a former British soldier (Tom Bateman) as he tries to start a new life in 18th century Delhi, accompanied by a mysterious child.
In the lead-up to its premiere, the show was being compared to an India-set Downton Abbey.
But, what did viewers think of the first episode?
Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to #BeechamHouse. pic.twitter.com/9EzuOU8dV2
- Beecham House (@beechamhouse) June 23, 2019
Related: Downton Abbey star says movie "ties up a lot of loose ends"
Well, most of them seemed to like it.
It generally went down pretty well with viewers, as they expressed interest in the characters and committed themselves to watching at least one more episode (the second episode will air tomorrow).
Below are just a few of their reactions:
#BeechamHouse is off to such a promising start. Beyond stunning visuals, moving nicely through the tricky introductions stage... Yep, Sunday evening sorted for the next few weeks!
- Jane Howarth (@JaneTaraHowarth) June 23, 2019
Sunday evenings just got interesting 👌#BeechamHouse
- @yems66 (@yemandeeT) June 23, 2019
Really enjoying #BeechamHouse
- Gregory Taylor (@GregoryTaylor86) June 23, 2019
Second episode tomorrow! 😄👍🏻 #BeechamHouse
- JuliaM (@AmbushPredator) June 23, 2019
Looking forward to next episode of #BeechamHouse Glad only have to wait until tomorrow.
- Mrs Emma Nachiket Dave (@katzenzungen) June 23, 2019
Well that was a brilliant first episode of Beecham House loving it so far #BeechamHouse well done to everyone involved 😊👏🏼
- Sakina L (@sakina_53) June 23, 2019
"Well that was a brilliant first episode of Beecham House," said one viewer.
"Loving it so far, well done to everyone involved."
"Sunday evenings just got interesting," said another.
However, not all viewers were feeling the love for Beecham House.
That moment you realise #BeechamHouse continues tomorrow night 9pm @ITV. pic.twitter.com/EC1Xcm233J
- Beecham House (@beechamhouse) June 23, 2019
Related: Gurinder Chadha: 'There are some great films being made in Bollywood'
Indeed, some found the plot slow and vowed they wouldn't be tuning in tomorrow night.
Here's what some of the critics had to say about the show:
Terrible acting, awful dialogue, stereotypes and 2D characters everywhere. So much talent out there but Gurinder Chadha gets the big budget and blows it on a revisionist 'story' - wasted opportunity. #BeechamHouse
- ShreyaP (@ShreyaP) June 23, 2019
#BeechamHouse - unfortunately dull. Scenery lovely, dialogue clunky, wooden acting, Poldark derivative & boring storyline. Shame, in need of an escapist Sunday night period drama now the excellent Durrells has ended. But this isn’t it! Not bothering to tune in to next episode.
- Poppy99 (@Poppy99) June 23, 2019
"Terrible acting, awful dialogue, stereotypes and 2D characters everywhere," said one naysayer.
"So much talent out there but Gurinder Chadha gets the big budget and blows it on a revisionist 'story' – wasted opportunity."
"Unfortunately dull," added another.
"Scenery lovely, dialogue clunky, wooden acting, Poldark derivative & boring storyline. Shame, in need of an escapist Sunday night period drama now the excellent The Durrells has ended.
"But this isn't it! Not bothering to tune in to next episode."
Ouch.
Beecham House continues at 9 pm tomorrow night (June 24) on ITV.
Want up-to-the-minute entertainment news and features? Just hit 'Like' on our Digital Spy Facebook page and 'Follow' on our @digitalspy Instagram and Twitter account.
('You Might Also Like',)
