Western starring Emily Blunt is 'best series ever' and streaming on BBC iPlayer

A historical series has been hailed as the "best series ever" by fans, and it is free to stream on BBC iPlayer.

The English is a revisionist Western television miniseries written and directed by Hugo Blick. It is co-produced by the BBC and Amazon Prime and stars Emily Blunt and Chaske Spencer. It first aired on BBC in 2022 and was met with positive reviews.

The series synopsis reads: "The English is a 2022 television miniseries about an aristocratic Englishwoman, Lady Cornelia Locke, who travels to the American West in 1890 to seek revenge on the man she blames for her son's death. She partners with Eli Whipp, a Pawnee ex-cavalry scout, with whom she shares a hidden history. Together, they navigate a violent landscape while uncovering the intertwined truth of their past as they head towards the new town of Hoxem, Wyoming."

The series has an impressive 84% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with the critics' consensus stating: "A visual knockout elevated by Emily Blunt and Chaske Spencer's performances, The English is a heady and somewhat meandering Western made with admirable craft."

One reviewer said: "The best show I've seen in years! I binged it initially and then rewatched it again the following week. Emily and Chaske's performances were incredible and their on screen chemistry is off the charts. The amazing story is complimented by the stunning cinematography and beautiful soundtrack. Highly recommend."

Another wrote in their review: "Overall best Western series I've seen. A true reflection of the brutal times suffered by the Indians and pioneers."

A third viewer called it "one of the best TV shows ever made", while a fourth said: "Loved the story and the ending was supprisingly good. Enjoyed it a lot."

"I don't give five stars easily, but this show was a revelation. I'd heard good things, but nothing prepared me for this stunning work. Blunt and Spencer are powerfully charismatic, carrying scenes together and separately, and utterly convincing in their narratives. The cinematography is among the greatest of westerns, enabling the viewer to feel that maddening expanse of landscape that shaped the horror show that is America. This show is perfect example of where TV can excel over film... Truly great work," added another.

The English is available to stream on BBC iPlayer and Amazon.