8 Great BBC Costume Dramas

There are times when there is nothing better than video escapism—settling down to lose yourself for hours in other people’s dramas. BBC-produced films provide exactly the right kind of distraction—elegant costumes, engaging plots, and outstanding actors in even the smallest roles.

There are choices here to fit your every mood - comedy, drama, romance. These period pieces include several literary adaptations, some are simply good fun. To find the VHS versions or DVDs, try your local library first. There’s a good chance you can check out most of them at no charge. If that doesn’t work, go to the Netflix or Blockbuster online rental programs.

All you need now is a plate of cookies, flannel pajamas and your favorite fuzzy slippers.

The Duchess of Duke Street: Born into the servant class, Louisa Trotter vows to become the finest cook in London. She rises from the scullery to become chef to the rich and famous (and, briefly, mistress of the Prince of Wales). After persevering through a turbulent marriage and financial hardship, Louisa becomes owner of The Bentinck, London’s most elegant hotel. Full of romance, intrigue and interesting characters, the series stars Genna Jones as Louisa and Christopher Cazenove as Charlie, the love of her life.

History is on parade in this based-on-a-true-life story that takes place during the first 20 years of the 20th century. Especially fascinating are details of food and cooking of the era. 13 hours.

The Irish RM: Peter Bowels stars as Major Sinclair Yates in this charming series about an ex-army officer who settles down with the woman he loves in a small Irish town. Although the Major expects a much quieter existence after the turbulence of battle, he discovers that daily life in this village is just as unsettling. The straight-laced resident magistrate, beset by a perpetual series of absurd situations, always intends to lay down the law among the peculiar townsfolk, but instead finds himself constantly bending the rules.