Quick Links
Summary
The Paradisefrom BBC One deserves another season after being wrongfully canceled, but it is the perfect show to watch while waiting forDownton Abbey 3. Some ofthe best BBC dramasfollow stories from British history. Although made by a different network,Downton Abbeyfollows the same formula, andThe Paradisecould have been its natural successor if it had been on the air longer. Now that the series is streaming on Peacock and Amazon Prime, the underrated series could find success nine years after it was last broadcast.
There are several British period dramas to watch while waiting forDownton Abbey3’s release. Some examples include the likes ofBridgertonandThe Decameron. All these add new and refreshing aspects to the period piece genre and can be excellent to watch or even re-watch while waiting forDownton Abbey 3. However, givenDowntonAbbey 3’s release dateis September 12th, 2025, there is more than enough time to watch several of these series. This makes now the perfect time towatchThe Paradise.
20 Best Period Piece Movies Of All Time
Period piece movies have always been a raging success in cinema, often celebrated for their astounding historical stories and engaging characters.
What The Paradise Is & Why It’s Perfect For Downton Abbey Fans
Another Excellent Period Drama
The Paradiseis a period drama that tells the fictional story of England’s first department store. The narrative mainly follows Denise Lovett (Joanna Vanderham),a talented businesswoman who knows significant out-of-the-box sales tactics.She gets a job at The Paradise’s ladies’ wear department, using her ideas to enhance the store’s success while she scandalously falls in love with the store’s owner, John Moray (Emun Elliot). These subplots make every episode refreshing and enticing to watch. The show includes various feminist sub-themes, perfectly complimenting its main storyline.
Another British period piece that exhibits the working class isUpstairs, Downstairs(1971-75, 2010). This series is streaming on Amazon Prime and Tubi.
While waiting for the release ofDownton Abbey’s final movie,The Paradiseis the perfect show to watch. Both have an immersive essence that makes it easy to be transported into earlier times of England. The fact thatboth depict the working class in England in a humanizing light further connects the two.The shows' timelines also have a neat symmetry, sinceThe Paradisetakes place in the Victorian Era, whereasDownton Abbeytakes place in the early 20th century.
Why Was The Paradise Canceled After Two Seasons
There Were Some Unfortunate Reasons
Unfortunately forThe Paradise, the show was canceled by BBC One after only two seasons. Thenetwork needed to make room for more period dramas coming through, which meantThe Paradisehad to be canceled to make these plans work(viaTV Series Finale). The show was never picked up by another network or streaming service, leavingThe Paradise’s story unfinished. Even with the newer series that BBC One was trying to release, the show had earned the right to continue.
Despite the show’s untimely end,The Paradisewas a nominee for the Emmy Award for Outstanding Music Composition.
Why The Paradise Season 3 Should Happen
Its Cancelation Was Undeserved
The Paradiseshould have a third season because period dramas, especially ones focused on costume design, are perennially popular. AlthoughBridgerton’s storyline does not revolve around costumes, one of the most notable aspects of the series is its use of costume design to tell the narrative.The Paradiseutilizing thissame technique in a business setting could help a third season succeed.This slight difference will help the show uphold its individuality as a period piece and still follow the trend of costume narratives.
Denise and John’s romance can be wrapped up, and the store’s success can be revealed.
Additionally,a third season ofThe Paradisecan finish off all the second season’s cliffhangers.Denise and John’s romance can be wrapped up, and the store’s success can be revealed. The series aired nine years ago, so a time jump will be necessary to tell the story. However, multiple television shows have proven over the years that such an approach can work, andThe Paradisecould be no different.
Now that the highly anticipatedDownton Abbey 3is a year away from theatrical release, there is plenty of time to watchThe Paradise. The series deserves new appreciation so that it may open up the potential for a third season. Watching the BBC One series may also prompt viewers to find a new appreciation for period dramas, especially those that heavily involve costumes to tell the story. As suchThe Paradiseis the perfect vehicle to discover all the narrative styles the genre has to offer.
The Paradise
Cast
The Paradise is a British television series set in a fashionable Victorian-era department store. Starring Joanna Vanderham as Denise Lovett, the storyline follows her rise from shop girl to an influential figure within the establishment. The series explores themes of ambition, romance, and societal change, showcasing the dynamics between employees and the challenges of adapting to a rapidly evolving commercial world.
