This beloved BBC series is a must-watch for fans of cosy comedy-dramas and beautiful scenery
Monarch of the Glen has received strong praise from its fans(Image: BBC)
Fans of Scottish-set programmes or simply cosy comedy-dramas shouldn’t miss this beloved BBC series that proved a massive hit throughout the 2000s.
This recommendation follows others discovering a “masterpiece” period crime drama, a show hailed as Netflix’s “finest”, and a murder mystery favourite from a “master” writer, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Monarch of the Glen debuted at the dawn of the new millennium, enchanting viewers with its warm-hearted comedy-drama format. The BBC programme chronicles young restaurateur Archie MacDonald (portrayed by Alastair Mackenzie) as he attempts to revitalise his childhood residence in the Scottish Highlands.
Archie found himself drawn back to Scotland from his hectic London restaurant career after discovering he’d inherited his family’s Highland titles and property, becoming the Laird of Glenbogle.
He subsequently made the difficult choice to abandon his metropolitan existence and begin anew whilst managing the crumbling estate, alongside its enormous debts and dealing with Glenbogle’s temperamental workforce.
Archie had the support of his partner Justine (Anna Wilson-Jones), whose decision to accompany him to Scotland meant she too relocated for their relationship. Throughout the series, viewers keenly followed Archie’s journey to determine whether he could ultimately transform the estate into a profitable venture, despite numerous challenges blocking his progress.
The series has garnered glowing praise on IMDb, with one viewer awarding it 10/10 in a review headlined “Excellent series, quirky, charming”. They wrote: “The writing is very consistently good, the characters appealing (their quirks and foibles make them even more so), and the scenery of the Scottish highlands is just lovely.”
Another highly-rated review declared: “Amazing, makes you fall in love with Scotland and its people.”
The reviewer expanded: “I love the values expressed through the show: honesty, faithfulness, character, faith, friendship, hard work, dependability, and above all forgiveness and reconciliation. I love how the themes are developed and I love the beautiful Scottish scenery.”
A third top-rated review hailed Monarch of the Glen as a “great series”, concluding: “Overall I’d give it 10/10 though for the drama/acting and of course Scottish scenery.”
Another fan declared: “The series, “Monarch of the Glen” is the best that telly has had to offer in a very long while.”
They continued: “The scenery is just as much the star of the show yet it is not used as an excuse for slack plot standards. Indeed it is part and parcel of the plot.”
The programme was loosely based on Sir Compton Mackenzie’s Highland Novels, though whilst the books were set during the 1930s and 1940s, the BBC adaptation took a more modern approach. Nevertheless, the programme takes its name from the opening novel in the series, The Monarch of the Glen, which references the renowned painting of the same title by Sir Edwin Henry Landseer.
Monarch of the Glen spanned seven series altogether and was filmed across numerous stunning locations, including the Cairngorms, Badenoch and Strathspey.
Meanwhile, Ardverikie House provided the main setting for the castle featured in the programme, with additional filming occurring around the south-east shore of Loch Laggan where the property is situated.
Alongside Mackenzie and Wilson-Jones, Monarch of the Glen boasted a stellar cast including beloved The Good Life actor Richard Briers, Emmy Award-winner Susan Hampshire, Human Traffic’s Lorraine Pilkington, Taggart’s Alexander Morton, Holby City’s Dawn Steele, fellow Holby City veteran Hamish Clark, and Downton Abbey creator-turned-performer Julian Fellowes.
Monarch of the Glen represents Fellowes’ most substantial acting role to this day, portraying Lord Kilwillie across 24 episodes.
Fellowes has previously appeared in productions such as Aristocrats, Sharpe, Our Friends in the North, and Kavanagh QC.
Monarch of the Glen is streaming on BBC iPlayer now
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