If MIL liked Downton Abbey...

[ItIsntJustAPhase]

... and lives overseas so doesn't get much in the way of new British telly, what else might she like? I think they have a DVD player that can play Region 2 DVDs but will double check that.

Not sure about Call the Midwife as I haven't seen it (traumatic birth experience!).

Mr Selfridge (2 series available) is worth a watch if you like this kind of twaddle

Upstairs Downstairs - reboot done by the BBC a few Christmases ago. It's on Netflix so should also be available on DVD.

Bletchly Circle was good too (3 or 4 parter iirc) think it was BBC.

Do you think she'd like more gritty stuff, there's loads of those available on DVD.

Think Biggs was excellent and also Ice Cream Girls although that is set mostly in more modern times so no luffly costumes

Lark rise to candelford. BBC

Call the Midwife - no not traumatic, really lovely stories set in London in the 1950's - bought for my MIL and she loved it.

Borgen (Danish series about women prime minister)

Second Lark rise to candelford ....

Cranford? Little Dorrit?

Going back a few years, but North and South?

Dinnerladies, Jam and Jerusalem, Upstairs downstairs, Lillies, BBC P&P?

Thanks so much h all. She'll have seen everything classic but will sound out my SIL about whether she's seen some of these.

All suggestions much appreciated!

I love Downton Abbey and am really enjoying Grantchester - I bet that will be out on DVD before Christmas and no chance if her already having seen it.

I got the boxed set of Downton Abbey for Christmas two years ago. It was ace. I am hoping for Game of Thrones this year but feel it may be a little different.

[hopeless at watching anything when it first comes on - then I think I've missed the boat, so don't start later on - boxed sets are ideal for me]

Our Zoo about the family that set up Chester Zoo was good

Has she seen the film Gosford Park? It's basically Downton Abbey, but much better! They are written by the same chap.

YY to Gosford Park - a great suggestion.

It is much better. It's also a good deal earthier than DA. DA has its moments but it's a lot more vanilla than GP.

The novels written by the writer of downton abbey are very entertaining too.

Forgotten his name, sorry!

Go retro and get Brideshead Revisited.

Julian Fellowes.

I was thinking of Our Zoo too - lovely series - too short though!

The paradise?2 seasons BBC.

I was coming on to say The Paradise too! She'd love it.

If she wouldn't mind subtitles, I'd suggest the Spanish series Grand Hotel. It's got a similar feel of lavish costumes and sets etc and has a bit of a mystery story line.

I know you said British, but I though I'd throw the suggestion in there anyway, as it's very enjoyable.

I absolutely second Upstairs Downstairs. Best period drama ever. Also there was a hotel period drama but can't remember the name. That was good too.

I'd say Call the Midwife - lovely series. I like our zoo too. I wasn't too bothered about upstairs downstairs.