BBC iPlayer is now streaming a drama deemed many people's "all-time favourite". It's based on a book that fans admire equally, as this has also been described as "epic"
Katie-Ann Gupwell
12:06, 07 Jan 2026Updated 12:08, 07 Jan 2026
BBC iPlayer is currently streaming a drama that's proving irresistible to viewers, with many rating it a perfect score. For telly enthusiasts seeking their next binge-worthy series, this one comes highly recommended.
The drama, adapted from a celebrated novel, first aired in 2016 but continues to captivate audiences today with its compelling storytelling that keeps people utterly engrossed. Drama lovers will know this isn't the first literary adaptation to grip BBC audiences recently. Just weeks ago, another book-based series had viewers equally hooked.
The show sparked discussion on Reddit when one user posted: "Just finished War & Peace (2016) and it was so good. So sad. So heartbreaking. So beautiful. The costumes and sets were stunning. What are everyone's thoughts on it?!"
Responses flooded in, revealing the series has amassed a devoted following. It's proof that certain programmes truly are timeless.
One viewer admitted: "I watched it because I admitted to myself I'd probably never read the novel, and then I liked the miniseries enough, it made me go buy a copy of the novel."
Another praised: "This is one of my all-time favourites and have watched it a few times. I think Paul Dano was brilliant in the role and shout out to the soundtrack. The music was sublime."
A third viewer gushed: "I wish I could watch it again for the first time. One of my favourite period dramas ever." A fourth added: "I loved it. A rewatch is overdue."
Another fan enthused: "One of my favourites. The highlight of the series is like a six minute sequence in episode four where they visit their uncle. I rewatch that all the time for some reason.
"The highlight of that highlight is the song they sing and Lily James getting up and dancing. I really like the vibe and camerawork of that scene. It's one of my favourite moments in anything ever."
One viewer awarded the series a perfect "10/10", making it evident the show has resonated strongly with audiences. Fortunately, there's still opportunity for newcomers to discover it, with even the original novel being praised as "epic".
What's it about?
For those unfamiliar, War & Peace is a British historical drama television series that first aired in 2016. Produced by BBC Cymru Wales, it's a six-part adaptation of Leo Tolstoy's 1869 Russian literary masterpiece of the same name.
The cast features Paul Dano, Lily James and James Norton in principal roles. The narrative centres on Russian aristocratic families during the Napoleonic era, with particular emphasis on Natasha Rostova, alongside Pierre Bezukhov and Prince Andrei Bolkonsky.
The epic drama follows characters navigating romance, social expectations and profound personal transformation during the tumultuous period of Napoleon's Russian campaign (1805-1812). The narrative weaves together the savage realities of warfare (including the Battle of Austerlitz, Borodino and Moscow's destruction) alongside opulent society gatherings and intimate family moments.
The series delves into profound questions about discovering life's meaning, authentic connection and how sweeping historical events can dramatically reshape ordinary people's destinies. There's genuinely an enormous amount to digest.
One impressed viewer commented: "I loved it, but I did also watch it before I had read the book. It's atmospheric, well cast and visually gorgeous."