5.9 / 10 (based on 521 reviews)
It explores the beautiful and haunting tale about one woman’s fight to tell her story.
Genre: Drama, Mystery
Main Cast: Jodhi May, Sophie Cookson, Steven Mackintosh, Stephen Campbell Moore
Creators: Sara Collins
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 4 episodes, 49-minute runtime
Shows Most Like The Confessions of Frannie Langton (2022)
Tell Me Everything (2022)
6.8 / 10 (based on 223 reviews)
Follows 16-year-old Jonny Murphy as he navigates through this world along with his friends, exploring the stresses of mental health for today’s teens created by the omnipresence of technology and social media.
Genre: Drama
Main Cast: Lauryn Ajufo, Callina Liang, Carla Woodcock, Jack Spike Fearn
Creators: Mark O’Sullivan
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 6 episodes, 45.0-minute runtime
Leopard Skin (2022)
6.3 / 10 (based on 801 reviews)
A criminal gang fleeing a botched jewelry heist is forced to hide out in a beach side estate where two women live in seclusion. Their world turns into a tension filled hothouse of secrets, betrayal and desire.
Genre: Crime, Thriller
Main Cast: Carla Gugino, Gaite Jansen, Ana de la Reguera, Nora Arnezeder
Creators: Sebastian Gutierrez
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 8 episodes, 28.0-minute runtime
Gap (2022)
9.1 / 10 (based on 1941 reviews)
Long after Sam first came to Mon’s rescue when they were kids, Sam is unambiguously Mon’s idol. In order to be near her, Mon gets a job working under her. When they finally meet again at the office, Mon is surprised by her icy exterior, so different from the image she’d had of her and what she herself wants to be. Mon and Sam aren’t just different in demeanour; they stand apart in class and between them is a gap of eight years.
Genre: Romance
Main Cast:
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 6 episodes
High School (2022)
7.7 / 10 (based on 1450 reviews)
Based on the autobiographical book High School by Tegan and Sara.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Cobie Smulders, Brianne Tju, Kyle Bornheimer, Autumn T. Dang
Creators: Clea DuVall, Sara Quin, Tegan Quin
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 8 episodes, 75.0-minute runtime
Warrior Nun (2020)
7 / 10 (based on 51689 reviews)
After waking up in a morgue, an orphaned teen discovers she now possesses superpowers as the chosen Halo Bearer for a secret sect of demon-hunting nuns.
Genre: Action, Drama, Fantasy
Main Cast: Alba Baptista, Toya Turner, Kristina Tonteri-Young, Lorena Andrea
Creators: Simon Barry
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 11 episodes
In the realm of television, it’s not uncommon to stumble upon shows that promise intrigue but deliver the familiar. However, every so often, a series like “The Confessions of Frannie Langton” emerges, challenging the status quo and providing viewers with a narrative that’s as thought-provoking as it is captivating. This adaptation of Sara Collins’ novel of the same name transports its audience to 1820s London, where the lines between love, addiction, and complicity are as blurred as the foggy streets of the city itself.
The Core of the Story
At its heart, the series revolves around Frannie Langton, a former slave from a Jamaican plantation who finds herself in the dock, accused of the brutal murder of her employers, George and Marguerite Benham. What sets this apart from your typical murder mystery is not just the historical setting, but the depth with which it explores issues of race, class, and gender. Frannie’s journey from the plantation to the courtroom is as much an exploration of her identity as it is a critique of the society that seeks to condemn her.
Characters That Resonate
Frannie Langton is portrayed with a complexity that is often missing in period dramas. She’s not just a victim of her circumstances but a woman with agency, battling against the constraints of her era. Her relationship with Marguerite Benham, the lady of the house, is the narrative’s focal point, offering a nuanced look at love that transcends societal norms and expectations. The series doesn’t shy away from the messiness of their relationship, presenting it with all its contradictions and challenges.
George Benham, on the other hand, is a character that embodies the contradictions of the time. A man of science who seeks to use his position to advance knowledge, yet his methods and motives are ethically questionable. His character serves as a critique of the era’s scientific racism, exploring how prejudice can be masked as intellectual curiosity.
A Visual Feast
The production values of “The Confessions of Frannie Langton” deserve a mention. The creators have gone to great lengths to recreate 1820s London, from the opulence of the Benhams’ residence to the grim reality of the streets outside. The attention to detail in the costumes and sets not only adds authenticity to the series but also enhances the storytelling, immersing the viewer in the period.
Tackling Historical Themes
One of the show’s strengths is its willingness to confront the dark aspects of British history, particularly its involvement in the slave trade. Through Frannie’s flashbacks to her life in Jamaica, the series provides a stark reminder of the brutality of slavery and the lasting impact it has on its victims. It’s a necessary counterpoint to the more genteel image of Regency England often portrayed in period dramas.
The series also delves into the pseudo-science of the era, examining how racial theories were used to justify slavery and oppression. It’s a chilling reminder of how science can be twisted to serve the prejudices of society, a theme that, unfortunately, remains relevant today.
Why It Stands Out
In a landscape cluttered with period dramas, “The Confessions of Frannie Langton” distinguishes itself by not just retelling history but interrogating it. It’s a series that asks difficult questions about love, freedom, and the price of autonomy. The narrative’s complexity, combined with stellar performances and high production values, makes it a standout piece of television.
Moreover, the series’ focus on a black woman’s perspective is a refreshing change. It provides a voice to those who have historically been silenced, offering a different lens through which to view the period. This, combined with its critique of societal norms and expectations, makes “The Confessions of Frannie Langton” a compelling watch for anyone interested in the untold stories of history.
Conclusion
“The Confessions of Frannie Langton” is a series that defies easy categorization. It’s a murder mystery, a historical drama, and a love story all rolled into one. But more than that, it’s a thought-provoking exploration of the past, one that resonates with contemporary issues of race, gender, and identity. For those tired of the same old period dramas, it offers something different: a chance to see history through new eyes. Whether you’re drawn to its complex characters, its rich storytelling, or its historical critique, “The Confessions of Frannie Langton” is a series that deserves your attention.