‘Captivating’ hidden gem Netflix period drama Jane Austen fans will love

Viewers have dubbed it “part Bridgerton, part Downton Abbey”, and if that doesn’t get period drama buffs racing to the tele, we don’t know what will.

The little-known period drama is enthralling viewers all over the world (Image: Netflix)

Fans of light-hearted, cheeky period dramas can add another one to their list, because there’s a little-known series on Netflix that is captivating everyone’s hearts.

Viewers have dubbed it “part Bridgerton, part Downton Abbey”, and if that doesn’t get period drama buffs racing to the tele, we don’t know what will.

Spanish comedy-drama The Lady’s Companion, originally titled Manual para señoritas in Spanish, has viewers hooked with its wit, banter, brilliance, and costume drama supremacy.

Created for television by Gema R Neira and María José Rustarazo, the series first premiered on Netflix on March 28, 2025.

Co-directed by Carlos Sedes and Claudia Pinto Emperador, the eight-episode series is receiving acclaim from all quarters.

The period drama stars Nadia de Santiago, Álvaro Mel, and Isa Montalbán, Zoe Bonafonte, Iratxe Emparán, and Tristán Ulloa, with the entire cast’s performances having been praised by viewers and critics alike.

The show’s official plot states: “A romantic comedy set in 1880s Madrid, coinciding with the Alphonsine era and the Restoration period, depicting the social and cultural landscape of the time. Hired to find husbands for three wealthy sisters, chaperone Elena Bianda is drawn into a late 19th-century world of love, scandal and comic intrigue.”

In May 2025, it was announced by Netflix Spain that the series has been cancelled and won’t be returning for a second season, much to viewers’ dismay. Several people have expressed their displeasure at the show’s cancellation online and in reviews of the series.

Boasting a smashing 92% audience approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, The Lady’s Companion has been highly lauded by viewers, with one fan writing: “This is a must watch. I binged it so quickly as it was so entertaining and had such beautiful love stories woven into the plot!

The eight-episode series is receiving acclaim from all quarters (Image: Netflix)

“The main female lead is so entertaining and funny and the main actor was so charming and handsome ;). The costume and visuals were so pretty and the series was so entertaining to watch. The chemistry between all the couples was on fire. I can’t wait for a season two!”

Another audience review of the series says: “Bridget Jones meets Little Women meets Jane Austen, with a hint of Oscar Wilde. Somehow Spain has one-upped the recent Restoration revivals and produced the most charming rom-com in a while.”

While one viewer added: “It’s absolutely bingeable and cheeky. The only thing I didn’t like is the score, too obvious to look modern. Lavish period drama at it best.”

Another audience review was devastated at the series’ cancellation: “First of all Netflix it makes zero sense to cancel the show for another season, this series is captivating and comedic but also plot twisting and emotional it’s an all rounder! I loved it 10/10.”

While one glowing IMDB review declaring the show is “better than Bridgerton” says: “This is hands down the best show I have come across in 2025. It’s like Bridgeton but better, so many twist and turns, the script is so well written, it’s quirky, up beat and passionate. The actors are brilliant and gorgeous! Excellent choice of music too it really entangles you in the scene. Just brilliant! More shows like this please.”

The period drama has a smashing 92% audience approval rating (Image: Netflix)

Another positive user review reads: “Absolutely adored binging this snazzy little number from start to finish! The cast? A delightful mix of charming, ridiculously attractive men and sharp, charismatic women. The chemistry was electric, and the witty banter kept me laughing all the way through.

“Part Bridgerton romance, part Downton Abbey grandeur, and sprinkled with that delightful Jane Austen sass, all wrapped up in a sun-soaked, comedic Spanish fiesta.”

Critics were equally impressed with the show, with one writing: “The Lady’s Companion is a highly stylized show, and that’s what sets it apart from the likes of Bridgerton. From the use of colorful, striking fonts to the quirky animated title sequence, every detail adds a unique charm.”

While another reviewer said: “The Lady’s Companion is delightfully juicy and thoroughly bingeable, thanks to the sweet characters and their fantastic performances.”

CRE: https://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/2208093/captivating-hidden-gem-netflix-period-drama?int_source=mantis_rec&int_medium=web&int_campaign=more_like_this