Channel 5 has released the gripping trailer for the upcoming second season of the hit period drama, The Hardacres – and it looks like viewers are in for a treat!

The rags-to-riches tale follows the titular Hardacre family as they rise from poverty to extreme wealth in 1890s Yorkshire. Claire Cooper (The Continental), Liam McMahon (Hunger, Warrior Nun) and Julie Graham (The City Is Ours, Shetland) lead the cast.

Season two follows the tight-knit family as they navigate their new lives as high-society members. But the transition isn’t particularly smooth as their newfound wealth and jump in status ruffle some feathers in the community.

Claire is joined by Shannon Lavelle as Liza Hardacre and Julie Graham as Ma© Playground Television/5/Jonathan Hession
The period drama returns this spring

In the trailer, new arrival Lady Imelda Hansen (Michele Dotrice), the ruthless mother of Lady Emma (Cathy Belton), disapproves of the Hardacres’ elevated place in society. “I want to make an example of them, a warning to anybody who thinks they can buy class,” she says.

The drama was a huge hit amongst viewers upon its release in 2024, and was hailed as “brilliant” and a “must-watch”.

If, like me, you’re looking to fill the period drama-shaped hole in your viewing schedule following the end of Downton Abbey, this epic family saga is worth a watch.

Keep reading to find out more…

What to expect from season two

Season two sees the Hardacre family on the brink of transformation as they head into 1895.

Mary and Sam embrace wealth and opportunity, but their children begin forging identities that challenge expectations.

Claire Cooper reprises her role as Mary Hardacre © Playground Television/5/Jonathan Hession
Claire Cooper stars as Mary Hardacre

In the trailer, their son Joe (Adam Little) shares his concerns about the family’s survival in a fast-changing world. “The world is moving fast, we either move with it or get left behind,” he says.

The synopsis continues: “Mary champions adult education for dock workers, while Sam expands the family business amid a looming recession, uncertain if Joe is ready to succeed him. Determined to prove himself, Joe’s impulsive choices threaten his future.

The Hardacres returns to 5 this spring© Playground Television/5/Jonathan Hession
The new series sees the Hardacre family on the brink of transformation as they head into 1895

“Liza recovering from romantic disappointment, is swept up by a chance encounter with a handsome stranger, while Harry’s plans to abandon school are transformed by an inspiring new tutor. Ma forms an unexpected bond but as some relationships blossom, others are strained. As tensions rise, Lady Imelda Hansen arrives at the Fitzherbert’s home with a dangerous agenda, forcing the Hardacres to unite or risk losing everything.”

Who stars in season two?

Claire Cooper and Liam McMahon reprise their roles as Mary and Sam Hardacre, alongside Julie Graham as Mary’s mother, Ma.

Their children are played by Adam Little (Ackley Bridge, Coronation Street) as Joe, Shannon Lavelle (Riot Women) as Liza and Zak Ford‑Williams (Bridgerton, Better) as Harry.

Edward Mitchell plays Arthur Lewis in season two© Playground Television/5/Jonathan Hession
Edward Mitchell plays Arthur Lewis in season two

Also reprising their roles in season two are Holly Sturton (Lies We Tell, The School for Good and Evil), Cathy Belton (Hidden Assets, Philomena) and Owen Roe (Sherlock, Daughter) as Lady Adella, Lady Emma and Lord George Fitzherbert, with Ingrid Craigie (Blood, Blackshore) as Mrs Dryden, Sarah Agha as Betsy Hardacre (Layla, The Badlands) and Taheen Modak (The Bay) as Callum Saunders.

Viewers can look forward to seeing some new faces in the cast, including Michele Dotrice (A Very English Scandal) as Lady Imelda Hansen, Niall McNamee (Saipan, Bad Sisters) as Edward Blackwood and Edward Mitchell (Zack Snyder’s Justice League) as Arthur Lewis.