A BBC period drama adapted from a classic piece of literature, featuring the creme de la creme of British acting, is streaming on Amazon Prime now and is must for those who love a good costume series. 

This comes after others have started watching a period crime classic from an acclaimed author, a hit mafia series and one series hailed as Netflix's best show.

Doctor Who showrunner and Queer as Folk creator Russell T. Davies’ 2005 adaptation of Casanova remains a much-loved classic within the period drama genre. 

Casanova took its cue from Histoire de ma vie, or The Story of My Life, a 12-volume autobiography of the real-life 18th century Venetian adventurer Giacomo Casanova. 

The BBC three-part series followed the titular figure during his various escapades and seductions during his younger years, with legendary screen icon Peter O’Toole of Lawrence of Arabia and Goodbye, Mr Chips fame embodying the older Casanova.

Meanwhile, Doctor Who, Rivals and Good Omens star David Tennant took on the role of the young Casanova in the limited series. 

The series also starred Australian actress Rose Byrne, best known for Bridesmaids and Platonic, as Edith, Breaking Bad’s Laura Fraser as Henriette, Whitechapel actor Rupert Penry-Jones as Grimani, Last Tango in Halifax’s Nina Sosanya as Bellino, Shaun Parkes from Line of Duty as Rocco, The Elephant Man and Emmerdale actor Freddie Jones as Bragadi, Bridgerton star Lucinda Raikes as Marta Tosello, and Strike’s Tom Burke as Giac.

There were additional appearances from comedians Matt Lucas, Mark Heap, Simon Day and Matthew Holness.

The TV series coincidentally came out in the same year as the Casanova Hollywood movie, which starred Heath Ledger, Sienna Miller and Jeremy Irons. 

However, the big screen adaptation landed a disappointing 44 percent fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes and only 6.5/10 on IMDb, compared to the show, which got 7.8/10 from IMDb users.

The BBC series previously received strong praise on IMDb as one person posted in their 10/10 review titled “Dazzling Spectacle” that the show was “another triumph for Davies”. 

The user continued: “The writing is fresh and witty, and extremely well delivered by the irrevocably charming David Tennant, who passes well for the infamous 17th century cad. The best part of the series is the costumes and sets – absolutely over the top and fabulously colorful outfits with modern twists coupled with dazzling, spectacularly lavish sets. It really is a welcome eye-ful [sic].”

While a second posted in their 9/10 review: “I was hooked immediately. It is so funny and unusual.”

The reviewer elaborated: “He is goofy, low-born, and self-effacing, as opposed to Heath Ledger's smug, overly confident Casanova in the film recently in theaters (which I found very boring.) This CASANOVA is definitely worth my time and yours [sic].

Another top-tier review declared it to be “absolutely amazing” and waxed lyrical: “Peter O'Toole as the older Casanova deserves the Oscar he never received, for this role alone! Such emotion, such tension, such comedy, such tragedy...a true British masterpiece. Which brings me on to my favourite subject...David Tennant...could a better Casanova have been cast?”

Yet another review was titled: “Nothing is perfect, but this comes close”, and the user said in their top-tier critique: “Normally I don't watch much TV, but this came on following some programme that was playing to itself and it grabbed me almost instantly with its humour.”

Casanova would go on to pave the way for Tennant to take on the role of the 10th Time Lord in Doctor Who, when he made his debut in the role on Christmas Day of the same year.

The iconic role in the British sci-fi staple cemented his star status as one of the best Doctors ever but also made him an instant national treasure, with the star having a huge following on both sides of the Atlantic. 

Casanova is streaming on Prime Video now 

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