Period Drama 'Beecham House' is Coming to Masterpiece

Mark your calendars, period drama fans: Our next big thing is here.

PBS’ Masterpiece has picked up the US rights to the six-part series Beecham House, which will air in the U.K. on ITV. The drama takes place in late 18th century Delhi before the British ruled the region.

The drama depicts the fortunes of the residents of an imposing mansion surrounded by acres of exotic woods and pristine lawns. Tom Bateman, most recently seen in Amazon’s Vanity Fair, stars as the enigmatic, soulful John Beecham, the handsome former soldier who purchases the magnificent house in order to start a new life with his family.

The ITV press release describes the series’ thusly:

The lives of the owner, his family and his staff will be the focus of the drama as John Beecham moves into the house determined to make it his safe haven.  Yet in spite of filling his residence with relatives and friends, intriguingly Beecham’s house still has dark corners which crackle with conspiracy, disharmony and sinister intent.  

Wealthy and distinguished, John has witnessed profiteering and exploitation during his time with the controlling East India Company and appears haunted by his past. Determined to escape that life, he sets his sights on becoming an honorable member of the region’s trading community.

Bateman is joined by an ensemble of British acting favorites, including Downton Abbey’s Lesley Nichol, Mr. Selfridge’s Gregory Fitoussi, Endeavour’s Dakoka Blue Richards, Victoria’s Leo Suter, Pallavi Sharda, Adil Ray and more.