The Paradise (2012)
A sweeping Victorian romance set inside England's first grand department store, where ambition, love, and intrigue collide behind every counter.
The Paradise - Series Information
- Original Title: The Paradise
- First Air Year: 2012
- Last Air Year: 2013
- Created by: Bill Gallagher
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 60 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 16
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 25, 2012 (United States - TV-PG), September 25, 2012 (Canada - PG), September 25, 2012 (United Kingdom - PG), September 25, 2012 (Germany - 12), September 25, 2012 (France - 12), September 25, 2012 (Australia - PG)
- Networks: BBC One, Domashniy
- Alternative Titles: 购物天堂 (CN), Bienvenue au Paradis (FR), Bienvenue au paradis (CA), O Paraíso (PT)
- Production Companies: BBC Drama Productions
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
The Paradise - Plot
An intoxicating love story set in England's first department store in the 1870s. The Paradise revolves around the lives of the people who live and work in the store, each bound in their own way by the power of the world they live in, and the pasts that follow them there. A love story, mystery, and social comedy all in one.
The Paradise - Trailer
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The Paradise - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Bill Gallagher
Main Cast
- Joanna Vanderham
- Emun Elliott
- Stephen Wight
- Sonya Cassidy
- Matthew McNulty
- Elaine Cassidy
- Finn Burridge
- David Hayman
- Sarah Lancashire
- Ruby Bentall
Writers
- Bill Gallagher
- Gaby Chiappe
- Katie Baxendale
The Paradise - FAQs
Is The Paradise based on a true story or book?
The Paradise is adapted from Au Bonheur des Dames, the 1883 novel by French author Émile Zola. Zola's story was itself inspired by the rise of grand Parisian department stores like Le Bon Marché. The BBC series transplants the setting to Victorian England, giving it a distinctly British flavour.
Is The Paradise worth watching for period drama fans?
Absolutely. The Paradise delivers lush Victorian atmosphere, sharp social observation, and a genuinely compelling central romance. Joanna Vanderham's spirited performance as Denise anchors the series beautifully, and the department store setting provides a fresh backdrop that sets it apart from other BBC costume dramas of its era.
Where can you stream The Paradise online?
The Paradise is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video, Peacock Premium, and BritBox via Apple TV Channel. You can also buy or rent episodes on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. Free ad-supported viewing is available on Tubi TV, The Roku Channel, and Amazon Prime Video Free with Ads.
Why was The Paradise cancelled after two seasons?
The BBC cancelled The Paradise in 2013 after its second season, citing declining viewership. The show faced stiff competition from ITV's Downton Abbey, which dominated the period drama audience at the time. Despite a loyal following, ratings were not strong enough to justify a third series.
Who plays Denise and Moray in The Paradise?
Denise Lovett, the ambitious young shopgirl at the heart of the story, is played by Joanna Vanderham. Her romantic counterpart, the charismatic store owner John Moray, is portrayed by Emun Elliott. Their slow-burning chemistry drives much of the drama across both seasons of the series.
What is The Paradise TV series about?
Set in 1870s England, The Paradise follows Denise Lovett, a resourceful young woman who finds work at the country's first grand department store. The series weaves together romance, rivalry, and social ambition as characters navigate love and power within the glittering, competitive world of Victorian retail.
Where was The Paradise BBC series filmed?
The Paradise was primarily filmed at Eldon Square in Newcastle upon Tyne, with the iconic department store interiors shot at Lambton Castle in County Durham. The production design team created an impressively detailed Victorian retail environment that became one of the show's most praised visual elements.
What shows are similar to The Paradise?
If you enjoyed The Paradise, you'll likely love Mr Selfridge, which shares the department store setting and Edwardian glamour. Downton Abbey, Cranford, North & South, and Sanditon offer similarly rich period drama experiences. Little Dorrit and Doctor Thorne are also excellent choices for fans of Victorian BBC adaptations.
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