The Frankenstein Chronicles (2015)
A dark British period thriller following a haunted detective through the fog-drenched streets of 19th-century London, where science and horror collide.
The Frankenstein Chronicles - Series Information
- Original Title: The Frankenstein Chronicles
- First Air Year: 2015
- Last Air Year: 2017
- Created by: Benjamin Ross
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 52 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 12
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: November 11, 2015 (United States - TV-MA), November 11, 2015 (United Kingdom - 15), November 11, 2015 (Germany - 18), November 11, 2015 (France - 18), November 11, 2015 (Australia - MA 15+), November 11, 2015 (Brazil - 16), November 11, 2015 (Spain - 18)
- Networks: ITV Encore
- Alternative Titles: The Frankenstein Chronicles - (FR)
- Production Companies: Rainmark Films
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
The Frankenstein Chronicles - Plot
Inspector John Marlott investigates a series of crimes in 19th century London, which may have been committed by a scientist intent on re-animating the dead.
The Frankenstein Chronicles - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the gothic world of Inspector Marlott come to life:
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The Frankenstein Chronicles - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Benjamin Ross
Main Cast
- Sean Bean
- Richie Campbell
- Ed Stoppard
- Tom Ward
- Eloise Smyth
- Vanessa Kirby
- Anna Maxwell Martin
- Samuel West
- Kate Dickie
- Frank Blake
Writers
- Paul Tomalin
The Frankenstein Chronicles - FAQs
Where can you stream The Frankenstein Chronicles?
The Frankenstein Chronicles is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video, BritBox, and the BritBox Apple TV and Amazon channels. It can also be purchased on Amazon Video. Free ad-supported viewing is available on The Roku Channel, Tubi TV, and Amazon Prime Video Free with Ads.
Is The Frankenstein Chronicles based on a true story?
Not directly, but it draws heavily from real history. The series is inspired by Mary Shelley's Frankenstein and set against the backdrop of genuine 19th-century debates around body snatching and the Anatomy Act of 1832. Historical figures like Mary Shelley and Sir Robert Peel appear as characters.
Who plays Inspector John Marlott in the series?
Sean Bean plays Inspector John Marlott, the haunted Thames River Police officer at the centre of the story. Bean delivers a brooding, layered performance that anchors the series, supported by Richie Campbell, Ed Stoppard, Vanessa Kirby, Anna Maxwell Martin, and Samuel West.
Does Mary Shelley actually appear in The Frankenstein Chronicles?
She does, and it's one of the show's most intriguing creative choices. Anna Maxwell Martin portrays Mary Shelley as a character woven into the investigation, blurring the line between the fictional world of Frankenstein and the real historical events unfolding around Inspector Marlott.
How many seasons and episodes does the series have?
The Frankenstein Chronicles ran for two seasons, each containing six episodes, for a total of twelve episodes. Season 1 aired in 2015 and Season 2 followed in 2017, both on ITV Encore in the United Kingdom.
What is The Frankenstein Chronicles about?
Set in 1820s London, the series follows Inspector John Marlott as he investigates a disturbing case involving dismembered children's bodies stitched together — suggesting a scientist is attempting to reanimate the dead. The show blends gothic horror, period mystery, and moral philosophy into a dark, atmospheric thriller.
Is The Frankenstein Chronicles worth watching for horror fans?
Definitely worth a look. The series earns praise for its atmospheric Victorian setting, strong performances — especially from Sean Bean — and its intelligent weaving of gothic horror with historical drama. Fans of dark period pieces like Taboo or Penny Dreadful will find plenty to appreciate here.
What are shows similar to The Frankenstein Chronicles?
If The Frankenstein Chronicles hooked you, Taboo offers a similarly dark and brooding period atmosphere. Houdini & Doyle blends historical figures with mystery in a comparable way. La Révolution brings gothic horror to a historical European setting, while Marcella delivers the same gritty investigative intensity.
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