British TV has produced many acclaimed period dramas over the years, but every so often one stands out and leaves viewers completely spellbound. It’s the kind of series people still talk about long after it ends, and one that audiences describe as a “true masterpiece”. Reviewers say it has flawless acting, stunning writing and some of the most impressive production work ever seen on the BBC.

The show is based on a classic novel, and fans say it captures every detail so well that it “feels like stepping straight into the pages of the book”. It also has perfect pacing, great characters and a story that gets better with every episode. Many viewers say they didn’t expect to be hooked so quickly, but were gripped within minutes.

And now the series is back in the spotlight as people rediscover what they call “the best book adaptation ever made” on BBC iPlayer.

The drama is Little Dorrit, and it has a rare 100% audience and critic score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Fans have been full of praise. One person said: “I love a good book adaptation but this one left me absolutely floored. In my view it’s the best book adaptation ever made. It’s a masterpiece that has to be seen.”

Another added: “I admit I hadn’t read the book for a long time, and I do remember finding it rather complicated. Reading it again, I found it an insightful piece of literature, but it isn’t the easiest book to sink your teeth into at first.

“But along with 2005’s Bleak House, this adaptation of Little Dorrit was absolutely brilliant, and by far one of the better dramatisations.”

A third wrote: “Wow… just, wow! Generally the BBC adaptations of Dickens are great, but this was just something more. Not only is this a great story, but the script, cast and direction were pretty much flawless from beginning to end. And did I mention the cinematography?”

Someone else commented: One of the best things I’ve ever seen. I stumbled on to this series about half way through an early episode purely by accident and within five minutes I was totally hooked – wow.

“My favorite programs are a combination of a great story, careful character development and excellent acting. This series has all these and more. The cinematography shows great sensitivity, the sets and costumes world class and even the theme music is mesmerizing. Each episode practically stands on its own. It’s the whole package.”

The series first aired in 2008 and was written by Andrew Davies, with episodes directed by Adam Smith, Dearbhla Walsh and Diarmuid Lawrence.

It starred Claire Foy as Amy Dorrit, with Matthew Macfadyen, Tom Courtenay, Judy Parfitt and Andy Serkis among a large ensemble cast.

It was produced by the BBC alongside American broadcaster WGBH Boston and went on to win seven Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Miniseries.

In the UK it was broadcast in 14 parts, beginning with a feature-length opener.

The story, originally written by Charles Dickens between 1855 and 1857, follows Amy Dorrit, who grows up in London’s Marshalsea debtors’ prison, and Arthur Clennam, who returns home after 20 years abroad and becomes drawn into her world.

It mixes family drama with a look at Victorian society, class divisions and government failings.

All episodes are available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer with a valid TV licence.