'Masterpiece' BBC drama based on 'favourite books of all time' is free to stream

BBC drama fans rejoice - fans have been going wild after discovering a "masterpiece" dystopian series that's streaming free on iPlayer. With plenty of fans comparing it to Hulu's The Handmaid's Tale, the series is based on a beloved series of books and was first adapted for TV back in 2020.

That series is Noughts + Crosses, based on the young adult dystopian series of novels by Malorie Blackman. Starring Jack Rowan, Masali Baduza and Helen Baxendale, the show tells the story of an alternate universe divided by race, where white people are the ones oppressed. The series follows a Romeo and Juliet style forbidden love story between main characters Sephy and Callum, with plenty of high-stakes drama, heartbreak and action for fans to sink their teeth into.

Reviews for the series have branded it one of the "best of all time", with one IMDb reviewer writing: "Groundbreaking - a fantastic drama. Thought-provoking and exciting. I do think people will find it uncomfortable to watch at times and it means it's highlighting something within."

"The BBC has done an amazing job, this show is accurate to the books. It makes you feel uncomfortable, as it should, and really highlights the issues that are reversed in our own world. Attention to detail from architecture to fashion to music is brilliant," someone else agreed.

While a third fan said: "Had me hooked from episode one. It was very, very good and they transitioned quite well from teen book to mainstream audience."

Another hailed it a "very good adaptation based on an even better book", adding: "The visuals of the series are just stunning. Casting is excellent. Well done BBC!"

One fan who had "been waiting since they were a teenager" to see the show on TV, hailed it a "superb adaptation", writing: "Malorie Blackman's books are outstanding and this really brought them to life. Bravo BBC!"