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Season 1 – Les Misérables

Play trailer Poster for Season 1 – Les Misérables Dec 2018 History Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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88% Tomatometer 40 Reviews 80% Popcornmeter 100+ Ratings
PBS and BBC One present this adaptation of Victor Hugo's classic novel by screenwriter Andrew Davies. Following a cast of characters as they struggle to survive in war-torn France, the six-part drama features Dominic West as Jean Valjean and David Oyelowo as Javert. The production also features Lily Collins in the role of Fantine.
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Les Misérables — Season 1

Les Misérables — Season 1

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Critics Consensus

Andrew Davies' deft adaptation of the oft-retold Victor Hugo classic affords viewers a newfound intimacy with these outcasts and revolutionaries, who are ably brought to life by a star-studded cast.

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Critics Reviews

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Ben Pobjie Sydney Morning Herald 06/24/2020
As Daffy Duck said, it's the rich what gets the gravy, and the poor what gets the blame. Les Miserables is a gorgeously conceived means of getting that depressing, eternal truth across. Go to Full Review
Judy Berman TIME Magazine 12/06/2019
As the miniseries jumps from one classic scene to the next, what's lost in the script, if not in the acting, is the slow process of character development. Go to Full Review
Allison Keene Collider 12/06/2019
5/5
Les Misérables is a haunting, unforgettable journey of sacrifice and forgiveness that changes its characters significantly over the time we spend with them. Go to Full Review
Alex Behan The Post NZ 09/17/2021
I found myself drawn into this story almost against my will, in part due a high-calibre cast... But mostly it's the timeless tale itself that wouldn't let me go. Go to Full Review
Tim Appelo AARP Movies for Grownups 08/14/2020
Dominic West, 50, is good as Victor Hugo's righteous fugitive, Jean Valjean, and British-American actor David Oyelowo is even better as his hunter, Javert. The six-part miniseries is way more faithful to the book than the musical was. Go to Full Review
Paula Vázquez Prieto La Nación (Argentina) 12/17/2019
The goal of the British Andrew Davies in adapting the Victor Hugo classic consists in affirming his visionary realism as a portrait of a cruel and unequal world, not too different from the contemporary one. [Full Review in Spanish] Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Korben D @Korbendallas506 Jan 31 The 2018 BBC miniseries Les Misérables is a real treat, elevated by an outstanding cast—Dominic West, David Oyelowo, Lily Collins, and more—who bring real depth and humanity to these iconic characters. Finally, viewers get a faithful, grounded adaptation of Victor Hugo’s novel, free from the bombastic songs and schmaltz of the musical versions. You can truly experience the story anew, with rich focus on character development and social themes. Sure, Hugo’s sprawling 1,500-page epic has its flaws—no editor to trim the rambling digressions—but this series makes you forgive them all. The finale can be confusing and stuffed with details, but so is the book. The pacing keeps you hooked across six episodes; I binged it in one sitting and couldn’t look away. Highly recommended for anyone craving a more authentic, emotionally resonant take on the classic. See more Diana A @RT13004468 12/08/2024 Cette série est une véritable pépite. L’atmosphère est hypnotique, presque magique, avec une réalisation qui plonge dans un mélange parfait de mystère et d’émotion. Les personnages sont incroyablement bien écrits, chacun avec ses propres blessures et secrets, et les acteurs livrent des performances vraiment poignantes. L’histoire est captivante, mêlant le surnaturel et le drame humain d’une manière subtile et intelligente. Chaque épisode laisse une sensation étrange, entre fascination et angoisse, qui vous pousse à en vouloir toujours plus. C’est une œuvre unique, qui reste dans l’esprit longtemps après l’avoir terminée. See more Elisha I @asapidox 10/16/2024 Les Misérables Season 1 delivered a powerful and emotionally charged adaptation of the classic story. The performances were strong, especially from the leads, capturing the depth and struggles of the characters. The production values and setting felt authentic and immersive. A few pacing issues slowed down the middle episodes, but overall, it was a compelling retelling that kept me engaged throughout. See more marcel d @RT99671921 09/12/2022 Breathtaking adaptation of one of the most important novels in history! It is a story about compassion, forgiveness, and suffering. See more 09/29/2020 I love the story from the novel and the musical as well. I don't mind to watch the non musical version of Les Mis because it should be truer to the novel. Yes this BBC version is truer to the novel, plot wise. Andrew Davies bashed the musical and guess what? This adaptation didn't really do the character justice. Valjean in my opinion, having read the book, is too aggressive in this adaptation. This is the story of redemption (one of the themes) what's the point of making him so aggressive even after the Petit Gervais event. Two, why the heck did Marius have a wet dream about Eponine. Three, in the novel Valjean and Cosette have a loving father-daughter relationship, so far as Cosette wants to make Valjean happy and vice versa. Why did Cosette become such a rebel and very rude at one point in this adaptation? To be honest the 2012 musical did the character, especially Cosette and Valjean, so much more justice than BBC, even though they changed some of the plots. Characters' personality is also important imo because they are a part of the story (moreover if they are the main characters) and BBC failed to do that. I like Fantine's part though, they did that very well. Lily Collins showed the naïve and shy personality of Fantine (and her descent into the low points of her life) very well . That's the only thing that I really like See more 08/17/2020 Awful bastardisation of Hugo's story. Everyone involved should be ashamed. See more Read all reviews
Les Misérables — Season 1

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Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Dec 30, 2018 Episode 1 In war-torn France, ex-convict Jean Valjean and seamstress Fantine must decide their futures. Details Episode 2 Aired Jan 6, 2019 Episode 2 Desperately poor, Fantine leaves Paris to find work and must make a heartbreaking decision to give her daughter Cosette a better way of life; Jean Valjean forges a new identity and Javert is determined to catch him out. Details Episode 3 Aired Jan 13, 2019 Episode 3 After revealing his true identity, Jean Valjean breaks free from the guards to find Fantine in the infirmary, and makes a vow to find her daughter Cosette before he is imprisoned again. Details Episode 4 Aired Jan 20, 2019 Jean Valjean and Cosette leave the convent to start a new life in Paris, although Jean worries it could be dangerous; the Thénardiers plot their revenge; Jean worries when Cosette meets idealistic student Marius. Details Episode 5 Aired Jan 27, 2019 Paris is on the brink of revolt as unrest spreads through the streets and taverns, among students and the working-class; Javert redoubles his efforts to find Jean Valjean. Details Episode 6 Aired Feb 3, 2019 The revolutionaries and the army prepare for the next assault, and the fighting becomes more bloody and desperate; Jean Valjean arrives at the barricade to find Marius, conflicted over his feelings about the man who promises to take Cosette from him. Details
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Season Info

Director
Tom Shankland
Executive Producer
Faith Penhale, Bethan Jones, Andrew Davies, David Oyelowo, Dominic West, Rebecca Eaton, Eurydice Gysel
Screenwriter
Andrew Davies, Victor Hugo
Network
BBC
Rating
TV-14 (L|V)
Genre
History, Drama
Original Language
British English
Release Date
Dec 30, 2018