A BBC latest drama has left viewers utterly captivated with many admitting they’ve binged all five episodes in one sitting.

Adapted from Richard Flanagan’s Booker Prize-winning novel, The Narrow Road to the Deep North has become an unexpected hit on BBC iPlayer, earning praise as one of the most poignant and unforgettable shows of the year. Starring Saltburn’s Jacob Elordi and Belfast’s Ciarán Hinds, who play younger and older versions of Australian surgeon Dorrigo Evans, the narrative spans generations – from a pre-war forbidden romance, through the brutal realities of Japanese imprisonment, to the lasting effects of psychological trauma.

Not only has the five-part series impressed critics – boasting a flawless 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes – but it’s also deeply moved audiences. One viewer shared their thoughts on Google’s review platform: “Watched all 5 episodes in one evening. Very good series. War and love. Great acting, lovely soundtrack and a glimpse into the pain and suffering of WW2 and letting go of the love of your life.”.

The Narrow Road to the Deep North stars Jacob Elordi and Odessa Young(Image: Amazon)

Another praised: “An outstanding series. Not an easy watch, but well worth it.” The emotional resonance of the series is undeniable, with numerous viewers admitting that the show brought them to tears. One fan said: “This series just destroyed me. I still cannot think about it without crying. Every moment, and every character, were compelling… A beautiful show. Highly recommend.”

Another added: “There was a lot of human connection in this series and a very horrific scene and some sadness. This movie was interesting throughout and was very well paced. It didn’t lose my attention at any point.” The story, told through flashbacks, centres on Dorrigo Evans, who becomes an unlikely war hero after surviving the horrors of a Japanese labour camp in Burma.

Jacob Elordi in The Narrow Road to the Deep North(Image: Amazon)

Yet, it’s his forsaken love affair – a secret liaison with his uncle’s wife, Amy – that haunts him most deeply. Odessa Young (Manodrome) stars as Amy, alongside Olivia DeJonge (Elvis) as Dorrigo’s wife Ella, and Simon Baker (The Mentalist) as his friend Keith. Both Elordi and Young have been praised for their on-screen chemistry, while Hinds brings emotional depth to the older Dorrigo, still haunted by his past.

Elordi shared with the BBC the physical challenges of filming, especially during the prisoner-of-war scenes: “We carried a real tree up the side of a cliff for I don’t know how many hours. It was like being in a massive theatre production that was constantly playing.” Hinds confessed that the novel had immediately enthralled him. “It was extraordinary. It was harrowing, heartbreaking, a kind of epic storytelling.”

Viewers have also praised the series for its unflinching portrayal of the harsh realities of war. One Google reviewer was deeply moved, describing it as “terrifying and moving to the soul,” while many others applauded its cinematography, soundtrack, and emotional depth. The Narrow Road to the Deep North is currently available for streaming in full on BBC iPlayer.