Christina Ricci stars in the lead role of the period drama that’s been described as “hilarious, murdery and ridiculous” by fans of the limited series

Channel 5 drops period drama and fans are going wild

If you’re in search of a captivating new period drama to keep you entertained, an eight-part limited series featuring Christina Ricci and Yellowstone’s Cole Hauser might be just what you’re looking for.

The Lizzie Borden Chronicles, had previously been released in 2015 but was recently launched in the UK on Channel 5 and has been dazzling fans ever since.

It follows the story of titler Lizzie Borden, an American women who was acquitted of the 1892 double murder of her parents. Despite being found not guilty of any crime, Lizzie’s notorious reputation haunts her like a bad smell.

Viewers will be taken on a journey of Lizzie’s post-trial aftermath as a relentless detective follows her every move, stopping at nothing when it comes to proving that she is not innocent after a further string of suspicious murders are carried out.

The official synopsis reads: “The Lizzie Borden Chronicles delivers an intense and fictionalised account of actual events and people surrounding Lizzie’s life after her controversial acquittal of the horrific double murder of her father and stepmother in 1892, when the exonerated figure lives a life awash in newfound celebrity filled with scandalous love affairs.”

It further adds: “But when numerous people close to Lizzie – ranging from her half-brother William to Broadway luminaries and her business associate/underworld kingpin Mr. Flowers – start to mysteriously die under brutal and strange circumstances, legendary Pinkerton detective Charlie Siringo becomes determined to prove her involvement in their ultimate demise.”

The biographical drama follows the success of the 2014 film Lizzie Borden Took an Ax, with Christina Ricci also starring in the main role.

Christina is widely known for her iconic role of Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family, Bel Ami, and Monstrous. Other stars of the period drama include Clea DuVall as Lizzie’s sister, Emma.

As previously mentioned, Cole Hauser best known for his work in Yellowstone, Good Will Hunting, takes on the role of detective Charlie Siringo.

Further notable cast members include Andrew Howard as William, Jonathan Banks as Mr Flowers, Jessy Schram in the role of Nancy O’Keefe, and John Heard starring as William Almy.

Social media has been a buzz with praise about the miniseries, with fans hailing it as “incredible”. Back in 2017, one person penned: “Just finished watching The Lizzie Borden Chronicles. So brilliant and hilarious and murdery and ridiculous. You must watch it.

Another online user agreed: “The Lizzie Borden Chronicles was the best show I’ve seen in a long time. So well done!” Despite fans seemingly loving the period drama critics weren’t as enthusiastic.

The New York Times commented that the “period-piece television served with a wink”, while Vanity Fair added that the production was “playful, wicked brain candy”.