‘Charming’ period drama on Netflix is ‘part Downton Abbey, part Bridgerton’
The hidden gem period drama on Netflix has viewers hooked with its Jane Austen-style wit and romance — audiences can’t stop raving over how good the series is.
The eight-episode series is receiving acclaim from all quarters(Image: Netflix)
Fans of witty, playful period dramas have another gem to discover, as a relatively obscure Netflix series is winning hearts everywhere.
Audiences have described it as “part Bridgerton, part Downton Abbey”, and if that doesn’t send costume drama devotees rushing to their screens, nothing will.
Spanish comedy-drama ‘The Lady’s Companion’, originally titled ‘Manual para señoritas’ in Spanish, has captivated viewers with its sharp humour, sparkling dialogue, excellence, and period drama mastery.
Developed for television by Gema R Neira and María José Rustarazo, the series made its Netflix debut on 28 March 2025.
Co-helmed by directors Carlos Sedes and Claudia Pinto Emperador, the eight-part series is garnering praise from every corner, reports the Express.
The little-known period drama is enthralling viewers all over the world(Image: Netflix)
The costume drama features Nadia de Santiago, Álvaro Mel, and Isa Montalbán, Zoe Bonafonte, Iratxe Emparán, and Tristán Ulloa, with the entire ensemble’s portrayals receiving plaudits from audiences and critics alike.
The programme’s official synopsis reads: “A romantic comedy set in 1880s Madrid, coinciding with the Alphonsine era and the Restoration period, depicting the social and cultural landscape of the time. Hired to find husbands for three wealthy sisters, chaperone Elena Bianda is drawn into a late 19th-century world of love, scandal and comic intrigue.”
Netflix Spain confirmed in May 2025 the series has been axed and will not return for a second season, leaving viewers deeply disappointed. Numerous fans have voiced their frustration at the programme’s cancellation both online and through series reviews.
With an impressive 92% audience approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, The Lady’s Companion has garnered widespread praise from viewers, with one fan saying: “This is a must watch. I binged it so quickly as it was so entertaining and had such beautiful love stories woven into the plot!
“The main female lead is so entertaining and funny and the main actor was so charming and handsome ;). The costume and visuals were so pretty and the series was so entertaining to watch. The chemistry between all the couples was on fire. I can’t wait for a season two!”
Another audience review describes the series as: “Bridget Jones meets Little Women meets Jane Austen, with a hint of Oscar Wilde. Somehow Spain has one-upped the recent Restoration revivals and produced the most charming rom-com in a while.”
The period drama has a smashing 92% audience approval rating(Image: Netflix)
While one viewer said: “It’s absolutely bingeable and cheeky. The only thing I didn’t like is the score, too obvious to look modern. Lavish period drama at it best.”
Another audience review expressed devastation at the series’ cancellation: “First of all Netflix it makes zero sense to cancel the show for another season, this series is captivating and comedic but also plot twisting and emotional it’s an all rounder! I loved it 10/10.”
One IMDB review said it is “better than Bridgerton” adding: “This is hands down the best show I have come across in 2025. It’s like Bridgeton but better, so many twist and turns, the script is so well written, it’s quirky, up beat and passionate. The actors are brilliant and gorgeous! Excellent choice of music too it really entangles you in the scene. Just brilliant! More shows like this please.”
Another viewer notes: “Absolutely adored binging this snazzy little number from start to finish! The cast? A delightful mix of charming, ridiculously attractive men and sharp, charismatic women. The chemistry was electric, and the witty banter kept me laughing all the way through.
“Part Bridgerton romance, part Downton Abbey grandeur, and sprinkled with that delightful Jane Austen sass, all wrapped up in a sun-soaked, comedic Spanish fiesta.”
Critics were similarly impressed with the series, with one saying: “The Lady’s Companion is a highly stylized show, and that’s what sets it apart from the likes of Bridgerton. From the use of colorful, striking fonts to the quirky animated title sequence, every detail adds a unique charm.”
While another critic said: “The Lady’s Companion is delightfully juicy and thoroughly bingeable, thanks to the sweet characters and their fantastic performances.”
The Lady’s Companion is available to stream on Netflix.