'Captivating' period drama about iconic British monarch is streaming for free

ITVX is currently streaming a hit period drama about a British monarch that's perfect for a cosy binge-watch during the long, winter evenings.

As the nights start to draw in even earlier leading up to Christmas, TV viewers will be looking for sumptuous dramas to get lost in.

Audiences should look no further than ITV's online streaming service, which has a wide selection of acclaimed series to choose from.

One of the best options on offer this winter is the hit series Victoria, which kicked off in 2016 and starred Doctor Who's Jenna Coleman as the young monarch, taking her from her rebellious teenage years into mature adulthood across three gripping seasons.

While reviews have aimed criticism at the show's lack of historical accuracy, it's impossible to deny that the series penned by Daisy Goodwin is a riotously good time that's ripe for discovery, or perhaps a rewatch.

The Guardian's positive review summed up the experience: "As ever, it all hinges on Jenna Coleman's performance as Victoria and her ability to conjure up a portrait of this queen as understanding, sympathetic, kind and decent, even under unimaginable and possibly imaginary pressures.

"It might not be elegant and it might not survive the strain of putting its plot points to the search engine test, but as diverting drama it gets the job done."

A rave write-up from an IMDb user said: "Rather captivating, I loved it. Every inch a Queen.

"I love [Coleman's] portrayal of Victoria, she has some presence and a definite strength of character. Rufus Sewell I thought was exceptional as Lord Melbourne too, the complex relationship the pair had in real life was explained very well.

"The settings, costumes, and general production values were first rate, the show felt incredibly plush and lavish, I shudder to think of the budget for this series. Totally engaging, this was first rate viewing 9/10."

The series has unfortunately left countless fans disappointed as it was cancelled after three seasons, leaving the rest of Queen Victoria's story still untold.

However, in 2021, ITV stated "there are no plans presently to film Victoria, but that's not to say we won't revisit the series with the production team at a later date", suggesting the fourth season about a slightly older Victoria could eventually surface.

One fan keeping their fingers crossed for more wrote: "This has been the most amazing series since Downton Abbey I have watched. I laughed, I cried, I got angry. I felt every emotion humanly possible through watching it.

"My mother and I binge watched it together and couldn't believe how much it draws you in from beginning to end. I am so heartbroken that it has not yet come out with a 4th season. My mother and I both are. We pray they decide to release another season.

"I plead to ITV or whoever, to please give the green light for the 4th season and then some. This is an amazing love story that NEEDS to be completed."

There could be a chance for the series to continue if enough people revisit the series on ITVX, so it's time to get streaming.

Victoria is available to stream on ITVX.