'Masterpiece' BBC drama based on bestselling book is 'best ever' adaptation and on iPlayer

A Christmas special that aired on the BBC in 2015 has been hailed as the "best ever" adaptation and a "masterpiece" by fans. Its starry cast, gripping storyline and the book that it was based on played a part in the programme's critical acclaim.

And Then There Were None is a mystery thriller television series that was first broadcast on BBC One from December 26 to December 28, 2015. The three-part programme was adapted by Sarah Phelps and directed by Craig Viveiros and is based on Agatha Christie's 1939 novel of the same name.

The series features a stellar cast line-up including Douglas Booth, Charles Dance, Maeve Dermody, Burn Gorman, Anna Maxwell Martin, Sam Neill, Miranda Richardson, Toby Stephens, Noah Taylor, and Aidan Turner. The drama debuted to six million viewers and received critical acclaim, with many praising the writing, performances, and cinematography. It has scored highly in ratings, also.

The series synopsis reads: "And Then They Were None involves ten strangers invited to a remote island off the coast of Devon, England, by a mysterious host. Once there, they are accused of past murders via a recorded message, and as a storm cuts them off, they begin to be killed one by one in a manner that mimics a nursery rhyme, creating a suspenseful and paranoid atmosphere as they realise a killer is among them. The 2015 BBC adaptation specifically focuses on the dark tone of the original novel and includes its original, bleaker ending."

The series boasts an impressive 91% rating from fans on Rotten Tomatoes, with one reviewer stating, "Hands down the best adaptation of Agatha Christie."

Another fan wrote: "And There Was None is a great twisted psychological thriller that tricks us and that captivates the spectator from the first moment. Original and unpredictable are the best words to describe this Agatha Christie masterpiece."

"One of the best mystery movies ever," praised a third fan, while a fourth added: "Easily the best adaptation of the mystery so far, with absolutely brilliant camerawork and fine performances from the entire cast."

"The critics awarded it a high 81%, their consensus states: "Dark yet dashingly executed, And Then There Were None offers a brazenly misanthropic look at human nature."

And Then They Were None is available to stream now on BBC iPlayer.