The Cook of Castamar has been described as perfect for fans of period dramas like Downton Abbey and Bridgerton(Image: ITV)
Netflix viewers are urged to watch a hidden gem series dubbed ‘even better’ than Downton Abbey.
The period drama, which first came out back in 2021, is adored by fans of the genre and has been described as “brilliant” and “totally addictive”.
Created by Tatiana Rodríguez, the Netflix series is set in early-18th-century Madrid and explores a forbidden romance between a talented cook and a widowed nobleman.
The show, which stars Michelle Jenner as Clara Belmonte and Roberto Enríquez as the Duke of Castamar, is based on a popular 2019 novel by Fernando J. Múñez and first aired on Atresplayer Premium.
‘Mesmerising’ Channel 4 period drama based on most dangerous woman to ever live
Channel 4 period drama based on harrowing true story hailed as ‘phenomenal’ by fans
The TV show was adapted from a novel(Image: NETFLIX)
The series is named The Cook of Castamar, though its original Spanish title is La cocinera de Castamar.
It has a 7.4 score on IMDb and continues to attract an international fanbase on Netflix despite being a Spanish language show comprising just 12 episodes.
The events of the drama take place in 1720 during the reign of Philip V and sees Clara Belmonte (Jenner) take refuge as a chef in Diego de Castamar’s (Enríquez) kitchens after the death of her father.
Meanwhile, the Duke of Castamar is still reeling from the tragic loss of his pregnant wife.
One person gave the series a 10/10 rating, writing: “Just brilliant. There aren’t many movies that would get a 10 from me, but this is one of them. Totally addictive, subtle, tender, full of twists, with beautiful costumes and heart-grabbing music by Ivan Palomares… So glad I found this masterpiece.”
“Surprisingly lovely show!” another agreed, adding: “This show makes me want to learn Spanish so I can read the book!”
One more added: “Absolutely Exceptional! One of the most beautiful period piece shows I’ve seen. I dare say it may be better than Downtown Abbey (yup I said it).”
The drama series has captivated audiences(Image: NETFLIX)
Over on Rotten Tomatoes, viewers compared The Cook of Castamar to several popular period dramas.
One wrote: “A cross between Bridgerton and Versailles with a dash of The Tudors although not so polished. Provided you can put up with the incessant bonking it’s an everyday story of the Spanish aristocracy with some beautiful interiors.”
Another said: “Without any recommendations (just a curious find on Netflix) I enjoyed it so very much. For me right up there with Godless, Band of Brothers, The Tudors (circa 2007), Grantchester, others for setting authenticity, period costumes, beauty of scenes, casting, story/plot, acting.”
One more noted that the show managed to avoid being a lesser version of ITV’s Downton Abbey, giving it five stars as they added: “Compelling, well-acted, period drama with a first rate cast. Being about a great house and its servants, it could have easily devolved into an 18th Century knock-off of Downton Abbey. With its excellent writing and character development, its plot had enough twists and turns to keep me riveted, and I could easily tolerate the occasional cliche that crept up.”
However, not everyone was impressed, with one person complaining: “Horribly melodramatic, very predictable and lazy plot twists, complemented by bad acting. Don’t waste your time.”
The Cook of Castamar is available to watch on Netflix now
