TV

Starring Judi Dench, Claudie Blakley, Julia McKenzie, Alex Jennings, Celia Imrie, Barbara Flynn, Adrian Scarborough, Debra Gillett, Tom Hiddleston, Imelda Staunton, and Deborah Findlay

The people of Cranford face the development of a new railroad and new characters facing forbidden love in Masterpiece Classics' two-part sequel to "Cranford," the highly successful adaptation of Elizabeth Gaskell's novels.

Episode Guide & More Info: More about this show at TV.com

Also On The Web: Official Show Site

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

Wall Street JournalDorothy Rabinowitz

Still, in the face of darkness there is comedy and friendship and, as we see in the glorious finale, dancing--the waltz having come to Cranford. This is a return visit no one will regret making.

Read Full Review >

USA TodayRobert Bianco

Return is certainly a period piece, but there is much in the period, with both its fear and embrace of technology, that speaks to us.

Read Full Review >

VarietyBrian Lowry

Return to Cranford" has much in common with that feared railway--chugging along like a well-oiled machine. It's just that this one runs on a mixture of charm and whimsy that makes "Masterpiece" an increasingly rare commodity.

Read Full Review >

TV GuideMatt Roush

Any time we’re lulled into thinking things are getting awfully precious and quaint, we’re sucker-punched by Dickensian twists of fate that reveal deep and true emotions.

Read Full Review >

Pittsburgh Post-GazetteRob Owen

The performances remain top notch, and the production design further draws viewers into the time period, making Return to Cranford a worthwhile trip for fans of British costume dramas.

Read Full Review >

Boston GlobeMatthew Gilbert

The most engaging and lovely part of the series, though, is its soul, Miss Matty.

Read Full Review >

San Francisco ChronicleDavid Wiegand

Heidi Thomas' adaptation, nicely directed by Simon Curtis, is democratic in its equal distribution of delightful dialogue among the primary players, although there are several points where it feels rather mechanically truncated to fit everything into two 90-minute parts.

Read Full Review >

San Diegio Union-TribuneRobert P. Laurence

The sequel is not much different, but now the approach of the newfangled railroad is more imminent, dividing the townsfolk as surely and dramatically as its tracks divide the landscape. Now, even more than before, it touches and drives every event in the complex plot.

Read Full Review >

Los Angeles TimesMary McNamara

For those who loved "Cranford," Return to Cranford is another chance to visit a world in which one found happiness and is certainly worth watching. For those who did not, or for viewers with a low treacle and teacup tolerance, perhaps another show would serve better.

Read Full Review >

The New York TimesMike Hale

Truly committed Anglophiles will appreciate Return to Cranford despite any storytelling deficiencies...If you’re looking for a sharp examination of the encroachment of modern life on traditional values, however, keep in mind that Sunday night also offers the 450th episode of “The Simpsons.”

Read Full Review >

What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this show is 9.0 (out of 10) based on 1 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

sandy s gave it a9:
cranford and return to cranford is a joy, I will miss it when ended. Would so enjoy seeing more of this type of programming

TV

Recent/UpcomingMovies & Specials

Recent/UpcomingSeries Premieres

Return to Cranford

Show Info

Summary

What The Critics Said

What Our Users Said

Recent/Upcoming
Movies & Specials

Recent/Upcoming
Series Premieres