'Downton Abbey' Meets 'Succession' in BritBox's 8-Part Period Drama

Published Sep 6, 2026, 6:44 AM EDT Kendall Myers is a Senior Author with Collider. As part of the TV and Movies Features team, she writes about some of the most popular releases before, during, and after they premiere. In three years, she has written over 900 articles with topics ranging from classic sitcoms to fantasy epics. The period drama genre boasts a wide range of stories, from romance to war. Many tackle society's harsh class divisions, but few do it as successfully as A Woman of Substance does. The BritBox series bears echoes of Downton Abbey's exploration of early 1900s class structure with a dash of Succession's family conflict, resulting in a show that's like nothing else on TV. Set in the early 1900s with flash-forwards to the 1970s, the eight-episode drama tracks one woman's journey from hardship to business empire. However, the show still has a lot of ground to cover in bridging the gap between the two timelines. Luckily, A Woman of Substance has already been renewed for a second season, promising more answers to come. What Is 'A Woman of Substance' About? Based on Barbara Taylor Bradford's book of the same name, A Woman of Substance spans six decades, telling the rags-to-riches story of Emma Harte (Jessica Reynolds) as she grows from a penniless maid into a powerful business owner. By the 1970s, an 80-year-old Emma (Brenda Blethyn) is battling her own children to maintain control of the company she built, with only her granddaughter Paula (Mara Huf) as an ally. Her children spread rumors that she is no longer mentally capable of running the company, forcing Emma to prove that she is as shrewd as ever. However, during the conflict, secrets emerge, and the family becomes even more divided. Because Emma has spent her life seeking revenge on her former employers, the Fairley family, Paula works to hide her relationship with Jim Fairley (Toby Regbo) from her grandmother, adding a layer of complexity to the family drama. Much of the story so far largely focuses on Emma's younger years. From the beginning, it's clear that Emma wants more for herself, and as a maid in the Fairleys' house, she tries to gain the attention of Mrs. Fairley (Leanne Best), who is locked in her room and labeled insane, as well as Mrs. Fairley's sister, Olivia (Lydia Leonard), who runs the household. Yet, Emma attracts the most attention from the youngest son, Edwin (Ewan Horrocks), with whom she has a romance. Emma's earliest years explain her present-day feud with the Fairleys, but more importantly, they prove how determined and resourceful Emma is as she desperately works to make a name for herself. 'A Woman of Substance's Compelling Story Isn't Done Yet A Woman of Substance sets itself apart in the period drama genre, and part of that is due to its main character, with two talented actresses bringing Emma Hart to life. Reynolds has the task of depicting Emma's development through the years, while Blethyn flawlessly portrays Emma's strategic and powerful presence, allowing the audience to see the ruthless businesswoman the character has become. With such impressive performances and a compelling antagonist in the Fairleys, the series tells an unforgettable story, and it's not over yet. A Woman of Substance has only released one season, but more is on the way, and there are still many years to cover as Emma's backstory inches closer to her present-day success. Season 2 promises to be as tense as the first, giving fans a lot to look forward to. Meanwhile, anyone who loves period-era stories or family-centered dramas should catch up on A Woman of Substance. Release Date March 11, 2026 Network Channel 4 Writers Katherine Jakeways, Roanne Bardsley Cast Brenda Blethyn Older Emma Harle Jessica Reynolds Young Emma Harte Creator(s) Barbara Taylor Bradford