Brenda Blethyn’s ‘romantic’ and “sincere” drama’s first reviews are out

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Over four decades after Channel 4 initially adapted Barbara Taylor Bradford’s popular novel, A Woman of Substance, the network is revisiting the story with a new adaptation.

Don’t miss the premiere of A Woman of Substance tonight, March 11th, at 9pm on Channel 4! The first two episodes will air back-to-back. Starring Brenda Blethyn, known for her role in Vera, this eight-part series has been highly anticipated.

The show tells the story of Emma Harte, following her incredible journey from a humble housemaid to a hugely successful and powerful businesswoman.

Emma starts as a hopeful maid in Yorkshire and falls in love with Edwin Fairley, the son of her employer, a relationship that is considered off-limits.

After becoming pregnant and being abandoned to safeguard the Fairley family’s reputation, she channels her heartbreak into a relentless pursuit of revenge and building a powerful empire. Critics are divided – some enjoy the show’s scandalous side, while others find the storytelling heavy and overly detailed. According to Metro, the eight-part series based on Barbara Taylor Bradford’s novel immediately overwhelms viewers with its complex plot.

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Okay, so every scene in this show throws another twist at you – it keeps things moving, for sure. If you’ve already read the Taylor Bradford book it’s based on (it’s a long one!), some of it won’t be a shock, and honestly, the show doesn’t even use the whole book. But one thing’s for certain: you definitely won’t be bored watching A Woman of Substance. It’s a wild ride!

The intimacy described here isn’t particularly passionate or enjoyable. It’s more awkward or even uncomfortable, the kind of experience you might find yourself trying to distract yourself from.

The Irish Independent described the show as incredibly cheesy, comparing it to being overwhelmed by a huge pot of fondue. That’s a pretty harsh critique!

I read a review in The Financial Times that really hit the nail on the head. They said the show feels like it could’ve been made pretty much any time in the last 40 years, except maybe the last ten. Apparently, genuine sincerity isn’t really ‘in’ right now, so the fact that this show is just honest and simple makes it feel a little different from what everyone’s used to seeing.

This story unfolds over six decades, moving between Emma’s difficult childhood in 1910s Yorkshire and her life as a successful businesswoman in the 1970s. By the 1970s, she’s built a global retail empire and lives in a New York penthouse, with much to lose.

Emma also faces a current danger: Jim Fairley, the grandson of an old flame, warns her that someone might try to take over her company, which significantly increases the pressure on the powerful businesswoman.

Honestly, whether or not you’ll enjoy this show is totally up to your own taste. But for me? I’m completely hooked! I’m loving seeing Vera looking so chic and stylish, and I’m thrilled Brenda Blethyn is having such a fantastic moment – it’s a real renaissance for her!

A Woman of Substance begins on Channel 4 tonight, 11 March, at 9pm

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2026-03-11 16:19