5 reasons to make A Place to Call Home your summer binge-watch

4. It’s a period drama with a different viewpoint

Many people say that A Place to Call Home is an Australian version of Downton Abbey. At first glance, it can seem like that. However, there’s more to it than that.

This has a different viewpoint from the likes of Downton Abbey and even Upstairs, Downstairs. There isn’t as much of a focus on the servants of Ash Park, the Bligh home. The “lower class” focus is on the doctor of the town, the new nurse, Roy, a farmer who gains a soft spot for the new nurse (just as a friend, of course), and the Italian family.

A lot of the focus is definitely on the upper-class family. However, they’re not from traditional old money in the way that Downton Abbey’s focus is on. The Blighs are landowners with some even working the land.

Speaking of period dramas, though, the costumes are excellent. Now I wish I could have that fashion right now!

3. There’s a mixture of personal stories

Each main character has his or her main focus. There’s a storyline for all, whether it’s a focus on the events from the Second World War (it all starts eight years after the war so memories are fresh) or if it’s about changing society’s view of the world.

There are all sort of mysteries throughout. Some of them start with why the nurse goes by the name of Sarah but has the name Bridget on her passport or why James Bligh tries to kill himself in the opening episode. Others will develop along the way, including the real father of certain adult children, the secrets particular family members have had to hide, and the messy politics within high society.

There is always someone around to mess up what could be a happy ending. The meddling matriarch is one but you’ll soon find there’s more to her story than meets the eye.