The gripping BBC drama Garrow's Law has been praised by viewers who found the series, inspired by the life of barrister William Garrow, "fascinating". The historical drama, which first aired in November 2009, investigates real crime, from high treason to rape, using published accounts of Old Bailey trials.

The 18th-century British barrister was fundamental in establishing the "innocent until proven guilty" principle. Gallow pioneered cross-examination in court, and the actor who played him in the series, Andrew Buchan, told the BBC at the time: "People were being sent to prison, even hanged, on no evidence, and Garrow stepped in and started rattling a few cages by posing insightful questions. He's very aggressive; the whole thing is based on attack."

The star added: "Garrow's story is fascinating, and because he is unknown, I think it's all the better that it is being aired.

"It's much more interesting to play a real historical figure and, because he's not famous, rather than doing a copy or a caricature, I have to rely on the known facts in the history books to help understand how to play him."

After watching the show, one viewer, who titled her review "the best period drama ever," wrote: "I came across this on BBC iPlayer and instantly thought, 'Why have I not heard about this before?' Garrow's Law is one of the BBC's best-kept secrets."

A second penned: "This series is clever and thought-provoking. The period dress and the way that court was conducted are historically accurate and fascinating."

Someone else wrote: "Brilliant casting, great writing, and much to teach us about the injustice of the British legal system in the 18th century."

Another fan wrote: "I recently discovered a lesser-known BBC series, Garrow's Law(2009-2012), and highly recommend this superb British period drama based upon the life of 18th-century lawyer William Garrow. As the barrister who demanded that the accused was "innocent until proven guilty," Garrow became the Perry Mason for the poor and unjustly accused."

Garrow's Law is available to stream on Prime Video and Peacock.