This BBC period drama has been praised by fans who think it is better than Downton Abbey. Wolf Hall is a British television series adaptation of two of Hilary Mantel's novels - Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies.

The fictionalised biography details the life of Thomas Cromwell. The six-part first BBC series was first aired 2015. Wolf Hall was directed by Peter Kosminsky, and written by Peter Straughan.

The series' synopsis reads: "Starring Damian Lewis, Mark Rylance and Claire Foy, this series is a six-part adaptation of Hilary Mantel's novels Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies. The historical drama follows the story of Thomas Cromwell through his rise in social hierarchy. From his humble beginnings as a blacksmith's son, Cromwell becomes King Henry VIII's chief minister. The episodes chronicle his life as he deals with the power struggles of the Tudor Court and a king who has difficulty producing a male heir."

Wolf Hall has been described as a critical success. It received eight Emmy Awards nominations and three nominations for Golden Globe Awards, winning for Best Miniseries or Television Film.

The series has garnered an impressive 98% rating from the critics of Rotten Tomatoes. Their consensus states: "Beautifully filmed and brilliantly acted, Wolf Hall masterfully brings Hilary Mantel's award-winning novels to life."

Julia Raeside of The Guardian said: "Forget Downton Abbey. The adaptation of Hilary Mantel's Tudor novels, broadcast in the US starting Sunday, is among the best British TV shows in years."

One reviewer described the series as a "masterpiece" with another billing it "horrifying and also exhilarating."

A top critic said: "Subtle, brutal, elegant - Wolf Hall embodied in one moment. This was simply brilliant television."

Another critic added: "Simply put, Wolf Hall is delicious. Smartly put together and exquisitely acted, it's a character study of sorts, much like The Godfather, Part II.

"You almost expect Cromwell to whisper to whatever courtier he's just destroyed, 'It's just business.'"

An audience reviewer said: "This is one of the best period pieces I've ever seen. It masterfully captured the lives of the characters at the time, and I was glued to the screen for every second of it. I definitely recommend it for drama and history fans!"

Wolf Hall is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.