‘Underrated’ period drama starring David Tennant now streaming on Amazon Prime

Television programme : CASANOVA. Picture shows: DAVID TENNANT as Casanova TX: BBC THREE, Sunday 13th March 2005 DAVID TENNANT plays the eighteenth century character 'Casanova' as a young man whose extraordinary life takes him from Venice across Europe, much of it as a fugitive, an outlaw for 'offences' against government and church. WARNING: Use of this copyright image is subject to terms of use of the BBC Digital Picture Service. In particulatr, this image may only be used during the publicity period for the purpose of publicising CASANOVA and provided the BBC is credited. Any use of this image on the internet or for any other purpose whatsoever, including advertising or other commercial uses, requires the prior written approval of Red Productions.
The BBC mini-series is a hidden gem for fans of the former Doctor Who star (Picture: Red Productions)

When you think of David Tennant and Russell T. Davies collaborating on a BBC project, there is only one series that comes to mind.

From 2005 until 2010, Russell was the showrunner and head writer for the entirety of David’s original run as the Tenth Doctor.

However, prior to their time travelling adventures in the Tardis, perhaps unknown to most viewers is that the duo came together for the BBC mini-series Casanova in 2005, which is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

Serving as David’s breakout role before becoming the Doctor, the three-part period drama charts the journey of 18th century Italian adventurer Giacomo Casanova.

Based on his own real-life twelve-volume memoirs, the one-hour episodes star legendary actor Peter O’Toole as the older Casanova looking back on his life and David as the younger version.

Alongside them, recent Oscar nominee Rose Byrne, Rupert Penry-Jones, Matt Lucas, Shaun Parkes, Nina Sosanya and Laura Fraser are also featured.

TELEVISION PROGRAMME....CASANOVA Picture shows: DAVID TENNANT as Casanova and MATT LUCAS as Villars TX: BBC THREE, Sunday 13th March 2005 DAVID TENNANT plays the eighteenth century character 'Casanova' as a young man whose extraordinary life takes him from Venice across Europe, much of it as a fugitive, an outlaw for 'offences' against government and church. WARNING: Use of this copyright image is subject to terms of use of the BBC Digital Picture Service. In particulatr, this image may only be used during the publicity period for the purpose of publicising CASANOVA and provided the BBC is credited. Any use of this image on the internet or for any other purpose whatsoever, including advertising or other commercial uses, requires the prior written approval of Red Productions.
David Tennant plays Casanova alongside a star-studded cast, including Matt Lucas (Picture: Red Productions)
Television Programme' Casanova' DAVID TENNANT as Casanova and LAURA FRASER as Henriette TX: BBC THREE, Sunday 20th March 2005 DAVID TENNANT plays the eighteenth century character 'Casanova' as a young man whose extraordinary life takes him from Venice across Europe, much of it as a fugitive, an outlaw for 'offences' against government and church. WARNING: Use of this copyright image is subject to terms of use of the BBC Digital Picture Service. In particulatr, this image may only be used during the publicity period for the purpose of publicising CASANOVA and provided the BBC is credited. Any use of this image on the internet or for any other purpose whatsoever, including advertising or other commercial uses, requires the prior written approval of Red Productions.
The series follows the life of the 18th century Italian adventurer Giacomo Casanova (Picture: Red Productions)

Describing the series on IMDb, where the show currently holds a 7.8 rating, fans hailed it as ‘brilliant’, as Didi called it a ‘fast-moving and well-planned biopic’.

Simon also wrote: ‘The scenery, costumes and colours along with the acting , directing and witty script makes me take my hat off.

‘This mini series will put a smile on your face and it’s a must watch. Thank you so much Russell T Davies’s for such a piece of magnificent work!’

Meanwhile, Kate called it a ‘marvellously engaging and enjoyable programme’ as Ophelia similarly declared that it was a ‘dazzling spectacle’.

An official synopsis of the series reads: ‘Tennant plays the 18th-century character as a young man whose extraordinary life takes him from Venice across Europe – much of it as a fugitive – an outlaw for ‘offences’ against the government and chruch.’

Television programme : CASANOVA. Picture shows: NINA SOSANYA as Bellino, DAVID TENNANT as Casanova TX: BBC THREE, Sunday 13th March 2005 DAVID TENNANT plays the eighteenth century character 'Casanova' as a young man whose extraordinary life takes him from Venice across Europe, much of it as a fugitive, an outlaw for 'offences' against government and church. WARNING: Use of this copyright image is subject to terms of use of the BBC Digital Picture Service. In particulatr, this image may only be used during the publicity period for the purpose of publicising CASANOVA and provided the BBC is credited. Any use of this image on the internet or for any other purpose whatsoever, including advertising or other commercial uses, requires the prior written approval of Red Productions.
David collaborated with Russel T. Davies on the three-part BBC series before his turn as the tenth Doctor (Picture: Red Productions)

The release of Casanova on Amazon Prime Video comes after another BBC drama, which has been hailed as ‘one of the best series of all time’, hit the streaming platform.

Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s acclaimed BBC comedy Fleabag has raced up Amazon Prime’s rankings in recent weeks.

Based on Phoebe’s Edinburgh Fringe show, the two-season drama has wowed critics over the years with its dry humour, fourth-wall-breaks and candid exploration of messy sisterhood and even messier grief.

The multi-Emmy-winning show, which aired from 2016 to 2019, has even landed a rare 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Casanova is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.

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