By Ben Bryant10:02PM BST 28 Aug 2012
Audience figures show the first episode attracted 3.5 million viewers, making it BBC2’s biggest drama in years.
BBC2 trounced BBC1 and ITV’s Friday night prime-time ratings with 15 percent of all viewers, doubling its usual share.
The five-part series marked a return to television for internationally renowned playwright Tom Stoppard after a 35-year hiatus.
Stoppard helped boost the channel to its most impressive ratings since HBO’s historical drama Rome aired in 2005.
Star turns from Benedict Cumberbatch, who enjoys a large global following, and Rebecca Hall, also helped give prominence to the period piece.
Critical praise was just as forthcoming as viewers.
The Telegraph’s reviewer James Walton described it as a programme that ‘demanded and rewarded our full attention’ and awarded it four and a half stars. It was met with an equally rapturous reception across the board in other national newspapers.
Concert pianist James Rhodes wrote on Twitter: “Parade's End the perfect counterpoint to a heavy day. Hall, Stoppard & Cumberbatch - what a combination! TV that makes one feel smart...“
READ MORE: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/9504571/Parades-End-gives-BBC2-biggest-drama-ratings-hit-in-seven-years.html
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