'Terrific' ITV drama with Doc Martin star soaring up Netflix charts as fans beg for more

Life Begins, which first aired in 2004 on ITV, has been climbing up the Netflix TV charts in recent days. The drama, which stars Doc Martin's Caroline Quentin and actor-turned-presenter Alexander Armstrong, ran for three seasons until 2006. The show follows the life of a mum-of-two named Maggie (played by Caroline) who is left devastated when her husband Phil (Alexander) unveils he is leaving her for someone else. The series sees heartbroken Maggie navigate life as a singleton while experiencing new jobs and new men on the dating scene. Life Begins is now finding a whole new audience on Netflix, more than twenty years after its original release date. And it's easy to see why, as it's created by North Shore's Mike Bullen and has an impressive cast featuring actors from BBC's Motherland and Shetland.

The synopsis reads: "After a separation leaves Maggie as her family's sole provider, she juggles her kids' busy schedules with a new job and the awkward world of dating."

The series has been praised by viewers, with one writing: "The storyline has everything; laughter, tears, anger, jealousy, love and fear."

A second remarked: "Caroline Quentin is always a delight, Alexander Armstrong a perfect foil to Caroline's character. I would recommend it to anyone looking for something to cheer them up, but also it is surprisingly thought, and you may find similarities in your own family."

Another said: "One of my favourite shows, I've watched it several times." Someone else penned: "Wonderful characters. Wonderful actors. Nice to see a modern British show that isn't a costume drama or a detective show."

A fifth said: "Very well done. Caroline Quentin is surrounded by a terrific cast. I hope there will be more of this series. Thanks for a terrific show."

Life Begins is now available to stream on Netflix.