Without a doubt, this is far better than any of the fare offered up to us by Doctor Who or Downton Abbey in recent years. Brilliant cast, brilliant production values, brilliant story...I only wish it could have lasted longer! The story, at first glance, may seem like the usual shtick designed to entertain the family in front of the telly at tea-time, and in a way it is. It isn't overly-sentimental in it's view, though- it's not one of the many "those-were-the-days" shows clogging up our screens nowadays, and while it may look at the 1930s through those famed rose-tinted lenses, it's extremely sweet and charming in it's nostalgic intent. George's plight at the hands of PTSD (or 'shell-shock' as it was known those days) is heart-breaking to watch, as are the trials that his family must endure in order to maintain a tolerable standard of living. However, after encountering a customs officer with parrots and monkeys left on his hands, George buys them from him along with a mistreated old camel from a cruel circus owner out of compassion. And, when he discovers the forgotten Oakfield House on his way to a war reunion, the light-bulb goes off- a zoo. "A zoo without bars", no less. The numerous episodes are funny and light-hearted but can venture into serious territory at times (one involves George being accosted by an enraged bear), and at one hour long they're perfectly paced and a delight to watch. The cast is sensational, especially Lee Ingleby, Liz White and Anne Reid. Ingleby seems to be the perfect choice for these kinds of roles- sympathetic and kind-hearted but stubborn at times, he represents a tortured man who is trying to "put a bit of beauty back into the world." White is excellent as his long-suffering but nonetheless dedicated wife Lizzie, and Reid is in her element as his prickly but loving mother Lucy. Peter Wight, Ralf Little and Honor Kneafsey are all excellent too as the supportive Albert, the hilarious Billy and the innocent June, respectively. The production values are amazing, emulating a true dedication to period detail. And the animals...well, let's just say that I have a soft spot for those little penguins! One of the best sequences of the entire series was George and Billy walking 'em down the high street! In short, this was a sensational BBC drama that shows that they've still got it when they put their minds to it and manage to wrangle a great cast and crew. I only wish there could be more, but if there was it would become far too much like a soap opera! Amazing.

Lee Ingleby plays George Mottershead, a wounded ex First World War soldier left with post traumatic stress. He has a loving family and loves animals.Helped by money from his parents he purchases a manor in the early 1930s and turns it to Chester Zoo but has to deal with some opposition from prominent locals and officialdom.Of course despite the hardship George endures, we realise that he will eventually triumph as Chester Zoo is still going strong and this is inspired by true events. However as with the feature film 'We bought a Zoo' the series is more about the journey, triumphing over adversity and being together as a family. The series also has the feel good factor of exotic animals being introduced to the grim north of the 1930s and allowing the makers to have dimly lit interiors and some two dimensional villains who think George is having a delusional flight of fancy.George might be an idealist and you do find yourself rooting for him there is something rather derivative about Our Zoo. Maybe it wants to channel the success of Call the Midwife but got nowhere near reaching the levels of All Creatures Great and Small and not helped by its grim colours and gloomy mood. A drama about a zoo should had been bright and colourful.The show never quite took off in the ratings and ended up being cancelled after one series by the BBC.

I thoroughly enjoyed this series from start to finish. The plot, storyline and portrayal of the characters was excellent. The fact that this dramatization was based on a true story made it all the more remarkable and unique. The setting was beautiful and the animals were believable for the out start of a zoo for that time period. The wardrobe and costumes were also exquisite especially at the Charity Ball. The characters themselves were likable and you could connect with each of the family members and their supportive friends. The actors were so well chosen and represented their roles perfectly. The script was well written and enhanced the storyline so well. My admiration goes to the writers and producers for putting together such a brilliant adaptation of this true story. I'm disappointed that the series has ended and feel there must be more to the on going story or tales of the zoo after it was officially opened.

The charm of 'Our Zoo' is that it is based on the incredible true story of a man called George Mottershead, who with his family in the 1930s had a vision to build a zoo without bars. This zoo is Chester Zoo and today has been named by trip adviser as No 1 in the UK and is the most visited tourist attraction in the UK outside London. Also pleasing to know is Chester Zoo has also evolved with the times and today is now heavily involved in conservation work.George despite having no formal higher education was a pioneer in keeping animals in enclosures without bars. He wasn't very wealthy but was determined to create a zoo where animals would be happier and well cared for. Incredibly resourceful as well as being quite a risk taker, he was also very fortunate to have the support of his family, who had strengths which complemented his own and were willing to work hard to make the zoo a success. In 1930, it was the time of the depression and George was able to purchase 'Oakfield' a manor house at a bargain price at auction, along with stables,a conservatory, lodge and a 7 acres of grounds. The story is based on the struggle George and his family had to open the zoo due to local opposition, including that of the local reverend. George found to his surprise the local gentry taking an interest and providing support as many of them already kept themselves exotic pets. This is an inspiring story with all the elements needed in a drama to keep the viewer entertained. The acting is superb in it and the sets and costumes take you back to the wonderful era of the 1930s.