7.1
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Bleak House
1959·Show
·11Episodes in1Season·
Bleak House fingerprint
Strong craft, low-key.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension6
- Spectacle3
- Adrenaline2
Heart
Moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family.
- Pathos8
- Family Dynamics8
- Melancholy7
Humor
Some sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay5
- Satire & Parody2
- Dark Humor2
World
History, society, and class and money
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality8
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout characters, performances, and storytelling
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Character Depth9
- Complexity9
- Acting8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography6
- Editing6
- Music Composition6
Energy
LowCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Bleak House is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension6Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace2Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn9Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumMoving and melancholic
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's moving and melancholic. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Family Dynamics8Relationships and generational ties.
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Coming of Age6Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Catharsis5Emotional release and payoff.
- Romance4Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness4Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Nostalgia1Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowSome sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some sharp wit.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay5Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Satire & Parody2Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor2Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
World
MediumHistory, society, and class and money
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around history, society, and class and money. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty4Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity3Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Historical9Period settings and real events.
- Social Commentary9Perspectives on society and norms.
- Class & Capitalism9Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Mystery7Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Crime6Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Psychological6Inner worlds and mind games.
Craft
HighStandout characters, performances, and storytelling
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The characters, performances, and storytelling stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Complexity9Layered plots and ideas.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn9Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography6Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality5Songs central to storytelling.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization4Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBinge-FriendlyThought-Provoking
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About
Bleak House is the first BBC adaptation of the Charles Dickens novel of the same name. It was adapted by Constance Cox as an eleven-part series of half-hour episodes first transmitted from 16 October 1959.
It stars Andrew Cruickshank in the role of John Jarndyce, Diana Fairfax as Esther Summerson and Colin Jeavons as Richard Carstone. The complete series still exists.
Period DramaSocial CritiqueVictorian EraComplex CharactersLegal DramaSystemic InjusticeCharacter StudyLiterary AdaptationSlow-Paced NarrativeMelancholy & Tragic
Actors
Crew
Written by:
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Bleak House
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Bleak House worth watching?
71
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 71/100 (IMDb 7.1 and Metacritic 93). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
How many seasons does Bleak House have?
1 season
It has 1 season with 11 episodes.
Do critics and audiences agree on Bleak House?
Critics93
Audiences78
Not quite. Critics rate Bleak House higher (93) than audiences (78). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
When did Bleak House air?
S1
It ran from 1959 to 1959 and has ended.
What language is Bleak House in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United Kingdom.
What tropes does Bleak House use?
Maybe Magic, Maybe MundaneSpontaneous Human CombustionFunny Background EventNever Found the BodyWife HusbandryScenery PornFriend to All Children"The Reason You Suck" SpeechAmoral AttorneyLuke, I Am Your FatherVictorian Novel DiseaseAnyone Can Dieand 130 more
TV Tropes lists 142 storytelling tropes for Bleak House, including Maybe Magic, Maybe Mundane, Spontaneous Human Combustion, Funny Background Event.