Sheridan Smith’s ‘Mrs Biggs’ Surges in Netflix Top 10 Rankings

Netflix subscribers are rediscovering the gripping drama Mrs Biggs, which has recently climbed into the streaming platform’s top 10 rankings. Originally aired on ITV in 2012, the five-part series stars Sheridan Smith and is based on the true story of the infamous Great Train Robbery that took place in 1963.

The series portrays the tumultuous relationship between Charmian, played by Smith, and her husband Ronnie Biggs, portrayed by Daniel Mays. It chronicles their early romance, the dramatic heist, and the fallout that ultimately led to their divorce in 1976, following Biggs’s life-changing decision to father a child in Brazil.

Plot Overview and Creative Intent

In Mrs Biggs, viewers witness the couple’s first fateful meeting on a train, where Biggs expresses his optimistic outlook on life, stating, “The future is full of possibilities; the past will only drag you down.” This sentiment sets the stage for their subsequent descent into a life of crime, culminating in their participation in the notorious train heist.

Despite some criticism that the series offers a sanitized version of events, it draws inspiration from a poignant letter Biggs wrote to Charmian after their son Nicholas’s tragic death. The drama’s writer and executive producer, Jeff Pope, emphasized his intention to present a romantic tale rather than a romanticized one. He remarked, “In the first episode, they steal, he strikes her, we acknowledge the fact he had a criminal record; further down the line, Charmian has an abortion by another man. We don’t pull back, we don’t flinch.”

Public Reception and Availability

Since its initial release, Mrs Biggs has garnered praise for its compelling storytelling and strong performances. The series is currently available for streaming on both Netflix and ITVX, making it accessible to a broader audience. Viewers have shared their enthusiastic responses on social media, with one user on X stating, “Mrs Biggs on Netflix, possibly one of the best things I have ever watched.”

Another viewer highlighted the successful collaboration between Pope and Smith, stating, “Jeff Pope and Sheridan Smith should always work together. Mrs Biggs, The Widower, Cilla, and now The Moorside. All outstanding work.”

The resurgence of interest in Mrs Biggs demonstrates the timeless appeal of true crime dramas, especially when interwoven with deep personal narratives. As the series continues to climb in popularity, it stands as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling.

For those looking for more engaging content, the Netflix top 10 also features shows like Plebs, a comedic take on life in ancient Rome, and the new season of Wednesday, following the iconic character from the Addams Family.

With its intricate blend of romance, crime, and history, Mrs Biggs invites viewers to delve into the complexities of human relationships set against the backdrop of one of Britain’s most notorious criminal events.