The Hardacres Season 2 first look images and casting details released
Ahead of its expected return to 5 and Masterpiece PBS this spring, the rags-to-riches family drama The Hardacres has announced casting details for its second series and released first-look images of the new episodes.
Based on the bestselling novels by CL Skelton, the series stars Claire Cooper (The Continental, The Peripheral) and Liam McMahon (Hunger, Warrior Nun) as Mary and Sam Hardacre, with Julie Graham (The City Is Ours, Time) as Mary’s mother, Ma. Their children—Joe, Liza and Harry—are played by Adam Little (Ackley Bridge, Coronation Street), Shannon Lavelle (Riot Women) and Zak Ford-Williams (Bridgerton, Better).
Also featured in the cast are Holly Sturton (Lies We Tell, The School for Good and Evil), Cathy Belton (Hidden Assets, Philomena) and Owen Roe (Sherlock, Daughter) as Lady Adella, Lady Emma and Lord George Fitzherbert. They are joined by Ingrid Craigie (Blood, Blackshore) as Mrs Dryden, Sarah Agha as Betsy Hardacre (Layla, The Badlands), and Taheen Modak (The Bay) as Callum Saunders.
Joining for series two are Michele Dotrice (A Very English Scandal) as Lady Imelda Hansen, the formidable mother of Lady Emma Fitzherbert; Niall McNamee (Saipan, Bad Sisters) as Edward Blackwood; and Edward Mitchell (Zack Snyder’s Justice League) as Arthur Lewis.
After a hugely successful first series, which followed the Hardacre family’s journey from poverty to immense wealth—and the complications that came with it—the new season picks up in 1895. As modern innovations like electricity reach Hardacre Hall, the family faces shifting loyalties and new challenges. While Mary and Sam embrace their prosperity, their children begin carving out paths that defy expectations. Mary advocates for adult education among dock workers, and Sam grows the family business amid fears of a looming recession, unsure whether Joe is ready to take over.
Keen to prove himself, Joe makes impulsive decisions that could jeopardise his future. Meanwhile, Liza, recovering from heartbreak, is drawn into a new romance, and Harry’s plans to leave school are reshaped by an inspiring tutor. Ma develops an unexpected connection, and as some relationships flourish, others come under strain. The arrival of Lady Imelda Hansen at the Fitzherbert household brings a dangerous agenda, forcing the Hardacres to stand together or risk losing everything.
The series is produced by Playground, the award-winning company behind All Creatures Great and Small, in association with Screen Ireland and Red Berry Productions, with Banijay Rights handling international distribution. It was commissioned for 5 by Sebastian Cardwell, Deputy Chief Content Officer and Head of Scripted at Paramount UK, alongside Commissioning Editor Paul Testar. Executive producers include Colin Callender and David Stern for Playground, Lesley McKimm for Playground and Red Berry Productions, Simon Cox for Banijay Rights, and Kate McColgan for Screen Ireland. Kathryn Kennedy Fenton serves as producer, with Rachel Carey returning as lead director and Stephen Bradley directing the second block.
Writers for the new series include Sarah-Louise Hawkins, Emma Reeves, Dan Muirden, Cara Loftus and Susie Conklin.
A premiere date for series two will be announced soon. Series one is currently available to stream on 5.
In the US, fans can watch the series on Masterpiece PBS.