Hetty Feather

Hetty Feather, which aired from 2015 to 2020, is a wildly popular, British children's drama series on CBBC that has carved out a niche for itself by enshrining an era often overlooked in children's literature – the Victorian era. Based on the best-selling book series of the same name by prolific author Jacqueline Wilson, the show brings to life the eponymous heroine, Hetty Feather, and her heart-tugging exploits – painting a colourful and vivid illustration of life in a London foundling hospital in the late 19th Century.

The series follows the rollercoaster life of feisty, red-headed Hetty Feather, who was abandoned as an infant at the Foundling Hospital - a real-life institution in London that was set up in the 1700s to care for abandoned children. At the strict but fair hospital, children are given education, food, and shelter but are also expected to work for their keep. Adopting the foundling number of 18, Hetty is a fierce, free-spirited, and resilient child, who despite being dealt a harsh hand, is never down for long.

One of the standout features of the show is the way it captures the socio-economic disparities of the Victorian Era, a time marked by intense poverty and great inequalities. The depiction is nuanced; on the one hand, we see the comfortless conditions most children of the time were subjected to, and on the other, we are given a peek into the lives of the wealthy upper class.

Hetty and her fellow foundlings, including her best friend Polly, grow up plagued by the constant uncertainties of life in the hospital but bonded over shared dreams of one day finding their true homes. They seek solace in their friendships and a little bit of childish fun now and then, while they attend to their schoolwork and chores. The mutual companionship amongst the foundlings, their trials and tribulations, and their secret explorations of the hospital grounds form some of the many heart-warming episodes in the series.

Hetty is a complex, layered character - brave, spirited, and full of curiosity. She constantly challenges the strict rules imposed by the matrons while continuing to search for her true mother. Moreover, the show doesn't shy away from presenting its young heroine with hardships and failures, making her all the more relatable and real to the show's young audience.

Other characters in the series are just as compelling. Matron Bottomly, who runs the hospital, is a stern and no-nonsense character who clashes with Hetty's fire-cracker spirit. Then, there is Gideon, a charming young boy who becomes Hetty's close confidante, and Ida, a compassionate caretaker who helps the children navigate their harsh realities.

A compelling narrative is brought to life through high-quality acting, well-realized period authenticity and world-building, outstanding costume design, and meticulously thought-out set pieces. While it smartly uses these elements to transport its audience back to the Victorian age, it never allows the historical backdrops to overwhelm the characters or their stories.

Despite its somber setting and often grave topics, Hetty Feather manages to strike a balance between the harsh realities of life and the lighter moments that present themselves. It is not just a show about orphans - it is about friendship, determination, kindness, and the age-old belief that no matter how difficult life gets, there is always hope.

Educational while also being entertaining, the show does a remarkable job of teaching young viewers about history and life. It encourages its audience to question, explore, empathize, and, most importantly, persevere.

In summary, Hetty Feather is a beautifully produced, captivating children's drama series with an engaging story, vibrant characters, and a rich historic setting that will keep viewers of all ages hooked from start to finish. It's a show that definitely deserves its place in the annals of classic children's television.