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SeriesSpoiler-free2-minute brief

The Living and the DeadA series brief.

2016 / British supernatural period drama / Created by Ashley Pharoah

A farmer in Victorian Somerset tries to prove that an afterlife exists.

What is The Living and the Dead about?

In 1888 Somerset, Nathan Appleby returns to take up farming after the death of his wife. A community already caught between traditional beliefs and scientific change becomes a setting for unexplained events, while Nathan pursues evidence of life after death.

By Brefly · AI-assisted · Published

Five things to know.

  1. The setting

    The story begins in rural Somerset in 1888.

  2. The central character

    Nathan Appleby is a farmer preoccupied with proving the afterlife.

  3. The period tension

    The community stands between older traditions and a scientific future.

  4. The creator

    Ashley Pharoah created the BBC supernatural drama.

  5. Spoiler-free scope

    This brief describes the premise without explaining the supernatural events.

Brefly’s take / Interpretation

A thought to take with you.

The Victorian setting places questions about ghosts beside a period of rapid scientific and social change.

Is it your kind of series?

Try it for a period mystery that blends rural life, changing science and supernatural questions.

Three ideas to take with you.

  • New ideas can unsettle established beliefs.
  • Grief can shape what people are willing to investigate.
  • A community responds to change in different ways.

Before you press play.

What is The Living and the Dead about?

In 1888 Somerset, Nathan Appleby returns to take up farming after the death of his wife. A community already caught between traditional beliefs and scientific change becomes a setting for unexplained events, while Nathan pursues evidence of life after death.

Who is behind The Living and the Dead?

Created by Ashley Pharoah. Ashley Pharoah created the BBC supernatural drama.

What kind of series is The Living and the Dead?

British supernatural period drama. Try it for a period mystery that blends rural life, changing science and supernatural questions.

Sources & scope

This AI-assisted brief draws on the linked descriptions and production information. Facts and interpretation are separated; it does not claim personal viewing or independent expert review.

Source details checked October 10, 2026. Suggest a correction · Our editorial approach