Viewers 'completely hooked' on period drama that 'makes for a good couch binge'

Disney+ subscribers are absolutely captivated by a fresh period drama that's being lauded as an absolute 'must watch'.

The new series,Washington Black, starring Sterling K Brown, debuted on the streaming service on July 23 and has swiftly garnered overwhelming praise.

Set against the backdrop of 19th Century Barbados, the eight-part series chronicles the life of 11-year-old boy George Washington 'Wash' Black (played by Ernest Kingsley Jr).

George's life takes a harrowing turn after he witnesses a horrific death, compelling him to escape his sugar plantation home and embark on an extraordinary journey.

Adapted from Esi Edugyan's award-winning novel, the show features George finding a mentor in Medwin Harris (portrayed by Brown), who shares a similarly distressing past in Nova Scotia, reports the Mirror.

Adding to the stellar lineup is Tom Ellis of Lucifer fame, taking on the role of George's companion Christopher 'Titch' Wilde. The series tackles profound issues at its heart, exploring the pursuit of freedom amidst the horrors of slavery.

In just a short time since its release on Disney+, Washington Black has clinched an impressive 88% score on Rotten Tomatoes, although viewers have given it a slightly more modest 60%.

Critics have been singing praises for the historical drama, with the Rotten Tomatoes consensus stating: "An adventure yarn bolstered by weighty themes, Washington Black brings Esi Edugyan's acclaimed novel to life with a terrific ensemble and striking production design."

FandomWire similarly praised the series in their critique, noting: "The wanderlust world of faith, hope, and trust is explored in such a beautiful and impactful way with gorgeous set pieces, costumes, and visuals, making Washington Black a must-watch."

Casual viewers have also been captivated, flocking to social platforms to express their high regard.

"Yo #WashingtonBlack is pretty d**n good. Really well acted and excellently paced. Whimsical, charming, suspenseful. It's all the things that make for a good couch binge," an X, formerly Twitter, user enthused.

Another viewer concurred: "Binged the whole thing in one day loved it," while a third shared: "Hey! So #WashingtonBlack is a 10/10 series as I've spent my entire day binge watching it. #SterlingKBrown is a genius."

An IMDb user couldn't contain their excitement: "I hadn't heard much about Washington Black before watching, but after just one episode, I'm completely hooked.

"The story is gripping, the visuals are stunning, and the acting is top-tier. Seeing some of my favourite actors like Sterling K. Brown and Tom Ellis in the cast makes it even better. I can't wait to see where this journey goes!"

Washington Black is streaming now on Disney+