Underrated WW2 period drama starring Life on Mars icon hailed 'superb'

A World War II drama that once divided opinion in Britain but later found a devoted international audience is now available to stream, giving viewers a chance to rediscover one of the most ambitious ITV productions of the early 2000s. Island at War first aired on ITV in 2004 and told the story of the German occupation of the Channel Islands during the Second World War.

Set on the fictional island of St Gregory, it drew on real events from both Guernsey and Jersey, and followed three families from very different backgrounds - the wealthy Dorrs, the middle-class Mahys and the working-class Jonases - alongside four German officers. The six-part series, produced by Granada Television, was filmed on the Isle of Man between August and October 2003, and each episode ran for 70 minutes, featuring an ensemble cast including Life on Mars star Philip Glenister, James Wilby, Clare Holman, Laurence Fox and Sam Heughan in one of his earliest screen roles.

Despite its impressive scale and authentic period design, Island at War proved controversial closer to home. Viewers in the Channel Islands criticised details such as the pronunciation of local names - "Mahy" was spoken as "Mah-hee" instead of the correct "Ma'yee" - and took issue with the decision not to film on the islands themselves.

In the UK more broadly, reviews were mixed, but the series went on to receive a warmer reception in the United States, where it developed a following on PBS.

The production was dealt a further blow when its writer, Stephen Mallatratt, best known for The Woman in Black, died from cancer shortly after transmission. With costs high and questions lingering over accuracy, ITV did not commission a second series, leaving the story unfinished despite strong viewing figures.

For many who discovered the drama later, however, it remains a hidden gem. On IMDb, one viewer wrote: "The acting here was superb! I'm not familiar with any of the actors but they were all first rate. The props, dress, cars and planes were all period correct. And the island setting was wonderful."

Another praised the layered characterisation: "The actors have avoided the usual stereotypes often found in dramas concerning war, portraying their characters as having different sides to them and not one dimensional human beings."

Others highlighted its rewatch value, with one fan noting: "I've watched the show several times and each time have found new lines and facial expressions that add more to the characters and the plot."

For some, it ranked among the best television they had ever seen. "This was the best mini-series I have ever seen. The storyline is very intense without being crude, graphic or gory. The setting is absolutely gorgeous. The acting and dialogue are brilliant," one reviewer said, while another called it simply "the highlight of my year as far as television is concerned."