Comment from Lou
Time March 1, 2011 at 9:35 pm

This is the reply i got from my 2nd complaint!!!!!!!
Dear mrs Lewis

Thank you for your further contact regarding the cancellation of ‘Lark Rise to Candleford’.

We forwarded your concerns to Ben Stephenson, Controller of Drama Commissioning who responded with the following statement:

“I’m sorry if you felt our initial response failed to address your concerns. We recognise that Lark Rise to Candleford had a loyal following and that many fans will be disappointed by this decision.

However, I can’t stress enough how important Bill Gallagher was to the creative energy and drive of Lark Rise. With Bill moving on and after an impressive run of four series, 40 episodes in total, we therefore felt this was a natural point to bring it to an end. It would have been very difficult to carry on whilst retaining all the elements of the series that people love, without his involvement.

We’re pleased that it will be remembered so fondly by so many, but this gives us the perfect opportunity to try out other new dramas like South Riding and the forthcoming Call the Midwife and Great Expectations. We hope these will have as great an impact on viewers as Lark Rise clearly did.

I hope this clarifies the rationale behind the decision however, should you wish to pursue this complaint further, you can write to Danny Cohen, Controller of BBC One, within 20 working days of this response at the following address:

Danny Cohen
Room 6239
BBC Television Centre
201 Wood Lane
London
W12 7RJ

Whether or not you choose to escalate your complaint I can assure you that your further concerns have been registered.”

Thanks once again for taking the time to contact us.

Regards,

BBC Audience Services

Comment from Bobby
Time March 1, 2011 at 9:54 pm

I know period shows are expensive and in these tough economic times, money is king. That said, you TV people have let down 7 million viewers. If just 1% of then were outside your executive offices and surrounding your stretch limos, that would change your mind. You’re so lucky most of us are working people.

Comment from Michael Estrella
Time March 2, 2011 at 12:01 am

it is a shame that this series is ending when, here in the US we keep stuff on like 2 and a half men! This and other great shows should be given life here in the US before a decision is made to cancel them!

Comment from Susan
Time March 2, 2011 at 2:28 am

Terrible shame that this great series has come to an end, but at least the writer’s saw the writing on the wall, so to speak, and gave us some closure. It felt more like a series finale than just a season finale to me. Would’ve been nice to see the wedding, and the new baby, and the new relationship but I felt the writer’s did a grand job of putting a pleasing bow on the series. Will still be missed but I’m happy with the way it ended.

Comment from L. E. Cain
Time March 4, 2011 at 6:19 pm

Very disappointed that LRtC is ending. It was my favorite series on tv. Here in the U.S., 95% of what is on is total trash. If not for PBS (and BBC) shows, we would be at a loss for anything decent to watch.
I really enjoy “Doc Martin”, but LRtC was the best.

I can understand that losing the writer would be a terrible blow, but surely you have other good writers in Britain who can continue this beloved series.

Comment from Dottie
Time March 4, 2011 at 8:36 pm

Thank you for a marvelous series. It was a treat for me each time I watched it. I will really miss the wonderful characters.

Comment from Cheryl North
Time March 9, 2011 at 5:38 am

Danny Cohen
Room 6239
BBC Television Centre
201 Wood Lane
London
W12 7RJ

Dear Sir,

I am disappointed to hear that the Lark Rise to Candleford series is coming to an end. I understand from reading the responses listed here to others the reasoning behind this being the end, but do so want to express my disappointment. I am an American and discovered the series by accident on our local public broadcasting station. I found myself rushing to finish my work so that I could be home in time to watch the rebroadcast every afternoon.

I have found that the characters of Lark Rise and Candleford were engaging and delightful and I was enthralled with each successive episode. I have purchased the Season 1 series and intend to purchase the remaining series to be able to enjoy them over and over again.

While I am very sorry that I will no longer be able to view new episodes, I would hope at some point in the future one might consider future series detailing Flora’s (Laura’s) later years.

I have always enjoyed series such as these and would like to add my “bravo” for such fine programming as this.

Sincerely,

Elder Cheryl North
Hagerstown, MA
United States

Comment from Lori Deron
Time March 15, 2011 at 8:11 pm

I am appalled that this program is being canceled! It was a wonderful step back in time — something we see precious of these days! Our children may not be interested, but we will never have the opportunity to show them good, decent programming if it gets yanked off the air after a few short seasons.

Comment from De Blaisdell
Time March 19, 2011 at 11:34 pm

Are you kidding? This is one of the most beautiful stories and shows of communities
working and living close together and the cast and scenery are the best, please
don’t take this off or not continue to film new seasons, I look forward to watching this program (and I don’t watch too many) every week!!!! Its delightful!!!

Comment from De Blaisdell
Time March 19, 2011 at 11:40 pm

I forgot to mention that I did not like the way it ended if thats the end of the series all together, but for the season thats ok, please leave on the kind of shows
that everyone especially our children can watch and enjoy, I would love to see Laura married!!!!

Comment from emily
Time March 20, 2011 at 10:15 pm

didn’t really like the ending it was okay for a season finale but not the series finale

Comment from Liza
Time March 24, 2011 at 1:00 pm

Will they at least make a movie to give a satisfying ending to the series. I live in America but am a faithful follower along with several of my friends!!

Comment from randy Sanders
Time March 26, 2011 at 3:44 am

NOOOOOO! My wife and I have been sickened by American TV (we are Americans) and have abandoned television until Lark Rise and As Time Goes By. Brilliant acting, writing, directing, sets and more. Why do you get the viewer drawn in with such high quality programming and then bury it? This seems like such an odd business model. We will go back to news and sports. Indeed, television is horrible…again.

Comment from Marilyn Galati
Time April 1, 2011 at 1:53 pm

How do I feel about the end? Terrible. This program was the highlight of my week. I loved the characters, their individual quirky personalities, the gentle humor, moral convictions, and the drama that unfolded and was resolved in each episode. Bring it back.

Marilyn Galati, Ohio, USA

Comment from Lesley March
Time April 1, 2011 at 2:33 pm

Cannot believe that the BBC is not making a 5th series. Something so good the BBC scrap yet other times they show such crap.

Comment from Debbie
Time April 2, 2011 at 4:59 am

I’m still in shock that Lark Rise has been canceled. I will never watch or get involved with another BBC tv series. I will never allow them to hurt me like this again. If they ever come up with anything worth watching, I’ll watch it on youtube and they won’t get my viewing score. I can’t believe they are canceling such a successful show. We have nothing here in the states this good. I rarely watch tv series and I’ll not watch any in the future so that I can’t be hurt like this again.

Comment from Debbie
Time April 2, 2011 at 5:02 am

I hope the rest of you won’t watch any BBC shows in the future as punishment for taking away Lark Rise! Maybe they’ll care about their viewers more! I’m not going to watch the new Downton Abbey unless its on utube!

Comment from Margaret DeMarco
Time April 3, 2011 at 11:57 pm

I do hope that the BBC produces at least a special to tie up loose story lines. It may take longer to get here to America, but we have loved this series!

Comment from Cheryl
Time April 6, 2011 at 5:32 pm

I love how it ended. To carry on would of ruined it for me. The characters were fully developed and it was a joy to watch. Thank you for producing good tv. It was time to wrap up the story line and it was done beautifully.

Comment from Christine Thomas
Time April 8, 2011 at 8:26 am

I’m sorry to see this wonderful series come to an end but appreciate the explanation from the producers. The ending was fine but I wished they would have wrapped things up in at least 6 more episodes, it just seemed to end too suddenly. I would’ve liked to see a little more development with the marriage, the Brown’s baby, Laura’s relationship and Dorcas’s new relationship. It was one of the best series I’ve watched. Please express to the writer’s that they have a wonderful gift of bringing all the characters, story lines and relationships together in a cohesive manner. I’ll miss the humor and the characters! Thomas Brown cracked me up!! I’ll be going through withdrawals for awhile….:(

Comment from Barbara
Time April 8, 2011 at 11:08 pm

I love this show. Am so sorry to see it canceled when the trash that is on continues season after season. Is there nothing we can say that would change your mind? i feel as if I have lost a part of my family.

Comment from Alison H
Time April 9, 2011 at 8:44 pm

What good luck it was to find this treasure of a show. These characters grew on me to the point that I felt I knew them, and I suffered their pain and rejoiced in their happiness as if I were one of the hamlet myself. I do feel like I am losing an old friend, one that will be sadly missed.

Comment from Lenora Blackmon
Time April 9, 2011 at 10:07 pm

It is such a shame to stop such a great series as this. Incredible writing, sets, top British actors, costumes, family appeal and could continue for a very long time with endless story-line possiblities and wonderful guest stars. This is one of my favorite TV series ever! Please reinstate this series, BBC! Why on earth would you have ended it? I would love to see an American network try to produce something as quality-ridden as this, but, alas…this is untouchable and incomparable. Again, please reinstate the series!!!

Comment from penelope meyers
Time April 14, 2011 at 2:08 am

this series was so good!!!1 i live in America and i don’t have the station that it airs on so i watched it all online. make more please!

Comment from Daysey Sage
Time April 14, 2011 at 4:00 am

This type of programming does not fit in with the fast paced electronic “facebook” type of culture. As with all progress, there is the loss of older ways…as in the making of lace with bobbins as opposed to automated machine lace making….all good things come full circle and I believe (and hope) that the pendulum will swing back but only when society becomes needy. The unemployment rate continues to be elevated in our state and very qualified people are unable to obtain employment.

Comment from Dirk Pitt
Time April 14, 2011 at 4:13 am

The end of this series is a loss to the people who treasured the relationships with the characters. I know, from speaking to coworkers, friends, and family that the end of this series is something that we all looked forward to each week. We all hoped for a time that was more simple, honest, open and intimate. What a loss. In this current society of diminished relationships and self serving agendas, we really need a series like this to pull us back to what is important.

Comment from margaret
Time April 16, 2011 at 5:28 pm

I’m going to miss all the people that are playing the people

Comment from Angel
Time April 17, 2011 at 12:42 am

What a sad moment to realize the series was canceled and without a proper ending.

Comment from Cynthia C.
Time April 17, 2011 at 8:15 am

I am so sad to hear that Lark Rise To Candleford was canceled. This was one of the most beautiful shows…one of the very few in recent times. I live in California in the US, all of the programming falls into reality TV (which I won’t watch), medical dramas, crime dramas, or some form of societies under belly. Or their idea of a positive family drama that you can’t sit down with the whole family with, or worse yet, the poorly written comedies. This series was truly refreshing and enjoyable, a wonderful escape from reality and one I could enjoy with my whole family. Please Please reconsider renewing this series, rather than canceling. We need more like this on TV.

Comment from Sarabelle
Time April 18, 2011 at 3:22 am

I am so sad Lark Rise to Candleford is ending! Me and my best friend have been enjoying this show forever, and are probably the only kids in college to do so haha. This show has helped me so much; I have major depression sometimes it was the only happy thing of the day. I will miss staying up late Sunday nights watching this. I hope it comes back or doesn’t end!

Comment from Holly T
Time April 18, 2011 at 8:20 pm

This is the best show I have seen in a long time. You can’t find characters and plots like these on television anymore. I don’t know why it was canceled, but it broke my heart. Well done, all of you who were involved in making this show. I hope you would consider bringing it back.

Comment from Rose
Time April 20, 2011 at 12:32 am

I’ve really enjoyed this series, and I have to say that I was pretty much hooked on it. As far as the finale goes, it wasn’t as good as I’d hope the final show would be; I always held out hope that Laura and Alfie would end up together.

Sorry to see the series go, but just one thing:

Did I miss something? In the final episode, Mrs. Arless comes home from debtor’s prison….but she returned from debtor’s prison at the end of Series One. She had her baby during Scilla’s birthday party, and her sea-faring husband, Walter, returned shortly after. Then, during the Christmas Special in Series Two, Mr and Mrs Arless decide to go off to set up house near Walter’s brother, with Walter planning on getting into the sail-making business, meanwhile leaving the kids with Queenie. This was the last I remember hearing of Walter, and Mrs. Arless in the series. My question is this: When did Mrs Arless go back into debtor’s prison? Did I miss something or is this a big inconsistency in the storyline?

Comment from Missing Lark Rise
Time April 20, 2011 at 10:01 pm

The ending of the 6th episode was not satisfying as a conclusion to the series. Will Laura ever do something with her life? Will she just stick with Daniel? What will happen when more machines start coming? Will residents like Alf Arless have to move out of Candleford to find jobs? Will the romance between Dorcas and Mr. Cochran actually work out? Will one of the Pratt sisters get a good storyline again? Will Sidney’s dad ever come back to claim him (I always found myself thinking there would be a dramatic episode involving this)? I am a writer – I feel like I could continue the series! There are so many new lines of inquiry introduced in the last episode. I feel the only reason not to continue is if actors don’t want to come back. I really did miss Mr. Timmins, who has gone off (to Downton Abbey I guess..), in this last season/series 4. If the show is still getting good ratings and is popular in America too, why not try to continue it or do a one-off special to explore some of the storylines introduced/unfinished?

Comment from Birgit Brandt
Time April 21, 2011 at 11:50 pm

I would like to beg for more! please!!! The cast was brilliant, the acting inspired, the script a message from the universe! Please bring back Brendan Coyle as Robert Timmins! If new inspiration should take a year or so, that’s ok – just don’t abandon this series!

Comment from Susie
Time April 24, 2011 at 11:37 pm

My husband and I love this show and are so disappointed that it has been cancelled. I feel it is a lame excuse the “BBC Audience Center” uses when they say that due to the departure of Bill Gallagher they don not feel they can continue the series. Although he is very creative, I am certain there are others that are just as talented who we be honored and eager to fill that position. BBC, listen to your audience, we want…no, WE NEED this show back!

Comment from Adrianne
Time April 26, 2011 at 10:51 pm

I am so very sorry to see this television series end. I was going through a difficult time when I discovered this show and after watching each episode things didn’t seem so bad. It was so heartwarming and the characters feel like old friends when I put in my DVD’s. Since he was about six months old my son who is now 14 months always stops what he is doing or wakes up from his nap and stares at the tv whenever he hears the theme song…I kid you not. To every single person who was involved in making this show, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Comment from E.C. Hock
Time April 28, 2011 at 3:04 am

Of course the whole series was so enjoyable, even the quirky ones, like the “bishop is com’n” featuring Thomas Brown, or the one where this past wandering girl of the lake mysteriously appears in a ghostly way. The ending was somewhat recognizable, but there were some surprizing loose ends. 1. Laura and Daniel are left making you wonder if they have a future together. A proposal and acceptance of marriage might have been nice, or a parting shift of her destiny devulged. 1. Robert Timmons should have come back from Oxford to join in the final festivities, but then his presence with the money pouch being found might have added a complication. 3. Dorcus, the protagonist, was rightly concluded in finally getting married and her heart put at rest. 4. The Arlis and Minnie combination was well-concluded. All-in-all, the change from the old rural life to a more mechanized future on the horizon gives us a thematic conclusion to this period piece. Sad to see it go. But it ended on a high note, with its quality sustained, which is well-timed and appropriate. Best to leave your beloved audience wanting more rather than wanting less in such a charming series.

Comment from Anne Marie
Time May 2, 2011 at 1:15 am

The thought of this show ending grieves me. There have only been two shows which over the course of my life have induced me to wish that I could live among their characters, and Lark Rise to Candleford is one of them. Like Adrienne, Lark Rise helped me through a difficult time–surviving breast cancer and chemotherapy. Although, I had started watching the program a year or two before. It is the best program on television, bar none, and the only reason for my having purchased a cable package. We need more quality programming such as this. I hat to see Lark Rise go. I will miss it sorely.

Comment from Anne Marie
Time May 2, 2011 at 1:16 am

oops, typo. *hate to see Lark Rise go. Hope I didn’t miss any others.

Comment from Theresa H Hall
Time May 3, 2011 at 6:34 pm

Will there be a movie? This has been such a touching and poignant series. I have quite grown to love all of the characters, and did not realize it had ended, until just this past Friday. I am glad for the joy it has brought, but sad, for I wanted it to go on and on.

The cast and crew did smashingly brilliant work. The costumes showed me what my Grandparents wore, and it was wonderful and educational to see this period of time depicted so warmly, so beautifully. I got a real glimpse into the reality of yesteryear … another time … another place … another century.

From Across the Big Pond ….. Farewell Hugs!

“Sleeping Kitten-Dancing Dog!” (blog)

Comment from Lya Smith
Time May 14, 2011 at 2:29 am

Well, that’s it for television! The one thing that actually entertained while also being, dare I say, an example of better judgment. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve actually heard people change their behavior for the better because of an enlightened perspective they heard on this program. And it was GOOD TV!
This cancellation is the quintessential predictable pathetic search for the lowest common denominator…again.
Who said UK was better than US? Looks the same to me, more’s the pity.

Comment from Virginia W
Time May 15, 2011 at 8:58 pm

Can’t really add too much to what has already been said but I wanted to put my two cents worth about how much we will miss this series. I’m sure the writer’s departure was a blow, but the actors deserve some credit and I’m sure they could have continued to carry it off. We need more shows like this but no show will ever be able to replace Lark Rise.

Comment from L. Puterbaugh
Time May 16, 2011 at 3:16 am

Amen to what has been said. A huge loss to those of us that enjoy quality programing. Lark Rise had many fans here in Ohio too, and will be missed.

Comment from Terrie Pinkerton
Time May 16, 2011 at 5:17 pm

We love Larkrise in Texas (U.S.)! I encourage all of you to purchase the DVD series as I have. Even though the series has ended, and it looks like this is the final word, I can watch it all over again as many times as I like. The characters seem like very close friends to me now. They will remain in my heart and my DVD player! My friend who watches with me said she thinks there will be a special Christmas episode. Not sure where she saw this information, but I hope it is true.

Comment from Michael Dubin
Time May 17, 2011 at 1:56 am

I am writing from Atlanta, GA, USA where I watch Lark Rise every Monday night. I have just seen the final episode and am heartbroken to hear of its cancellation. The writing and the acting are exceptional. But more importantly, in an age where the baseness of humans is glorified on TV; where stupidity and crassness is rampant, to find a program wherein kindness and decency and striving to be and become more than the circumstances one was either born into or finds oneself in, is such a rare treat and treasured gift, that I find the cancellation unbearable. Have they lost their minds in cancelling this magnificent creation?

Comment from Miranda
Time May 17, 2011 at 10:17 pm

I recently found Lark Rise to Candleford and am devestated it is over. Is there a way we can start a petition? What a wonderful family show! Superb acting! Great messages! Thank heavens I saved all episodes on my DVR so I can watch them over and over.

Comment from MONICA
Time May 30, 2011 at 5:21 pm

I AM FROM BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA USA AND I LOVE PERIOD DRAMAS I DISCOVERED LARK-RISE TO CANDLE-FORD ONLINE AND HAVE WATCHED EVERY EPISODE SETTING AT MY COMPUTER. I WILL TRULY MISS IT

Comment from Natalie
Time June 8, 2011 at 8:44 pm

It figures! This is the only good show on tv here in America! Now I’ll have to find something else to watch!

Comment from Tina Saxton
Time June 10, 2011 at 2:18 am

We are extremely disappointed to learn of the canceling of our favorite show, Lark Rise to Candleford. Today is June 9, 2011 and I only learned of it today. My husband and I happened to stumble upon the show one night, only a few months ago while looking for something good to watch. We began to plan our Friday evenings (when it aired on Oregon Public Broadcasting) so we could enjoy the show together. A good clean, entertaining show. We love Minnie and are so disappointed that our special time watching the show has come to an end. We are 49 and 52 yrs. old and do not usually plan our schedule around television but, that is what we preferred to do for our Friday night date.
Signed,
Disappointed in Glide Oregon

Comment from Serena Hinton
Time June 10, 2011 at 3:59 am

Please send our replies/complaints to the same person you sent them to before. I agree with everyone that you should keep the series. I personally don’t care about Gallager being gone. Didn’t like him much anyway. Someone could replace him. Although I think Laura should have gone for Fisher Bloom, and had less of the Queenie stories, I loved the series and the cleanliness of it. Please keep it!!! And have Dorcas marry the squire! Lol.