User Reviews

Unlike the other review, which seems to have been written by a cranky nitpicker who sees joy in nothing, this charming and sweet Italian series makes for relaxing and entertaining viewing. Shot in Milan, Rome and the countryside, it's a fun peek at the Italian styles and mores of the 1950s with a terrific cast. It's fascinating to see how a department store is run from the inside, and the kind of decisions and sacrifices that need to be made to make it successful.

Delightful and lovely Italian series that gives a look back into 1950s Italian life.

I watched some of the BBC's 'The Paradise' and didn't really care for it. So I'm not sure why I decided to give the Italian version on Acorn TV a try but I'm glad I did. I loved the characters, the clothes, the cars, the city and the drama of 'The Ladies Paradise'.

Note - my rating is based on the first 2 seasons.

Beautiful series from a more elegant time; characters to fall in love with! These characters are not only believable, but the script is well written and full of heart. The 1950's sets are creatively accurate and the fashion conveys the elegance of that time. There are poignant moments in each storyline where the values of the characters are touchingly challenged. The amount of old fashion restraint depicted in the characters, coupled with the modern time of the late 50's entering old world Italy, proves to add an indelible creative impact on the script.

The Italian society in the 50's is not only recovering from the war, but the largely catholic upbringing of the characters influences, pulls and tugs on each storyline. The series marks a time before computers, cell phones and the quick news of the world -- so much so that you are just as absorbed in their story lines as were the people of that time line in theirs.

If you love Downton Abbey, Victoria and The Crown, this series will add to your love of the beauty of traveling to another time, culture and place to absorb yourself in the lives of these complex and yet characters. Highly, highly recommend.

I hope that they keep their successful, beautiful and heartwarming style going in season 3. The actors are all brilliant, especially the lead couple of Teresa and Pietro. A real winner!

A well done piece that is just plain fun to watch. While the plot may get a bit heavy handed the balance with the performances and the photography is enjoyable.

I recently watched this wonderful series. I don't speak or understand Italian, but I surely wish I could. Easy to follow reading the subtitles. The performances are excellent. I so wish they could do more seasons. I have even written done the name of some of their foods hoping to enjoy some Italian dishes. Wish I could know how everything works out for the characters in love and the future of Paradise! Thanks to all involved from the producers, technical staff, acting staff to those who fed and cleaned up after everyone. As a young woman I had always wanted to go to Italy. Paradise helped me go.

One day I stumbled upon this show having no idea really what it was about . All I knew was that it was an Italian show. After watching about three episodes though, it soon became a favorite of mine.

The Show:

Who: Employees of "The Ladies Paradise," and their families and friends, and many other characters throughout the seasons.

What: Stories of people who have things in common and not so much. In most instances, each character is possibly affected in one way or another. Stories of themes around: love, family, drama, compassion and the show is humorous at times too.

When: Mid 1950s, IPDS is a period drama- the costumes are stellar.

Where: Milan, Italy

I'm skipping why.

*Note: The music is one of the best parts of the show in my opinion.

I give the show two thumbs up as well. 👍🏼👍🏼

The show is probably best for those 13 and older.

The series only very loosely follows the plot of the BBC series of a similar name (based on a 19th century French novel) in the first season, then veers off to become a more traditional Italian soap opera/ drama. Unfortunately over-the-top organized crime and corruption is over represented as a plot device that pushes the series into "horrible Italian stereotype" territory, but it redeems itself with solid acting and character development. Unlike previous adaptions of "The Ladies Paradise", this one is set in the 1950s....well, almost. The set dressers lack of attention to detail catapults us into the 21st century when they add modern details like modern mini LED Christmas lights (with a cobalt blue that was only produced in the past decade), VERY modern American mylar balloons, and holograph printed mylar wrapping paper and decorations (something that didn't exist until the 1980s). There may be a Sterling Cooper reference in the script, but the crew of "Mad Men" would never have made such colossal blunders when dressing a set! My other nit to pick is the soundtrack; there's only a dozen or so sampled bits of music that's recycled for every bloody sequence, which gets fairly maddening for anyone who watches more than two episodes in a row. RAI should cough up a few extra euros for some fresh tunes, vintage style bulbs, papers, and plain,opaque, period correct balloons!

I am praying there is a season 4.

Strolling along on a cold night... I found a soap opera in Italian with English subtitles.

Worth the read since I speak some Spanish and it is a close language.

I am an American/Texan and loved my young life visiting Italy.

I adore the old school vibe which shows the writers creativity. The artistic and creative ways to keep the store open holds my attention.

The hopes of love and help that a few need in the show are clear characters.

I love the torment involving two handsome leading men and Theresa.

Keeping my attention was the insiders vision of business and ex's and new attractions... find a way to bring it all back into play folks!

Americans are really watching. Tired of cop shows here!

Bravo a good movie series. Reminds me of what movies should be like great acting!🤗🤗🤗nice memories of Italy.can't wait to find season three.please offer other series soon. I'm.

Despite the good actors, characters are often poorly written and behave incomprehensibly. Also, the plot is full of either holes or deus ex machina -solutions. I recognize, however, that this series is not even trying to be realistic in that manner. If you are able to overlook the sloppy writing, all the rest is very enjoyable to watch - from the 50s colourful and optimistic Milanese scenery to the beautiful young people and their love triangles.

This is a poorly produced Italian TV soap opera that shares an obsession with 1950s fashion much like the Spanish series "Velvet". The story lines are almost identical and probably based on the same Emile Zola work. Probably was produced by RAI for the mass Italian TV market but would have limited appeal elsewhere. The subtitle translation is pretty bad! I could not make it past the first episode which was quite silly.....and well, just got sillier! The character are all 2 dimensional and the plot very predictable. If crinolines and 1950s fashion are somethings you enjoy, then this will probably work for you.

After a couple of episodes, I was definitely hooked! Cinematography, costumes, characters, plots and music all take me back to an era long past. I now feel like I'm fluent in Italian! I'm just hoping they produce more episodes. Much better than the crap on American TV!!!

This Italian-language import, set in post WWII Italy, follows Teresa Lorio, a young woman who leaves her small rural Sicilian hometown for Milan. Teresa finds work--and much more--at a newly opened department store: The Ladies' Paradise. Drama, romance, and character tension make this delightful Italian series binge worth!!!!

The Ladies' Paradise is a paradise for television (and film) lovers anywhere! Thank you to the men and wymin writers and directors for offering us this elegant yet down-to-Earth splendor. Il Paradiso delle Signore is one of my most loved tv shows, ever.

Prima, we are introduced to the beautiful and frustrated Teresa, brilliantly portrayed by Giusy Buscemi. I admire that Teresa is an independent thinker and doer; cares about the world around her; and has a keen business sense (wish shi started her own business). Her Life is exciting but I think shi deserved a better man (Seasons 1 & 2).

Secondo, we are introduced to the quiet and determined Pietro Mori (Giuseppe Zeno). Though he struggles to severe his relationship with the past; and to achieve the type of success he dreams, I can relate to and admire him. Can you imagine, a low-income womin in America relating to a successful man in Italy, of the 1950s no less? Mr. Mori also cares about the world around him; is a focused professional; respects his staff with kindness and by trusting their professional instincts; and seeks and gains the success of which I daydream all the time.

Terzo, we have the handsome, creative, and well-dressed Vittorio Conti (Alessandro Tersigni)! As Mr. Mori's Chief Advertising Officer, Vittorio passionately helps steer Mr. Mori's business, until he doesn't (good for him). He is joyful, fun, and an independent thinker and doer himself.

Scorsa, Il Paradiso delle Signore invites us into the elegant world of wymin's fashion in 1950s Italy. Each time the camera takes us inside, I feel as if I, too, am entering a wonderful world --- where I'd love to work or shop --- where anything is possible. The music is as fun and determined as the characters and as steady as each of their stories; I find it amazing that each character has an interesting story (and wonderful lines). Watching this show, you are with them all each step of the way, cheerleading and laughing and wondering. Ora, la fine! Spero che per te questo sia l'inizio.

I'm only on episode four of the first season but I see strong similarities with the earlier hit series Mad Men. Same time period-Fifties-Sixties; same characters:... the glamorous blonde with red lipstick-elegant, cool and untouchable; The ponytailed sole female in the male-dominated advertising department; the, organized, unemotional, female supervisor... it's a pleasant comparison. There certainly are differences. The fiery main female character is fun to watch in action; and the leading men are suave in their portrayals of fashionable Italian males.

There is interest and continuity in the storyline which has some its share of tension and suspense. Acting quality good and when over-done is appropriate for the context.

I started watching to improve my Italian for a pending vacation in Sicily. Soon, I was hooked. I've watched every episode available on Prime and Acorn and am desperate to see the next seasons. Cliffhangers are torture. I especially enjoyed the underlying theme providing a glimpse back at the discrimination of women in the workplace as well as featuring a few who were talented and gutsy enough to buck tradition to build a career. The stereotypes are somewhat exaggerated but if you like soap operas and enjoyed Mad Men, you are likly to love Paradiso. Season 8 was recently released somewhere. I'm impatiently waiting for it to premiere in the USA.

Can't believe it's rated 8/10 in imdb. The acting is kindergarden level, the characters are so simplistic and predictable.