The Cadburys: British TV series on famous chocolate empire eyes 2027 premiere

Chocolate lovers, especially Cadbury fans, might have something to rejoice over. An upcoming six-part British period drama, titled "The Cadburys", is set to premiere in 2027.

Co-produced by BritBox and UKTV, the series tells the real-life story of the Cadbury family and their struggle to save their father’s failing cocoa business in the 1860s, Birmingham. Their efforts would eventually help create one of the world’s most famous chocolate brands.

The series will stream on BritBox in North America and on U, the free streaming service in the United Kingdom. It is based on Deborah Cadbury’s acclaimed history book "Chocolate Wars" and was originally developed under the same title.

Taking into account the fact that “The Cadburys” is based on one book, it is expected to follow a limited series format — a self-contained, single-season story tracking the family's mid-19th-century rise to fame.

The drama is written by Chloë Mi Lin Ewart, known for "All Creatures Great and Small". Actor Freddie Highmore, who played Charlie Bucket in the 2005 film "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory", serves as an executive producer.

The directing team includes Tom McKay, known for "After the Flood", "Ten Pound Poms" and "There She Goes", and Jill Robertson, whose credits include "A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder", "Ludwig" and "Dalgliesh". Hannah Farrell, co-creative director at Fable Pictures, serves as series producer.

Filming has already been completed in Birmingham, including locations in the Digbeth area.

At the core of the story are the Cadbury siblings, their ambitions, disagreements and relationships. Harry Gilby plays George Cadbury, the determined brother who dreams of creating cocoa that can be edible in solid form. Toby Regbo plays his brother Richard, who works with him to rescue the family company. Jessica Barden plays Maria Cadbury, whose romance with a member of a rival chocolate family adds a personal dimension to the story.

Pearce Quigley portrays John Cadbury, the family patriarch and the company’s founder. Ben Hardy plays Francis Fry, Maria’s love interest and a member of the competing Fry chocolate family. Mathew Baynton plays Joseph Rowntree, another important confectionery businessman and inventor. Poppy Gilbert also stars as Elizabeth Adlington.