The first episode of 'His Dark Materials' aired last night and the show is already gathering fans new and old.

Based on Philip Pullman’s best-selling trilogy, BBC's latest literary adaptation is delighting readers who loved the books.

The fantasy series is set in an alternate world where humans have animal companions named daemons. In last night's episode, orphan Lyra Belacqua's long-absent uncle returns from the North.

The show stars Dafne Keen, Ruth Wilson, James McAvoy, Clarke Peters and Anne-Marie Duff.

Pullman's novels were previously adapted for the big screen in the 2007 Daniel Craig and Nicole Kidman starrer 'The Golden Compass'. The movie failed to impress fans or critics. But the TV show is winning over both.

Of course there were a few fan jokes in there too.

And lots of lusting for James McAvoy.