What would Jane Austen Month be without one discussion of period dramas? I firmly believe that there is a good reason that networks and streamers keep returning to Austen’s stories for their period dramas- they know that there is a massive group of people who will watch it at least once. (I mean, hopefully more but the once typically…) I’ve chatted extensively about how I don’t expect dead accuracy in my period dramas, so I may enjoy some that others don’t. These are my favourite Austen-ish period dramas- I hope you find a new one to watch!
Jane Austen- Novel Adaptations
You will note that I have not covered any of the direct adaptations of Austen’s novels here! (Aside from Sanditon– I don’t include that in the group because we have so little of it to go off of.) While I love my Austen adaptations (and I do love many of them), there are many lists and posts around the internet that have discussed and ranked them ad nauseum. And I’m not out to start an argument about Pride and Prejudice adaptations, if I’m being honest.
PS. My favourite novel adaptation is the 2007 Northanger Abbey, and I watch it near monthly.
My Favourite Austen-ish Period Dramas
These are all from the last twenty years or so but all take different approaches to Austen’s world. Some are based are novels, some aren’t, but all take their own journey in the wider Austen world.
Miss Austen (2025)
I am only two episodes in (halfway through now) as North America got this series later, but I’m loving this period drama based on Gill Hornby’s novel of the same name. If you’ve not read it, it is Cassandra Austen’s story set in 1840 (long after Jane’s passing). We see both a younger Jane and Cassandra, and the “present day” Cassandra looking for a large group of Jane’s letters.
While I will admit that I found the first episode rather slow-going (I also found the book to be slow for my taste), the second episode has truly grabbed me. Keeley Hawes is always a fantastic actress but she has brought a fantastic depth to Cassandra (someone who has always been in the background of Jane’s story). The only issue I have with this is that all of the episodes weren’t available at once!
Sanditon (2019-2023)
I know that Sanditon has been divisive among fans. The story based on the twelve chapters that Austen wrote before her death was given one season, then cancelled, then revived for another two seasons after a dedicated fan campaign. Without spoiling it, a main character didn’t return after the first season and many people were upset but I think that Charlotte (the heroine) is really the heart of the story for all three seasons.
There are twenty episodes total, far more than we usually get for an Austen-ish story. And I have to say, I love the town of Sanditon and all of its inhabitants. All in all, I would recommend this if you want a longer story with many layers.
Miss Austen Regrets (2008)
I know that more people recommend Becoming Jane from 2007 with Anne Hathaway, but I believe that Miss Austen Regrets is the better biopic. (Not that Becoming is bad.) Miss Austen Regrets is set in the last years of Jane’s life as she is beginning to get sick and is reflecting on everything she has been through.
While she discusses her romantic relationships with her niece, she isn’t a moping spinster but rather someone who is happy with her choices and understands why she made the right choices for her. I also loved that we got to see her discussing her writing and career with her brothers; it was clear that writing was the most important part of Jane’s life.
Death Comes to Pemberley (2013)
Based on PD James’ 2011 novel (also of the same name), this murder mystery sees Pride and Prejudice continued on after a minor character is killed with Mr. Wickham put on trial. Although the novel was written to mimic Austen’s style, I don’t think that the novel quite managed it. However, I think that this mini-series was a great extension on its own.
If you like British crime dramas and period dramas, this would be a great choice for you. Also, the cast is fairly stacked- we’ve got Matthew Goode as Wickham, Jenna Coleman as Lydia, Matthew Rhys as Mr. Darcy, and Anna Maxwell Martin as Elizabeth. The show has a different feeling but I would still recommend it!
Lost in Austen (2008)
This is certainly the most out-there choice but it remains one of my favourite shows. Amanda Price is a dedicated Austenite in the mid-2000s who finds herself swapping places with Elizabeth Bennet. While Lizzie enjoys modern-day London, Amanda does her best to navigate life at Longbourn and keep the story on track as much as possible when things go awry.
I love that this is a) very 2000s (and thus familiar to me), and b) heavy on the humour. I think that many adaptations of Austen’s works miss out on the humour and comedy, and Lost in Austen embraces it. (I think when you’ve got time travel involved, you have far more leeway.) If you have a long weekend and just want to relax, this is a fantastic choice.
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Want more Jane Austen?
Must Visit-Places for Jane Austen Fans
Five Authors Who Inspired Jane Austen
Book Bite: The Friendly Jane Austen
What are your favourite Austen-ish period dramas?
Cheers,
The Historian
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