This four-part sequence despatched the hearsay mill alight with hypothesis on-line.
Miss Austen is a four-part sequence interval drama followers want so as to add to their watch listing (Picture: BBC)
2026 has really been a fantastic yr for interval dramas to date. Kickstarting the yr with Emerald Fennell’s tackle Wuthering Heights, adopted carefully by the return of the fourth sequence of Bridgerton, actually introduced some much-needed curiosity again to the style as a complete. This month, BBC viewers have been glued to their screens following the spin-off present The Different Bennett Sister, which is a reimaging of Satisfaction and Prejudice that focuses on the often-overlooked sister, Mary.
As we enter the hotter months, it is the right time to carry out some outdated classics to fill that interval drama gap of their hearts. And what higher solution to get began than with this 2025 drama, Miss Austen.
It has the seal of approval from interval drama followers, boasting a formidable 92% total ranking on the favored critics website, Rotten Tomatoes. And truthfully, I could not agree extra. This standalone four-episode drama is the right factor for literary followers to get their tooth caught into.
It centres across the lifetime of Cassandra Austen, the sister of the late Jane Austen. The BBC iPlayer sequence is an adaptation of Gill Hornby’s novel Miss Austen and follows the older sister of Jane, who outlived her youthful sister.
The story exposes among the alleged letters the late Jane Austen wrote as a teen to the revered Fowle’s spouse, Elizabeth, containing some critical threats. Studying the letters helps her to be taught extra about her sister and her household than she might have ever imagined, however it’s a painful look into the previous at instances.
Ultimately, she burns all the letters bar just a few, which she leaves for Mary Austen to find. So far as casting goes, The Bodyguard’s very personal Keeley Hawes performs the main function of Cassandra, alongside Patsy Ferran, who performs the well-known writer Jane Austen.
Many viewers will even recognise Alfred Enoch, enjoying Mr Lidderdale, for his appearances within the likes of Harlan Coben’s Run Away, The Couple Subsequent Door, and as a baby actor in Harry Potter.
The BBC sequence explores the life and letters of Jane Austen (Picture: BBC)
Instructed in 4 elements/episodes, the season may be very a lot bingeable and may be soaked up in a single lengthy sitting or over the course of a wet weekend. Because it launched final yr, followers have been raving about it on-line, with one fan of the present posting: “A sequence of substance and character! A refreshing story with coronary heart, but in addition capturing that everlasting dilemma of self vs obligation.
“Nothing is simplified, the folks portrayed are advanced, and it leaves you each smiling in tears.” One other gushed: “The writing, casting and performing are glorious – particularly Patsy Ferran as Jane and Synnove Karlsen because the younger Cassandra.
“Keeley Hawes is nice too, after all, however among the ‘current day’ scenes (1830s-40s_ drag a bit and should not as fascinating because the intensive flashbacks.” It is really the loyal legion of followers which have enabled the sequence to attain such excessive scores, with the interval drama remaining quietly beneath the radar.
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Whereas nothing has been confirmed, there are rumours {that a} second season is in manufacturing to proceed the storyline, which is left considerably lingering. So, should you’re seeking to scratch that interval drama itch this weekend, make sure you add this to your watch listing – it greater than makes the sky-high BBC licence charge price it.
All episodes of Miss Austen can be found to stream now free of charge on BBC iPlayer.
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