‘Incredibly gripping’ period drama miniseries based on ‘masterpiece book’ streaming on BBC | TV & Radio | Showbiz & TV
The series has been described as enchanting and beautifully made (Image: BBC)
Britain has produced many beloved period dramas over the years, and several of them still draw in new viewers long after their original release. Some are famous for their sets, others for storylines, and a few stand out because fans insist they are the best versions ever made. One particular BBC miniseries continues to attract attention, with viewers calling it “incredibly gripping” and praising how closely it follows the classic novel it is based on.
The series has been described as enchanting, beautifully made and one that people return to again and again. Many say it captures the tone of the original story while also offering something fresh. It is also based on one of the most famous books in English literature, written more than 200 years ago.
READ MORE: All Creatures Great and Small fans will love ‘masterpiece’ BBC period drama
READ MORE: ‘Remarkably moving’ period drama will ‘make you cry’ and it’s on Netflix
Charity Wakefield plays Marianne Dashwood in the acclaimed miniseries (Image: BBC)
Reviews from fans have been incredibly strong. One person said: “It’s an enchanting and superior adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel.
“This is an exquisite TV series that has a quiet, mesmerizing tone to it. It’s a joy to watch and I’m always compelled to revisit it.”
Another added: “It’s one of the greatest adaptations of all time of a masterpiece book. It’s incredibly gripping and you will have to watch it more than once for sure.
“For me this version is vastly superior to every other version I have viewed (which is all of them LOL).”
A third wrote: “This BBC production of the beloved Jane Austen novel was wonderful. Even better than the very worthy 1995 film.
Hattie Morahan stars as Elinor Dashwood, the sensible elder sister (Image: BBC)
“I’ve read the book and I can honestly say that the series captures the essence of the novel, even staying true to most of the dialog from the book. The actors seemed perfect for their roles and they gave very realistic and heartfelt performances.”
The series they are talking about is Sense and Sensibility, the 2008 BBC drama based on Jane Austen’s 1811 novel.
It was adapted for television by Andrew Davies, who said the aim was to create a version that stood apart from the 1995 film.
The series is also known for being more openly romantic than previous Austen adaptations, including moments that were hinted at in the book but had never appeared onscreen before.
Sense and Sensibility was directed by John Alexander and produced by Anne Pivcevic.
It starred Hattie Morahan as Elinor Dashwood and Charity Wakefield as Marianne Dashwood.
The cast also included Dominic Cooper, Janet McTeer, David Morrissey, Mark Williams, Dan Stevens and Linda Bassett.
The miniseries is based on Jane Austen’s 1811 novel (Image: Amazon)
Filming took place entirely on location in England, with scenes shot in Berkshire, Surrey, Buckinghamshire and Devon.
The three-part series aired in the UK on January 1, 2008 and drew around six million viewers per episode.
The first episode also became one of the most-streamed programmes on BBC iPlayer at the time.
The drama received strong critical praise and went on to earn several award nominations.
Director John Alexander won at the Shanghai Television Festival, while Hattie Morahan received Best Actress for her performance.
The production also earned nominations at the Broadcasting Press Guild Awards, BAFTA Television Craft Awards and the Costume Designers Guild Awards.
Sense and Sensibility is available to stream in full on BBC iPlayer.
