7 Reasons You Need to Watch Miss Austen
Jane Austen fans—Janeites—clear your schedule! You are going to devour this romantic and heartwarming miniseries based on Gill Hornby’s bestseller. The four-part adaptation offers a fresh take on Jane through her relationship with sister Cassandra. You can watch Miss Austen only on MASTERPIECE on PBS, and here’s why you can’t miss it!
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- 1.
The Sisters’ Story is Like its Own Austen Novel
Miss Austen imagines Cassandra Austen’s perspective on Jane’s life, work, and legacy. It explores the siblings’ close bond, family dynamics, and private struggles—picture Elinor and Marianne in Sense and Sensibility or Elizabeth and Jane in Pride and Prejudice. “This is Jane’s and Cassandra’s story,” says series star Keeley Hawes. “People will love it. It’s like another Austen novel.”
- 2.
There’s A Dash of Mystery
Miss Austen weaves a bit of intrigue through its flashbacks and scenes of Cassandra’s later life, raising questions: Why didn’t Jane or Cassandra marry? How did Jane navigate being a female writer? And why, oh why did Cassandra ultimately set her sisters letters ablaze? As Keeley Hawes puts it, “Jane is still a bit of an enigma because of Cassandra—and that’s not necessarily a bad thing.”
- 3.
Strong, Complex Female Characters
Miss Austen is a female-driven drama centered on the Austen sisters and their circle of family and friends. Characters have differing perspectives on love and relationships, from skepticism to a more modern idealistic outlook, and even to resignation. And while there are swoon-worthy moments with male suitors, it’s these strong and unapologetic women who take center stage.
- 4.
Keeley Hawes Stars as Cassandra Austen
Hawes (The Durrells in Corfu, Bodyguard, Line of Duty) commands every scene as the older Austen sister, blending dry humor, sharp insight, and utter likeability. She brings Cassandra’s loyalty to Jane to life, creating a heartbreakingly complex woman full of untapped potential.
- 5.
Timeless Themes
The issues in Miss Austen feel strikingly relevant today—think female independence, societal expectations, and the pursuit of creative ambition. These are the same struggles and aspirations many women still face, making the show and its messages feel both timeless and refreshingly modern.
- 6.
Period Costume Perfection
Every frame of Miss Austen is a visual delight, bringing an early 19th century atmosphere to life. Expect period-accurate costumes including details like women’s rising waistlines and less restrictive silhouettes, though corsets were still de rigueur. “The corset is helpful for all of us because it helps your posture and makes you behave in a certain way,” says Keeley Hawes.
“The empire dresses are absolutely lovely, and the wearing of a shawl was a good reminder that there was no central heating, adds Rose Leslie (Isabella Fowle). “The shoes are uncomfortable because the soles are very thin, and your feet are constantly cold. But certainly, it’s a joy to be wearing these old dresses.”
- 7.
It’s Adapted from Gill Hornby’s Bestseller
Flatiron Books, 2020. Hornby’s Miss Austen (2020) spent eight weeks on the UK bestseller list following its release. The novel received widespread attention for its unique perspective on the Austen sisters, particularly Cassandra, who steps out of Jane’s shadow. Publisher’s Weekly calls it a “gripping and empathetic” portrayal of family loyalty and unspoken love.
