TV Dramas to Watch if You Love Jane Austen
If you’ve watched—and re-watched—Jane Austen adaptations too many times and need something new to stream, MASTERPIECE on PBS is your go-to for period dramas full of romance, wit, and satirical insight. (MASTERPIECE did it earliest and still does it best.) Here is a curated list of options for all Janeites who revel in bonnets and waistcoats, misguided first impressions, and unspoken desire. Four titles are available to stream now on PBS Passport, with a much-anticipated new period drama arriving on MASTERPIECE in 2026.
Sanditon
Sanditon boldly finishes the novel Jane Austen left undone at her death—and as IndieWire says, “Austen would have loved it.” The story follows plucky young heroine, Charlotte Heywood, who ventures from home to experience the thrills of an emerging new seaside health resort. She’s eager for adventure and the promise of a wider world. Maybe even a new brand of suitor.
Why Jane Austen fans will love Sanditon: Sanditon will delight any Jane Austen enthusiast who savors slow-burn romance, a brooding hero, female camaraderie, and the author’s classic array of upper-class eccentrics. It’s an addictive mix of unexpected alliances, spirited clashes, and seaside secrets.
Stream Sanditon Seasons 1-3 now with PBS Passport. Watch online and on the free PBS app. [Streaming available in the U.S. and Canada.]
Sanditon Seasons 1-3 are also available to stream with PBS Masterpiece on Prime Video.
Miss Austen
Gill Hornby’s bestseller, Miss Austen, leaps off the page in an adaptation offering an intimate portrait of Jane Austen viewed through the eyes of her devoted sister, Cassandra. The drama also thoughtfully explores the mystery behind Cassandra’s decision to burn so many of Jane’s letters after the writer’s death. “This is Jane’s and Cassandra’s story,” says series star Keeley Hawes. (The Durrells in Corfu, Bodyguard). “People will love it. It’s like another Austen novel.”
Why Jane Austen fans will love Miss Austen: Miss Austen is perfect for the Jane Austen fan who treasures the love and loyalty of sisters embracing joys and facing heartache together—think Elinor and Marianne in Sense and Sensibility. In Miss Austen, it’s strong and unapologetic women who take center stage.
Stream Miss Austen now with PBS Passport. Watch online and on the free PBS app. [Streaming available in the U.S. and Canada.]
Miss Austen is also available to stream with PBS Masterpiece on Prime Video.
Death Comes to Pemberley
Six years after Elizabeth Bennet wed Mr. Darcy and moved into Pemberley Manor, their bliss is interrupted by a shocking murder. Or so imagines crime writer P.D. James in this sequel to Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. The clever whodunnit unfolds once Pemberley’s annual ball is upended by news of the crime. The Wall Street Journal says period fans “will be rewarded with another three precious hours in Austenland.”
Why Jane Austen fans will love Death Comes to Pemberley: Death Comes to Pemberley is the perfect binge for the Austen devotee who can’t get enough of Lizzie and Mr. Darcy, enjoys mysteries, loves stars like Matthew Rhys (The Americans), Jenna Coleman (Victoria), and Matthew Goode (Downton Abbey, Department Q), and still has a bone to pick with Lydia (Bennet) Wickham!
Stream Death Comes to Pemberley now with PBS Passport. Watch online and on the free PBS app. [Streaming available in the U.S. and Canada.]
Death Comes to Pemberley is also available to stream with PBS Masterpiece on Prime Video.
Little Women
This star-studded adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women is a must-stream for loyal fans and newcomers alike. Maya Hawke (Stranger Things) shines as headstrong Jo March, with Emily Watson (Hamnet) as the devoted Marmee, Angela Lansbury (Murder She Wrote) as formidable Aunt March, Michael Gambon (Harry Potter) as kindly Mr. Laurence, and Jonah Hauer-King (World on Fire) as the charming Laurie.
Why Jane Austen fans will love Little Women: Little Women is a perfect fit for Jane Austen fans who relish a classic coming-of-age story, spirited female characters, and a heartfelt ride through love, family, and sisterhood. Plus, there’s an aspiring writer in the mix—what could be more Austen-esque?
Stream Little Women now with PBS Passport. Watch online and on the free PBS app. [Streaming available in the U.S. and Canada.]
Little Women is also available to stream with on Prime Video.
The Forsytes
This utterly compelling new take on the epic Forsyte Saga novels makes its grand MASTERPIECE entrance March 22, 2026, at 9/8c. The Forsytes transports audiences to a richly authentic Victorian world of forbidden love, shifting values, and “new money” wealth. Here’s everything we know about The Forsytes now—including the marvelous news that a second season is already commissioned!
Why Jane Austen fans will love The Forsytes: The Forsytes should be an Austen fan’s next period drama pick: it's brimming with smart, determined women (dressed lavishly from head to toe), men (of the square-jawed variety) confused by their feelings, plus the nuances of social class and the importance of marrying well. We want all of it!
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