Jane Austen fans are being urged not to overlook the "magnificent" BBC series Miss Austen, a four-part historical drama that originally aired on BBC One last year and is now available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
Based on Gill Hornby's novel, the series centres on Jane Austen's older sister, Cassandra Austen, who visits family friends in Kintbury in the mid-19th century. Her trip is not for social reasons—Cassandra is searching for a hidden stash of letters written by her sister Jane in her youth.
Cassandra's dilemma and historical context
The central conflict sees Cassandra wishing to protect Jane's reputation following her death, while others want the letters for a biography about the author. Miss Austen is a work of historical fiction, though Cassandra did famously burn the majority of Jane Austen's letters, with only about 160 of around 3,000 surviving.
Keeley Hawes, known for Line of Duty, Bodyguard, It's A Sin and Spooks, takes on the role of Cassandra. She is joined by Patsy Ferran as Jane Austen, Calam Lynch as Tom Fowle, and Harry Potter actor Alfred Enoch as Mr Lidderdale.
Cast and fan reception
Game of Thrones fans may spot Rose Leslie as Isabella Fowle, with viewers preparing to see her return to Vigil for season three this weekend. Since its 2025 release, Miss Austen has received widespread praise on IMDb, with viewers calling it "magnificent", "heartbreaking", and "simply wonderful".
One fan said: "BBC's Miss Austen is a beautifully crafted period drama that captures the heart and depth of Gill Hornby's novel with elegance and emotional weight." Another echoed: "The most beautiful period drama - To be honest, just what the BBC does at its best." A further remark noted: "It was touching, funny, poignant, beautifully written and amazing stand out performances from all the main characters."
Miss Austen is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
