For those seeking their next period drama obsession, search no further, as this four-part TV series makes for effortless viewing, boasting an impressive 92% overall score on Rotten Tomatoes. The series was released in 2025 and is available on BBC iPlayer.
A Tale of Two Sisters
Jane Austen enthusiasts will be delighted to find a tale connected to the beloved late author gracing their screens, particularly as The Other Bennet Sister draws to a close and they eagerly await yet another Pride and Prejudice adaptation. Spanning 10 episodes, this concise and charming narrative is a standalone fictional tale adapted from the novel Miss Austen by Gill Hornby. It revolves around the life of the relatively obscure sister of the celebrated author, Cassandra Austen, and their sibling bond, revealed through purported letters composed by Jane.
As a young woman, the novelist was thought to have written a series of letters to Reverend Fowle's wife, Elizabeth, several of which contained rather alarming threats. Certain historians have, however, questioned the authenticity of these letters and their contents, arguing they were previously destroyed.
Critical Acclaim and Performances
One critic's assessment of this aspect of the programme notes: "In real life, Cassandra burnt most of Jane's letters after her death, so the letters are fictional. But they seem to have the spirit of Jane and what we know of her family. I enjoyed the story, the scenery, and the costumes." It is these written words that enable Cassandra to gain deeper insight into her family and sister, though the revelations prove far more distressing than she anticipated, ultimately prompting her to burn the letters herself. The narrative unfolds across two intersecting timelines, one set in the present day of the 1830s and the other flashing back to the siblings' younger years when the correspondence was written.
Portraying the less celebrated Austen sister is Keeley Hawes, while Patsy Ferran portrays Jane and Jessica Hynes portrays Mary Austen. Numerous viewers have commended the entire cast's performances, with one declaring it's filled with "standout performances". Some audiences may also recognise Alfred Enoch, who portrays Mr Lidderdale in the programme, as he is most recognised for his roles in productions such as Harlan Coben's Run Away, The Couple Next Door, and as a child actor in Harry Potter.
Audience Reactions
One admirer posted on Rotten Tomatoes: "The writing, casting and acting are excellent – especially Patsy Ferran as Jane and Synnove Karlsen as the young Cassandra. Keeley Hawes is good too, of course, but some of the 'present day' scenes (1830s-40s) drag a bit and are not as interesting as the extensive flashbacks." Another said: "This is a really good adaptation of the novel by Gill Hornby, which explores the relationship between Jane and Cassandra Austen, why Cassandra never married and why she burnt Jane's letters after her death. Although largely imagined, the characters are real-life personages, and the story has been carefully researched."
Future of the Series
While a second series is yet to be confirmed, it is speculated that the programme will be returning, with the series finale leaving admirers wanting more from the unresolved storyline. You can now watch season one of Miss Austen for free by streaming all episodes on BBC iPlayer.
