As excitement builds for Emerald Fennell's new cinematic take on Wuthering Heights, a celebrated television adaptation from 2009 is enjoying a well-deserved resurgence in popularity.
A Landmark Television Adaptation
The two-part 2009 mini-series, which faithfully adapted Emily Brontë's classic novel, featured a then-rising Tom Hardy in the iconic role of the tortured Heathcliff. His performance as the brooding outsider is widely considered a career highlight from his early years. Opposite him, Charlotte Riley delivered a captivating portrayal of the passionate Catherine Earnshaw.
The production's impact extended far beyond the screen, as the on-set romance between the two lead actors blossomed into real life. Tom Hardy and Charlotte Riley went on to marry after meeting during filming, adding a poignant layer to the drama's legacy.
An Impressive Cast and Critical Acclaim
The series boasted a formidable supporting cast, including Andrew Lincoln, later famous for The Walking Dead, and Burn Gorman. Directed by Coky Giedroyc, the adaptation was praised for its strict adherence to the novel's original, darker narrative. Unlike many interpretations, it emphasised the story's core as a powerful revenge saga rather than a straightforward romance.
The plot follows the orphan Heathcliff, who is taken in by the wealthy Earnshaw family. After his heart is broken when Catherine marries for social standing, he disappears, only to return transformed into a rich and educated man, intent on destroying the families that wronged him.
Rediscovered by a New Generation
With the recent release of a trailer for the new film adaptation starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, fans have been flocking to online forums to champion the 2009 version. Many viewers have hailed it as the definitive screen interpretation of the book.
One fan commented, "Honestly, the best version of Wuthering Heights is PBS’s version with Tom Hardy... That version’s Cathy is the actress Charlotte Riley whom Tom Hardy dated and married." Another added, "I doubt this will be as good as the version with Tom Hardy and Charlotte Riley that came out 2009, that one is my favourite."
This public sentiment is backed by critical opinion. At the time of writing, the series holds an impressive 84 per cent score on Rotten Tomatoes, aggregated from over 1,000 audience reviews.
For those eager to see what all the fuss is about, the entire mini-series is now available to stream for free on ITVX. Meanwhile, the new big-screen adaptation is scheduled for release on February 13, 2026.
