4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
BBC's latest TV series release is a 'must watch' for Jane Austen lovers
This three-part series celebrates the life and legacy of Jane Austen and is now available to stream on BBC iPlayer
A brand new BBC drama is captivating Jane Austen fans with a fresh take on the beloved author's life, legacy and enduring influence. With its rich storytelling and fresh approach to the author's life, Jane Austen: Rise of Genius promises to engage both life-long fans and newcomers alike.
The docu-series is now available to stream on BBC iPlayer, as the three-part series shows Austen as not only a literary icon but as a trailblazing woman who reshaped the literacy world.
The release of the series comes in time to celebrate the author's 250th birthday, and it's not one to miss.
The drama explores both Austen's literacy success and her personal journey, offering a rich portrayal of one of Britain's most celebrated writers.
It follows how Austen created some of literature's most enduring characters while navigating family obligations, social expectations and personal heartbreak.
The show is narrated by actress Juliet Stevenson - known for her roles in Emma and Bend It Like Beckham - and it weaves together dramatised scenes with Juliet's narration as well as Austen's own words from her novels and letters.
Much of the narration is taken from her surviving letters to her sister Cassandra, offering fans a rare and intimate insight into her thoughts and experiences in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Although many of the original letters were destroyed after Austen passed away to preserve her privacy, those that remain provide a powerful foundation for the story in the show.
Jane Austen: Rise of Genius also features commentary from well-known authors and cultural figures, including Bridget Jones's Diary author Helen Fielding, Queenie creator Candice Carty-Williams, and Life After Life author Kate Atkinson.
The cast includes a strong line up of British talent - Charity Wakefield, known for her role in Sense and Sensibility, Emma actress Greta Scacchie, Samuel West, known for his roles in All Creatures Great and Small, Greg Wise, who also starred in Emma and Tamsin Greig known for his roles in Friday Night Dinner and Belgravia.
The show also provides historical insights from a range of experts and historians such as Dr Paula Byrne, Admiral Lord West, Dr Priya Atwal, Dr Louise Curran, Dr Paddy Bullard, and Ken Loach.
The series has earned an impressive 8.8/10 rating on IMDb, with viewers praising it as a "must watch" for anyone interested in Jane Austen, literature and British history.
Fans have also taken to X, formally known as Twitter, to share their opinion on the show. One fan penned: "Absolutely loved watching @BBC Jane Austen: Rise Of A Genius She was so ahead of her time. It's a 10 from me."
With another writing: "Loved the first episode of Jane Austen: Rise of a Genius! I'm so looking forward to watching the other two parts." A third simply stated: "Jane Austen: Rise of a Genius on BBC2 was an excellent account of her independent spirit & determination."
