10 Great British Miniseries to Binge

If you're at home right now looking for something to binge-watch, we've got your number. We're planning to post several articles about our favorite binge-worthy television shows. Here's our first.

Book Review: Pride and Prejudice

“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.”

Once upon a time, Colin Firth dove into a lake and convinced millions of women (and some men, I would think) to pick up a book. Not just any book, but a book that is two hundred years old and is consistently listed as one of the great books in English.

Pride and Prejudice (2005)

"Your hands are cold."

This version of Pride and Prejudice is not well loved by die-hard Austen fans. It changes things and speeds up the timeline of the book to a brisk and unbelievable pace. Keira Knightley is too flirty and Matthew Macfadyen isn’t up to the role, or so the common complaints go. For my part, I love this movie. It’s not my favorite version, but that’s about the worst I can say about it.

Pride and Prejudice (1980 Miniseries)

Before it produced the iconic 1995 version, the BBC produced another miniseries version of Pride and Prejudice in 1980. Watching it now, we can see how dated it is, but it is not without its charms. This review assumes that you know the story and that you have seen the 1995 version.

Pride and Prejudice (1940)

"At this moment it's difficult to believe you are so proud."
"At this moment it's difficult to believe you are so prejudiced."


The key to enjoying this movie is to divorce it in your mind completely from all other screen and television versions of the book and indeed, the book itself. This is not the romance envisioned by Jane Austen, but an adorable comedy that just begs to be watched on a rainy Sunday.

Pride and Prejudice: Episode 6

“As a child, I was given good principles, but was left to follow them in pride and conceit. And such I might still have been, but for you. Dearest, loveliest Elizabeth.”

In which the ramifications of Lydia’s actions become clear, Bingley and Darcy return to town and our story comes to a very satisfactory conclusion.

Pride and Prejudice: Episode 5

“But afterwards, she seemed to improve on you. I even believe you thought her rather pretty at one time.”
“Yes, I did. But that was only when I first knew her. For it has been many months now since I've considered her one of the handsomest women in my acquaintance.”

In which Lydia runs away, Lizzy comes home, everyone is distressed, and Darcy mysteriously pops up in London. Contains spoilers.

Pride and Prejudice: Episode 4

“Perhaps the beauty of the house renders its owner a little less repulsive, Lizzy.”
“Yes, perhaps. Perhaps a very little.”

In which Darcy writes a letter, Lydia leaves for Brighton, Elizabeth takes a trip, and Darcy goes for a swim. Contains spoilers.

Pride and Prejudice: Episode 3

“You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.”

In which we meet Lady Catherine de Bourgh, the Gardiners and both Charlotte and Elizabeth receive marriage proposals.

Pride and Prejudice: Episode 2

“We each have an unsocial taciturn disposition, unwilling to speak unless we expect to say something that will amaze the whole room.”

In which we meet Mr. Collins, Mr. Wickham, catch a brief glimpse of Lady Catherine DeBourgh and her daughter Anne, Elizabeth dances and receives her first marriage proposal.

Pride and Prejudice: Episode 1

“For a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.”

In which we meet the Bennets, the Bennets meet the Bingleys and their friend Mr. Darcy, Jane catches a cold, and Elizabeth takes a walk. Contains spoilers.

Pride and Prejudice

Books | Movies |
Television |

Pride and Prejudice, one of the most popular novels and best known love stories in English, has been portrayed often in popular culture. In celebration of the 200th anniversary of its initial publishing, Sunbunny, ChrisB, and Juliette review all things Pride and Prejudice -- books, movies, television and some of the stories it inspired.

Books

Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice by ChrisB
Grange, Amanda. Mr. Darcy's Diary by ChrisB
Fielding, Helen. Bridget Jones's Diary by Juliette

Movies

Persuasion (1995, 2007 and 2022 movies) by ChrisB
Pride and Prejudice (1940) by sunbunny
Pride and Prejudice (2005) by sunbunny
Bride and Prejudice by ChrisB
The Lizzie Bennet Diaries by ChrisB
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by sunbunny

Television

Pride and Prejudice (1980 miniseries) by ChrisB

Pride and Prejudice (1995 miniseries) by ChrisB and sunbunny
-- Episode 1 by sunbunny
-- Episode 2 by ChrisB
-- Episode 3 by ChrisB
-- Episode 4 by sunbunny
-- Episode 5 by sunbunny
-- Episode 6 by ChrisB

Lost in Austen by sunbunny
-- Episode 1
-- Episode 2
-- Episode 3
-- Episode 4

Sense and Sensibility (2008 miniseries) by sunbunny

Death Comes to Pemberley (2014 miniseries) by sunbunny

Emma Approved (Youtube series) by sunbunny